The Gaming Industry -- Macao's largest income

Entering the 21st century, the gaming industry has developed a very close  relation with the tourism industry and become a pillar of Macao's economy.  It has also earned Macao an appellation of "Monte Carlo of the Orient".

Three Concessionaires Granted Casino Concessions

After taking the report submitted by the Casino Concessions Committee into consideration, particularly its conclusions and suggestions, the Chief Executive issued an Executive Order to grant provisional casino concessions to Sociedade de Jogos de Macau (a subsidiary of STDM), Wynn Resorts (Macau) and Galaxy Casino Company.

The MSAR Government signed the Concession Agreements on Operating Games of Luck and Other Games in Casinos in the Macao Special Administrative Region with Sociedade de Jogos de Macau in March 2002, and with Wynn Resorts (Macau) and Galaxy Casino Company three months later.

By the end of the fourth quarter of 2008, there are 31 casinos in the Macao SAR.

More information:

-- Statistic and Census Service (http://www.dsec.gov.mo/)

-- Monetary Authority of Macao (http://www.amcm.gov.mo/)

-- Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (http://www.dicj.gov.mo)

03/2009, from Macao SAR Government Portal