Chapter 64 9. Casino Macau

The Chinese game Tangram has a long history and has also received wide attention in the world in the form of "Chinese-style puzzles". But the entertainment in China today has become modernized. Chinese people like to joke, participate in entertainment activities, have dinner with friends, play bowling, go to KTV to sing and play various games and competitions - go, mahjong, poker, Craps games at the bar, interactive online games and more.On the communication tool QQ—China’s MSN, we can find a large number of games, among which is the popular “QQ Farm”: in the game, people can buy seeds, land, grow flowers, and trade.

This passion has been fully developed in Macau.The same is true in the small country of Singapore.It made a high-profile entry into the gaming market after opening its first casino. In 2010, the SAR government allowed the opening of two super casinos.As a result, since 2011, Macau has become the gaming empire of Asia, while Singapore can only come second. The Macau peninsula is located 70 kilometers southwest of Hong Kong, and its currency is the Australian dollar (MOP).This is the only city in China where the gaming industry is allowed to operate, and it has a history of more than 150 years in the gaming industry.Macau is the world's gambling city, and its influence and importance far exceed Las Vegas.

The gaming industry continues to develop, bringing revenues of 9.45 billion euros to Macau, accounting for 63.9% of Macau's GDP. There are more than 30 casinos in Macau, with gaming tables, slot machines, online games, baccarat, blackjack, and roulette tables.Macau’s gaming industry generates more revenue than Las Vegas and Atlanta combined. The luxury hotel of The Venetian Macao, a subsidiary of a Las Vegas group, has 16,000 employees, 3,000 rooms, and 750 gaming tables, which is dazzling.Macau, the biggest casino in the world! Chui Shian, the former Secretary of Social Affairs and Culture of Macau, was elected as the Chief Executive of Macau in 2010 to manage Macau and punish corruption.He hopes to be a "white knight" and listen to the voices of the masses.But another prominent figure controls the city.

Stanley Ho, who has been the veritable godfather of gaming in Macau for 40 years, ranks 19th in the list of richest people in Asia.He owns 19 casinos, 5 hotels, a helicopter fleet, several central commercial buildings, and a racetrack... 70% of the income of this former colony comes from him. Whether for Chinese or foreigners, Macau is a tourist attraction.The architectural heritage here combines the essence of European and Portuguese architecture, and at the same time blends with traditional Chinese architectural styles, where Eastern and Western cultures meet.The pleasant climate, beautiful architecture and delicious food add to the charm of Macau.

Macau has a population of about 541,000, and more than 27 million tourists come to Macau every year, which is 50 times the resident population. Bad for economic diversification?Macau's reliance on the gaming industry has also caused economic and social problems. Li Congzheng, a member of Macau's Legislative Council, believes that "young people can easily find a well-paid job in a casino, so many of them don't go to high school or university." The authorities hope to develop a diversified regional economy in Macau, relying on various elements to develop the economy, such as holding events, culture, trade, emerging enterprises, organizing conferences such as various exhibitions, etc.

The gaming industry has boomed and benefited enormously, but the rest of the economy and society has not kept pace.Therefore, Macau should take advantage of the huge benefits created by casinos to invest in other industries. Macau is too small to accommodate more tourists and to develop a more diversified economy.So its development can only go in a straight line to the end. Macau is constantly developing and changing with each passing day. Ten years after the handover, the city is hardly recognizable.What remains unchanged is that it is still a paradise, and it is still an unusual city.On this 29-square-kilometer land, the unique art of living is reflected everywhere - the living quarters, the historic city center (has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the taste of southern cuisine...

Macau is the only witness to the first and longest contact between China and the West.This strategic port plays an important role in the rapid development of international trade.This city is "another China", as dazzling, beautiful and tumultuous as Hong Kong.