The unstoppable growth of Macao in terms of gambling is not surprising news, what is new is the recent information revealed by casino authorities in the island who declared that this astonishing success is mainly built on the incredible popularity that the game of Baccarat has had in the last few years.
The growing interest for the game of Baccarat in the former Portuguese colony of Macau is reflected in the fact that up to 80% of all the tables in Macau’s casinos are dedicated to this game. In money terms, the popularity of Baccarat is clear since 85% of Macau’s casinos income comes from this game. According to statistics revealed by the Macanese government, in 2006 Baccarat brought 6 billion dollars (48.3 billion patacas) in revenue for the casino industry in the territory, which represents an increase of up to 25% in comparison to 2005.
Jay Dee Clayton, executive vice-president of operations at Wynn Macau says that Baccarat is all about luck, he declared: "The game is simply finding out, 'how is my luck today?' ". So, it is not a surprise that a game based purely on chance, with no skill elements, gains popularity in a country like China, which has always been obsessed with luck, manifested in the importance given to auspicious dates and lucky colors.
The popularity of the game is not just limited to the players, since curious crowds can be seen forming around Baccarat tables and trying to get a lucky view of the players and the dealer, showing that the Chinese are very amused and attracted by the game. If this tendency keeps steady, James Bond’s game of choice will continue to empty the never-ending pockets of Chinese gamblers.
The unstoppable growth of Macao in terms of gambling is not surprising news, what is new is the recent information revealed by casino authorities in the island who declared that this astonishing success is mainly built on the incredible popularity that the game of Baccarat has had in the last few years.