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Travel to Macau: The Best 10 Macau Casinos in 2024

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by Writer Emma

Have you ever wondered where the best place to gamble in Asia is🤣? Or where can you find the best shopping, shows, casinos, and hotels in the Eas😳t? Macau is undoubtedly the answer. Macau casinos are renowned across the globe, known as the "Vegas of the East." It is a vibrant city rich in history and culture. A great number of wealthy Chinese call this their gambling hub since playing for money is illegal in most parts of the world🥳. However, Macau casinos also attract a huge number of foreign gamblers from any part of the world. In a sense, this is truly a hub for all lovers of chance and wisdom.
Macau Tower

Macau Tower / Source: Trip.com

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Macau has three main casino districts, these being Macau Island, Cotai, and Taipa, across which you'll find some of the biggest casino and hotel chains😍, from the Grand Lisboa to the Venetian. Many of these Macau casinos are modeled after their American counterparts, while others use their architecture to recognize the region's Portuguese colonial past👀. Inside these iconic hotels, you'll find some of the best Macau casinos, as well as some of the world's best shows and restaurants. You can visit Macau casinos to be blessed by the lady fortune, shop for duty-free goods, and see grand entertainment🥳.
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Macau Casino - A gaming table in a casino

A gaming table in a casino. Source: Photo by Kaysha @ Unsplash

How to get to Macau casinos from Hong Kong

Macau is situated sixty kilometers west of Hong Kong. The region comprises the Macau peninsula and the islands of Taipa and Coloane. Joined by the Pearl River Delta, meaning the fastest way to get to Macau from HK is by crossing the sea. And here are a few ways to do so:

1. Getting from Hong Kong to Macau casinos by ferry

The Cotai Jet-1 Hong Kong to Macau ferry is probably the most fun option for your trip (and also the fastest!). The ferry leaves from Hong Kong to the Macau ferry terminal in Sheung Wan and arrives at Macau's Taipa ferry terminal, making it super easy to head to any Macau casino via taxi, bus, or one of the many free shuttle services offered by Macau casinos.

Travel to Macau - Cotai water jet

Travel to Macau - Cotai water jet. Source: Trip.com

The whole ferry journey between Hong Kong and Macau only takes 60 min and costs as little as USD$20 per person, meaning you can easily schedule your visit as a one-day trip from Hong Kong or vice-versa. Ferries that leave from Hong Kong start at 09:30 in the morning, and the last Jet-1 ferry back from Macau to Hong Kong leaves at 23:59 at night. Ferries are running at regular intervals throughout the day, but remember to check schedules before planning your trip since certain changes might occur in special circumstances.
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2. Getting from Hong Kong to Macau casinos by road

It is possible to travel from Hong Kong to Macau by road, but this would usually take hours due to the massive size of the Pearl River Delta, making it an inefficient way to get there. Thankfully, the authorities have gradually realized how limiting this was and have finally decided to overcome this problem by building a bridge, which was open to the public on Oct 24th, 2018. This bridge, also known as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge, or HKZM, not only shortens the journey to 1 hour but also adds an exciting bucket list experience to anyone making the crossing. The HKZM is not only the longest sea crossing in the world but also the longest open-sea fixed line on the face of the Earth.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge / Source: Trip.com

Travelers to Macau casinos can cross the HKZM and go through its tunnels on a 24-hour shuttle bus, in a taxi, or in a car (rental or otherwise), and it will take more or less the same amount of time as the Jet-1 ferry. The HKZM does have a toll fee, so this should also be taken into consideration for those driving there.
Travel to Macau -Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge

Travel to Macau - Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge / Source: Trip.com

If travelers opt to cross the bridge on the shuttle bus, then they will save on cost, making it a perfect option for budget travelers. If visitors opt to cross in a car, then they only need to pay for gas and toll fees, leaving them more options to explore the area. However, the driver would experience fatigue during long drives, so the pros and cons are pretty much on the table, leaving many choices for the driver to decide. Whichever option they choose will largely depend on their plans and budget when visiting their Macau casino (or Macau casinos) of choice.

3. Getting from Hong Kong to Macau casinos by air

The most luxurious option to get from Hong Kong to Macau is undoubtedly by air. Of course, since it is such a short distance between these places, there is no need to take a plane or jet, but travelers always have the option to visit the Macau casinos in style.
Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong International Airport / Source: Trip.com

👉 The Sky Shuttle is a helicopter service operating between Hong Kong and Macau on a daily basis. The helicopters travel across the Pearl River Delta in only 15 mins and start their daily trips from 10:00 to 23:00. Making a crossing by helicopter is so far the fastest way to get to any Macau casino from Hong Kong.

👉 Riding a helicopter may be the fastest way to travel, but it is not for everyone, so the price tag is something to consider when planning your budget. A Sky Shuttle helicopter ticket costs start from USD$550 per person, baggage charges included.

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Top 10 best Macau casinos

Macau, like Vegas, has many different casinos to offer the traveling gambler. Some of these casinos have been set up for professional gamers, with higher entry bets and some serious winnings on offer, while others can enjoy a wide range of high or low-stakes tables for beginners or just looking for some fun.
Macau Casino - Studio City Macau

Studio City Macau / Source: Trip.com

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Additionally, depending on the Macau casino you visit, you'll get to enjoy a show during your break, go for some luxury brand duty-free shopping, eat at Michelin star restaurants, or simply grab a burger and soft drinks and head back to your table. So, in order to make sure that you can get the most out of your fun trip to the casino, be sure to read our top 10 Macau casino picks!

1. Venetian Casino Resort on Cotai Strip

Inside the Venetian Casino Resort

Inside The Venetian Macao. Source: Trip.com

The Venetian Macao, located on the Cotai strip and can easily be accessed thanks to its free shuttle, is a Macau casino not to miss, thanks to its huge gambling offering and its stunning interior. You may recognize it from its sister resort in Las Vegas, and it is, in fact, part of the same franchise owned by the US Las Vegas Sand. The Venetian Casino Resort enjoys the largest floor space among others in the world. It is equipped with over 3,000 slot machines and 800 game tables, taking up nearly 500,000 square feet of gaming space.
Macau Casino - The Venetian Macao

The Venetian Macao / Source: Trip.com

Gambling at the Venetian offers more ways than one😜. However, as with most casinos in Macau, betting is much more expensive than in the USA, Europe, or Australia. Most gaming tables at the Venetian start with a minimum bet of USD$300, although some will have bets of USD$100. It is even possible to bet millions on the Venetian Casino's VIP Plaza Club. If you are just looking for some fun and don't want to risk too much, however, you can also opt for online games and slot machines, where you will be able to place minimum bets from USD$0.02 to USD$50, depending on the game. Live Gaming Baccarat is only USD$10, while Blackjack is USD$50, for example.
Inside the Venetian Casino Resort

Inside The Venetian Macao. Source: Trip.com

The Venetian also offers 350-brand name fashion stores and over 30 restaurants and bars🙈, as well as its 15,000-seat Cotai Arena for shows including Bon Jovi concerts and its Venetian Theatre for world-class shows and intimate concerts. There are also other types of entertainment, including mini golf, multiple swimming pools, a spa, a gym, and more👍.
Public Gondola Tour
The key feature of the Venetian is that everything is designed to look like Venice. The inside of the resort is styled as a palace from the Venetian Renaissance, and as you walk into the main square, it opens up into a beautiful Venetian street under an open sky, with the ceiling cleverly painted in blue sky embellished with fluffy clouds. As you walk down the streets, you'll find its fashion stores in traditional two-story buildings connected through a footbridge crossing one of the multiple canals. If you fancy, you can even go for a trip on one of the resort's 51 gondolas and enjoy the canal by water with your own singing boatman.

Our top picks for hotels near the Venetian:

The Ritz-Carlton, Macau

The Ritz-Carlton, Macau / Source: Trip.com

JW Marriott Hotel Macau: A 3 min taxi ride or a 10 min walk, the JW Marriott Hotel is inside the Galaxy Macau, which is located on the neighboring street, Estrada da Baía da Nossa Senhora da Esperança.

Four Seasons Hotel Macao Cotai Strip: A 5 min taxi ride or a 13 min walk, the Four Seasons Hotel is just behind the Venetian and next door to the Parisian on Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança.

The Ritz-Carlton Macau: A 5 min taxi ride or a 12 min walk, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel is next door to the JW Marriot Hotel and Galaxy Macau hotel and casino complex. This places it on a neighboring street to the Venetian, on Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança.

2. City of Dreams on Cotai Strip

Macau Casino - City of Dreams casino complex

City of Dreams casino complex. Source: Trip.com

The City of Dreams is just off the Cotai strip and is a casino complex considered a "house of leisure." It is distinguished by its five towers, which are comprised of the hotels and casinos that form up the complex – the Grand Hyatt Macau provides two towers, and the Nüwa, The Countdown Hotel, and Morpheus provide the other three.
The complex offers three separate casinos covering an area of 420,000 square feet of playable game space with over 1,500 slot machines and 450 gaming tables. You can enjoy low betting options on the slot machines, which offer minimum bets of USD$0.05 and USD$0.10. For something in the middle, place bets of USD$50 to USD$300 on Live Gaming Baccarat or enjoy online roulette for USD$5 and Sic Bo for USD$30. The minimum bets on the tables are usually around USD$300, with a pass line bet of USD$100 on Craps. One point to note is that the City of Dreams offers the highest Craps odds in the city (5-5-5). However, we advise you to stay away from the Big 6 and Big 8 bets, which are so bad that they are illegal in Atlantic City.
Macau Casino - City of Dreams casino complex

City of Dreams casino complex. Source: Trip.com

The City of Dreams is a great option for those looking for an all-in-one casino and hotel option. As well as its three casinos, the resort offers 30 restaurants and bars, plenty of luxury shopping, spas, pools, kid play areas, and even a Kid's City and world-class entertainment. Additionally, should you feel the need to get out and see something different, this Macau Casino's location couldn't be better, being within walking distance of the Cotai strip, which boasts the likes of the Venetian and Parisian.

3. The Parisian Macau on Cotai Strip

The Parisian Macau

The Parisian Macau casino. Source: Trip.com

The Parisian Macau is near the Venetian and Studio City, as well as many other grand Macau casinos. Like the Venetian, it is also owned by Las Vegas Sands and is also on the Cotai Strip. You won't miss it thanks to the huge Eiffel Tower replica at its front, which is often lit up at night to create a captivating sight. The towering replica even boasts the famous green lawn underneath, meaning you can really feel like you're in Europe while gambling in some of the world's biggest and best casinos.
The Parisian casino offers 500 gaming tables and a whopping 2,500 slot machines. The slot machines have the usual low minimum betting systems, with bets as low as USD$0.10 and USD$2, while online gaming sits in the mid-range with minimum bets from USD$10 to USD$300, depending on the games. The gaming tables at the Parisian Macau Casino are also in the same spectrum as most of Macau's major casino resorts, with minimum bets ranging from USD$200 for Craps and outside bets on Roulette (inside bets are minimum USD$50) up to USD$500 on the likes of Blackjack. The Parisian does have a higher minimum bet than most other Macau casinos on its VIP Signature Club's Baccarat. However, minimum bets sit at USD$5,000.
Macau Casino - The Parisian Macau casino

The Parisian Macau casino. Source: Trip.com

The interior of the Parisian is another Sands showstopper, with the foyers, halls, and casino all decorated as though you were walking through the palace of Versailles – we're talking chandeliers, statues, Roman columns, paintings, and huge decorated carpets. Here, you'll be able to enjoy over 150 bars and restaurants, pools and a water park for kids, a spa, gym, shopping, and exclusive shows in the Parisian Theatre or even balls in the hotel's Ballroom.
Getting to the Parisian is easy as you can make use of the complimentary shuttle or even hire a limousine. Alternatively, you can use public transport or a taxi to get here or to any of the surrounding casinos on the Cotai Strip or Macau Island. If you fancy a walk to some other casinos, the Venetian, MGM, and even Galaxy, City of Dreams, and Wynn are all within a walkable distance.

4. Sands Macau on Macau Island

Macau Casino - The Sands Macao

The Sands Macao. Source: Trip.com

The Sands Macau is located just off the Macau Fisherman's Wharf, or Doca dos Pescadores, on Macau Island, making it a beautiful location to gamble and enjoy the views over the sea. In addition, the Sands are located right next to the Macau Outer Ferry terminal, which is used mainly as ferries from Hong Kong to Macau. This makes the Sands casino a great option to choose if looking for a lightning-quick gambling trip from Hong Kong.
The Sands is the tenth largest casino by floor space in the world, with nearly 1,400 slot machines and 740 tables over 229,000 square feet. It is home to both European and Asian casino games, making it perfect for different clientele or a great way to learn new games. The casino here is laid out very simply, meaning you are less likely to get lost and will find what you are looking for quickly. In addition, the Sands casino offers free live stage shows that run all day long, making it a perfect way to watch and learn new tricks or simply get involved in the tension and adrenaline rush of some high-stakes gaming while enjoying the bustle brought by the casino.
The Sands Macao - outdoor swimming pool

The Sands Macao - outdoor swimming pool. Source: Trip.com

The Sands Macau also offers some resident shows, including Baby Dolls and Baccarat Babes, as well as other performances in the Sands Theatre. You'll also find a heated swimming pool on the sixth floor, a spa, gyms, and six restaurants that range from fast food and buffet to Cantonese cuisine and steakhouse.
As the Sands Macau is close to the ferry terminal, it is a little removed from some of the other bigger and best casinos. However, it is an easy taxi or bus ride to close casinos such as the Wynn, MGM, and Grand Lisboa, or you can take advantage of the Sands limousine service and head somewhere a little further (you can also take the limousine to the closer hotels if you so choose). There is also a free shuttle service that goes between Macau's ferry terminals and border gates and the Sands and Venetian.
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Our top picks for hotels near the Sands (excluding the Sands Hotel):

Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau: A 2 min taxi ride or a 5 min walk, the Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau is just next door to the Sands on Avenida da Amizade.

Rocks Hotel: A 6 min taxi ride or an 8 min walk, the Rocks Hotel is just south of the Sands on Macau Fisherman's Wharf.

Star World Hotel: A 3 min taxi ride or a 13 min walk, the Star World Hotel is just west of the Sands on the Avenida da Amizade.

5. Wynn Macau on Macau Island

Macau Casino - Wynn Macau casino and hotel

Wynn Macau casino and hotel. Source: Trip.com

The Wynn Macau, which is located on Macau island and is just a stone's throw away from the MGM, is a luxurious casino designed for high rollers and VIPs. This casino is famous not only for being adorned with gold but also because it is the home of the Wynn Macau Fountain – a spectacle of water and lights that could be considered Macau's answer to Vega's Bellagio Fountain. Proving its credentials, the Wynn Macau won the prestigious Mobil Five-Star Award in 2008 (being one of only eight hotels in Asia to hold the award at the time), and in 2023, it further cemented its luxurious position when it received 24 five-star awards from Forbes Travel Guide.
The Wynn Macau only has 375 slot machines, and this casino is designed to gravitate more toward its 500 gaming tables – showing that its emphasis is on high stakes gaming. If you are a high roller, then the Wynn casino in Macau may be the one for you. However, if you are looking to play safe, you may feel slightly out of place. Having said that, the Wynn casino still offers the chance to bet low on the slot machines while being enveloped in the atmosphere of a true, classy casino where you can dress in a black tie and sip a martini like a true gentleman.
Macau Casino - Wynn Macau casino and hotel

Wynn Macau casino and hotel. Source: Trip.com

Other than gambling, the Wynn Macau offers high-end art pieces as well as art-entertainment installations. Some of these include its Wynn Fountains and Performance Lake, which includes dancing water, colored lights, and even fire shows; its Tree of prosperity, which is a tree sculpture with lights that make it look like its dancing; its Dragon of Fortune sculpture, which is lit up and plays audio sounds; and the Moon Jellyfish Aquarium, where you can get lost in the peaceful movement of the transparent jellyfish. Additionally, the Wynn offers a heated swimming pool, a spa, fine dining and casual dining, and 26,000 square feet of exclusive luxury shopping.
The Wynn is easily accessible by free shuttle service, taxi, public bus, or limousine. You can also reach the neighboring casinos easily, such as the MGM, Grand Lisboa, Sands, and Rio, or use transport to reach the other casinos in Taipa and Cotai.

6. Grand Lisboa on Macau Island

The iconic Grand Lisboa on Macau Island

The iconic Grand Lisboa on Macau Island. Source: Photo by Ray F on Unsplas

The Grand Lisboa is the most prominent casino in the Macau skyline and is considered to be the top dog among others. Easily accessible via free shuttle bus, taxi, or public transportation, it is situated near Nam Van Lake and the historic center and is certainly unmissable thanks to its huge, feather-like gold exterior. The Grand Lisboa is not only a great place to gamble but also the perfect place to explore the culture and history of Macau Island. If you climb to Fortaleza do Monte, the old fortress on the mountain, you will get a grand picture of Macau Island with the Grand Lisboa taking center stage.
The Grand Lisboa casino is the perfect choice for those looking to gamble with lower stakes or those looking to learn the ground rules without losing too much money. The casino leans more towards lower stakes gambling, offering over 270 gaming tables and 700 slot machines, with the latter offering bets from USD$0.05 up to USD$6,000, with progressive jackpots. The table games include all the gaming favorites, too, such as Baccarat, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, 3 Card Baccarat, Sic Bo, American Roulette, and the Fortune Wheel.
Grand Lisboa Macau

Grand Lisboa Macau. Source: Trip.com

If you are looking for other types of entertainment during your gambling breaks, the Grand Lisboa offers a residential dance show, a spa, swimming pools, a gift gallery, multiple restaurants, and a viewing platform from its three Michelin star restaurant, the Robuchon au Dôme. However, the Grand Lisboa is not renowned for its entertainment but gets more publicity for its gambling. So, should you wish to head to another Macau casino for a bit of variety, it is worth knowing that the Wynn Macau is a short walk away, it is a little further (but still walkable) to the MGM or the Rio, and only a short taxi or bus ride to the Sands Macau. The Grand Lisboa also offers a limousine service if you want to head anywhere in style.
Book the Grand Lisboa

Our top picks for hotels near the Grand Lisboa (excluding the Grand Lisboa Hotel):

L'Arc Hotel: A 3 min taxi ride or a 9 min walk, the L'Arc Hotel is just east of the Grand Lisboa casino on the Avenida 24 da Junho.

Star World Hotel: A 3 min taxi ride or an 8 min walk, the Star World Hotel is just east of the Grand Lisboa on the Avenida da Amizade.

Mandarin Oriental: A 5 min taxi ride or a 16 min walk, the Mandarin Oriental is just south of the Grand Lisboa on the Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen.

7. Galaxy Macau in Cotai

The Galaxy Macau casino and hotel complex

The Galaxy Macau casino and hotel complex. Source: Trip.com

The Galaxy Macau, located on the western side of Macau's Taipa district and not too far from the Cotai Strip, is the fifth largest casino in the world and can easily be accessed by free shuttle bus. It boasts 400,000 square feet of dedicated gaming space (only 20,000 square feet smaller than the whole City of Dreams complex!) and has more games than both Wynn Palace (not to be confused with Wynn Macau) and the City of Dreams.
The Galaxy Macau has an open-plan casino, offering nearly 700 gaming tables and over 1,500 slot machines. There is only one closed-off section, which is dedicated to the high-rollers – this is the VIP room that houses 50 gaming tables and 100 slot machines. To get to any of these sections, you'll first need to walk through the hotel and casino lobbies, where several stunning crystal art exhibits have been installed as the centerpiece to offer luck to the arriving gamblers.
The Galaxy Macau casino and cards room

The Galaxy Macau casino and cards room. Source: Trip.com

Minimum bets at the Galaxy Macau are similar to those in other major Macau casinos. You'll find minimum bets on slot machines ranging from USD$0.02 to USD$10; online gaming ranging from USD$10 to USD$100; and table games ranging from USD$300 for Blackjack, Three Card Poker, and Three Card Baccarat to USD$2,000 for Baccarat in the high-stakes section.
The Galaxy Macau

The Galaxy Macau. Source: Trip.com

In addition to lots of gaming variety, the Galaxy Macau offers food variety too, with 18 provincial Chinese cuisines, 13 international cuisines (including the two Michelin star Italian restaurant, Otto e Mezzo), and 6 signature restaurants. When you are completely free from gambling or eating, you can enjoy Galaxy Macau's cinemas (boasting 3D and 4K projection), Broadway Theatre, and the 16,000-seat surround-sound Galaxy Arena.
If you want more off-table entertainment, then you can easily head to the nearby casinos on the Cotai Strip, including the Venetian, Parisian, or others, for a fun night out. You can easily find taxis, buses, and limos to take you to any destination, or simply use the free shuttle bus if heading to the border gates, ferry terminals, or StarWorld Hotel.
Book the Galaxy Macau

Our top picks for hotels near the Galaxy Macau (excluding the Galaxy Hotel):

JW Marriott Hotel Macau: The JW Marriott Hotel is inside the Galaxy Macau itself, meaning you can walk from anywhere within the complex.

Banyan Tree Macau: The Banyan Tree Hotel is also inside the Galaxy Macau itself, meaning you can walk from anywhere within the complex.

Four Seasons Hotel Macao Cotai Strip: A 7 min taxi ride or a 17 min walk, the Four Seasons Hotel is just two streets away from the Galaxy on Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança.

8. MGM Cotai in Cotai

MGM Cotai Macau

MGM Cotai Macau. Source: Trip.com

MGM Cotai, as its name suggests, is located in Macau's Cotai district and can be found just off the famed Cotai Strip. This very modern hotel and casino is known for being the largest collector of contemporary artwork in Macau and boasts over 300 contemporary pieces. Its love of contemporary art can also be seen in its block-like architecture that reminds an onlooker of a precious metals chain bracelet or the links in the strap of a Rolex.
Inside the MGM Cotai, gamblers will find a small casino that exudes class, offering 170 gaming tables, 12 VIP tables for high-stakes gaming, ad 1,500 slot machines. Here, visitors can bet a minimum of USD$0.05 to USD$10 on the slot machines, a minimum of USD$200 for Craps (USD$300 on Friday to Saturday), and USD$300 for Three Card Poker. An important point to note for Blackjack fans is that the minimum bet for the game here is only USD$300, compared to USD$500 in most other Macau casinos. There is also no Baccarat on the main floor, so head straight to the high-stakes section and be prepared for minimum bets of USD$1,000.
MGM Cotai Macau

MGM Cotai Macau. Source: Trip.com

The MGM Cotai offers innovations in technology, with its "Spectacle" offering a 28-million-pixel visual experience, which is also the world's biggest indoor LED screen (the size of three tennis courts). The complex also offers nine restaurants and bars, and although these are beyond reproach, visitors may seek more variety and excitement. Luckily, its prime location gives you easy access to all the hotels, bars, restaurants, and casinos on the Cotai strip, which can all be reached by taxi, bus, limousine, or even by foot (the Wynn and City of Dreams are just a stone's throw away).
Book the MGM Cotai

Our top picks for hotels near the MGM Cotai (excluding the MGM Hotel):

Grand Hyatt Macau: A 1 min taxi ride or a 6 min walk, the Grand Hyatt is located within the City of Dreams, which is just north of the MGM.

The Sheraton Grand Macao: A 3 min taxi ride or a 13 min walk, the Sheraton Grand is two streets away from the MGM Cotai on Estrada do Istmo.

Grand Lisboa Palace Resort: A 4 min taxi ride or a 9 min walk, the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort is west of the MGM down Rua do Tiro.

9. Altira Macau on Taipa

Altira Macau

Altira Macau. Source: Trip.com

The Altira Macau, located in the north of Macau's Taipa district, is considered one of the best hotels with a casino you haven't heard of. It is overshadowed by the big names in Macau, such as the MGM, Venetian, or Grand Lisboa, but actually, the Altira is considered to be "Macau royalty" by those in the know – less than a year after the grand opening, the casino became the busiest in the world in terms of betting volume, boasting a rolling turnover that surpassed USD$6 billion per month.
The Altira has changed somewhat, however, shifting focus from VIP-centered gambling to a wider audience. This has resulted in a busy casino ground floor but a largely vacant VIP area. You'll find 111 slot machines and 170 gaming tables spread out over the two casino floors and the Mocha Slots Parlor. The minimum bets on the slot machines go from USD$1 to USD$10, but you can find even lower minimum bets in the Mocha Slots Parlor. Online gaming offers minimum bets of USD$50, with USD$30 for Sic Bo and Roulette in the Mocha Slots Parlor. On the tables, you'll find the minimum bets go up significantly, with minimum bets of USD$3,000 on Baccarat and USD$500 on Commission Free Baccarat.
Altira Macau

Altira Macau. Source: Trip.com

The Altira offers a rooftop lounge bar, four restaurants, a gym, a spa, and a hotel that offers some of the best accommodation that guarantees every cent is well-spent over there. This makes the Altira the perfect place to stay and enjoy some gambling. However, if you are looking for a true gambling experience, use the Altira as your base and explore some of the larger casinos in town. Its position makes it hard to walk to any other notable casinos, with the closest being the Galaxy Macau. However, it is at the center point between the Cotai Strip and Macau Island, so simply choose your transportation and head to any Macau casino you choose.
Book the Altira Macau

Our top picks for hotels near the Altira (excluding the Altira Hotel):

The Macau Roosevelt: A 5 min taxi ride or a 20 min walk, the Macau Roosevelt Hotel is southwest of the Altira and can be found on the riverfront on Avenida dos Jogos da Asia Oriental.

JW Marriott Hotel Macau: A 7 min taxi ride or a 31 min walk, the JW Marriott Hotel is inside the Galaxy Macau, which is south of the Altira and found on Estrada da Baía da Nossa Senhora da Esperança.

Grand Hyatt Macau: A 12 min taxi ride or a 33 min walk, the Grand Hyatt is located southeast of the Altira toward Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança.

10. Studio City in Cotai

Studio City Cotai

Studio City Cotai. Source: Trip.com

Studio City, which is located on the Cotai Strip and has been designed as a larger and louder City of Dreams, is the Hollywood drama hub of Macau. To make sure this is clear from the start, the architecture, with its two holes in the center of the building, represents what would have happened if a meteor had flown straight through the building. In addition, the resort offers several fun activities to keep the family occupied while you can have the time of your life at the gambling table.
The casino at Studio City is neatly designed so that the different betting categories are kept separate – one side is dedicated to its 768 slot machines, with their usual low minimum bet requirements, ranging from a few cents to a few dollars; the other side is dedicated to its 160 mid-entry gaming tables, with most minimum bets set at USD$300; and the high-roller VIP Signature Club is set apart, offering 52 tables with minimum bets of USD$1,000, as well as another 134 slot machines and online games.
Studio City Cotai

Studio City Cotai. Source: Trip.com

Studio City is built to offer variety and keep everyone entertained. For that reason, as well as its casino, you'll find a pool, spa, gym, gardens, shopping, a great many international and Chinese restaurants and bars, and plenty of fun for the family, including the Warner Brothers Fun Zone, a Dark Knight Flight Simulator, and Legend Heroes Park.
Studio City is a great place to go with family, as it offers something for everyone. However, if going as an adult in search of the rush of gambling, you may grab a taxi or take a local bus and head to one of the other casinos that offer better gaming facilities at a price. Since you will already be at the Cotai Strip, you could even walk to the Parisian, which is only next door!
Book Studio City

Our top picks for hotels near the Studio City (excluding the Studio City Hotel):

Four Seasons Hotel Macao Cotai Strip: A 2 min taxi ride or a 15 min walk, the Four Seasons Hotel is just north up the Estrada do Istmo from Studio City.

The Sheraton Grand Macao: A 4 min taxi ride or a 9 min walk, the Sheraton Grand is just north up the Estrada do Istmo from Studio City.

Conrad Macao: A 4 min taxi ride or an 11 min walk, the Conrad is just north up the Estrada do Istmo from Studio City.

Travel tips when visiting Macau casinos

Travel to Macau - Macau's famed Ruins of St Paul

Macau's famed Ruins of St Paul. Source: Trip.com

When planning a trip, you should always consider the essentials, from how to pack for your destination, when is the best time to go, whether you should learn some key phrases in the local tongue, whether it is best to carry cash or have a credit card, among other important things to be factored into considerations. So, before you head off on your trip, let's first go through some essential travel tips before visiting the stunning and fun Macau casinos:

When should you visit Macau for the best weather?

Although many will head straight onto the Macau casinos, Macau has lots more to offer in the outdoors. For example, if you are interested in the region's Portuguese colonial past, which has lasted for more than 400 years, then having a better understanding of the local weather will make the entire trip smoother.
Macau is subtropical, with humid and sticky weather from June to September and a cooler climate from October to May. It is important to note that July is the hottest month, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 33˚C (91˚F), so if you can avoid it, best leave out July when making your travel plans.
Travel to Macau - Ruins of St. Paul's

Ruins of St. Paul's / Source: Trip.com

The best time to visit Macau usually is autumn (from September to November) as the temperatures start to cool down. Alternatively, if you don't mind some frequent showers and humidity, spring (March to May) offers cooler weather than the summer, too, making it a pleasant experience strolling through the historic center.
By avoiding the rainy and excessively hot months, travelers can visit the UNESCO-listed Senado Square with its wavy black and white paving stones, take a picture with the famous façade of the Ruins of St. Paul's to remember the trip, or take in the spectacular views from the Fortaleza do Monte, an old Portuguese fortress perched on the hill.
Travel to Macau - Mount Fortress

Mount Fortress / Source: Trip.com

Don't let the weather factor too heavily in your plans, however, as all Macau casinos are fitted with A.C. In Venetian Macau, you can even pretend to be outside as you drift down the indoor canals on a gondola and look up at the painted sky above you.

When is the best time to visit Macau casinos?

Macau casinos open an all-year-round, meaning you can visit anytime you fancy. However, should you wish to visit when there are more people, then, of course, it is better to visit during the high tourist season, which is from October to December.
Travel to Macau - Macau Peninsula

Travel to Macau - Macau Peninsula / Source: Trip.com

Visiting in the high season will mean more popularity and some of the best shows being played in the Macau casinos. However, it will also mean higher prices and bigger crowds. So, you may want to consider switching to coming during springtime, when temperatures are cooler and the rainy season has driven off some of the tourists. This could mean lower prices and good deals on offer, as well as shorter waiting periods for your favorite game in the casino and fewer crowds when venturing around the tourist hotspots outside.

What language skills will you need have when visiting Macau casinos?

Travel to Macau - Chapel of Our Lady of Penha

Travel to Macau - Chapel of Our Lady of Penha / Source: Trip.com

Portuguese and Cantonese are Macau's official languages. However, Mandarin is also spoken regularly, and English is widely understood in Macau casinos and tourist areas. As one of the most successful gaming capitals in the world, you will fit in just fine speaking English since all signposts require English fluency.

What currency can you use in Macau casinos, and should you have cash or card?

The Macanese Pataca (MOP) is the official currency in Macau. However, this currency is useless in Macau casinos. When gambling in Macau, you will need Hong Kong Dollars (HKD), which is ideal for North American travelers due to the narrow exchange rate between the HKD and the MOP, making understanding how much you are spending much easier. Since placing the bet or stakes, as well as cashing out, are all paid out in HKD, this won't cause too much trouble at all.
When you arrive at the Macau casino, you can exchange your HKD for casino chips at tables and cashier cages. You can withdraw cash at the on-site ATM machines, but you should note that these ATMs will often have high withdrawal fees/service charges. In order to keep down expenses and budget properly, we suggest that you should bring some cash with you. Additionally, it should be noted that exchange rates in the US for USD to HKD are often worse than those found in Hong Kong, so it could be worth exchanging your money in Hong Kong before taking your trip to a Macau casino.

Macau Casino - FAQ

  • What is the legal gambling age in Macau?

    The legal gambling age in Macau is 21 years old.

  • Are Macau casinos open 24/7?

    Yes, most Macau casinos operate 24/7, allowing visitors to enjoy gaming and entertainment at any time.

  • Can I use foreign currency in Macau casinos?

    While most casinos accept major currencies, it is advisable to exchange your currency for Macau Patacas (MOP) to avoid any inconvenience.

  • Can I use credit cards in Macau casinos?

    Yes, most Macau casinos accept major credit cards for gaming, dining, and entertainment expenses.

  • Are Macau casinos only for gambling?

    No, Macau casinos offer a variety of entertainment options, including live performances, fine dining, shopping, and luxurious accommodations.
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