Macau: A Favorite Destination for China's Affluent

This visit to Macau was for coverage of the hotel and entertainment complexSands Macao's 10th Anniversary Ceremonyoperated by Sands China, the Macau division of major US casino operator Las Vegas Sands. Media representatives from across Asia, including China, were invited to the ceremony.

While the image of Macau is strongly associated with casinos, witnessing the fervor of Chinese patrons in the expansive casino floor at the heart of the hotel makes one keenly aware of the growing affluence in China.



Indeed, Macau's casino revenue is seven times that of Las Vegas, with approximately 70% of casino patrons being Chinese. Visitors from mainland China have increased by 10% year-on-year, reaching 18.63 million in 2013. This figure dwarfs the 6.7 million from Hong Kong, 1 million from Taiwan, 470,000 from South Korea, and 290,000 from Japan. Hotels in Macau reportedly become fully booked during China's Lunar New Year.

Adults can try their luck at the casino, indulge in shopping with their winnings, while children can enjoy meals with DreamWorks characters. Spending a night at the hotel completes the experience. The quintessential Macau experience offers a full spectrum of 'expensive' entertainment, all within the comfortable confines of these massive integrated resorts.

Macau Residents: Benefiting from the Casino Economy

While the heat and humidity outside are stifling, the hotel (complex) offers a remarkably comfortable environment. Macau, like Las Vegas, endures a harsh climate, yet the benefits of its casinos directly impact the lives of its residents.

Macau's population was 614,500 according to this year's statistics, with an unemployment rate of a mere 1.7%. A local guide humorously explained, 'If you want to work, there are plenty of jobs available. The 1.7% are likely those who simply don't want to work, no matter the country.'

After all, with approximately 29.32 million tourists visiting in 2013, it is the 610,000 residents of Macau who support this influx. Only Macau locals can become casino dealers, a stable profession with opportunities for career advancement.

Incidentally, when a dealer's table is unoccupied, they place their palm face up as a sign to surveillance cameras that nothing is happening. Bus drivers also reportedly earn a considerable income.

The revenue generated by casinos is consistently returned to Macau's citizens, resulting in low taxes, free healthcare, and free education. Furthermore, residents receive an annual pension of approximately ¥100,000, which the guide mentioned his family uses for annual overseas trips. Regarding public safety, since the advent of casinos, surveillance cameras have been installed throughout the city, leading to a decrease in crime.

Considering Japan's "Casino" Future After Visiting Macau

In recent years, the call for 'casinos in Japan!' has grown louder, with bipartisan lawmakers, including those from the Liberal Democratic Party, frequently making headlines as they pursue the realization of so-called 'casino bills.' With Tokyo set to host the Olympics in 2020, the government aims to increase the number of foreign visitors to Japan to 20 million by that year, with the creation of casino-integrated resorts (IRs) as a key attraction.

Having actually visited Macau and spoken with its residents, I felt that the realization of casino-integrated resorts would bring significant benefits in terms of employment and taxation. Considering the economic struggles of Hokkaido and the limited employment opportunities in Okinawa, it seems natural for these regions to eagerly embrace such a prospect, purely from an economic standpoint.



However, the success of casino resorts hinges not merely on the introduction of 'casinos' or gambling, but on the enhancement of entertainment offerings. A sense of wholesome fun that families can enjoy together is essential. The collaboration with DreamWorks experienced at Sands Cotai Central, the shopping mall featuring luxury brands, the diverse culinary options, and facilities like cinemas and theaters are necessary to satisfy not just the wealthy, but a broader audience. Furthermore, language services are crucial for attracting international visitors.

Considering these factors, my visit to Macau strongly suggested that areas like Tokyo's Odaiba or Osaka's Kansai Airport vicinity would be suitable locations for Japan's casino-integrated resorts.

Indeed, Sheldon Adelson, owner of US-based Las Vegas Sands, which operates casino hotels worldwide, has publicly stated his keen interest in the business opportunities in Japan following the casino legalization. Las Vegas Sands has already established an office in Japan and announced its readiness to invest approximately $10 billion (1 trillion yen).



The best season to visit Macau climatically is around mid-November. Listening to the guide's recommendation to 'enjoy your favorite hotel, win big at the casino, savor delicious meals, shop to your heart's content, and experience the Macau Grand Prix!' I was struck by the fascinating contrast between the historic old town and the glittering golden Sands Macao, revealing the profound depth of Macau as a casino city.

Sands Macao
http://www.sandsmacao.com.

• Report: Sands Macao Casino Resort's 10th Anniversary Ceremony


• Macau: Bridging Past and Future, Dreaming Big Through Casinos