In only a few years, Macau has become the gaming capital of the world, competing with other gambling cities with a longer history and tradition. The success of Macau is due to the luxury hotels and casinos it offers and the wide variety of games players can find in the former Portuguese colony, from baccarat to blackjack, including roulette, poker and slot machines.

According to the Legislative Assembly of the Macau Special Administrative Region, things will continue looking bright for the enclave in 2008. Lau Pun Lap, member of the Assembly, said this week that Macau’s gaming revenue is expected to reach more than 10 billion dollars this year (100 billion patacas).

Last year, Macau’s gross gaming revenue increased 46.6 percent (about 10.4 billion dollars) in comparison to 2006. Although the growth expected for 2008 is lower, Mr. Lau assured that thanks to the good moment the gaming industry is going through, a double-digit increase is completely sustainable.

With the addition of the Ponte 16 casino this month, Macau currently has 29 gambling venues and there are plans to open more in the next months, which will intensify market competition.