Ever wondered where the heart of Macau’s vibrant gambling scene beats the loudest? Step into the legendary Casino Lisboa in Macau and find out. When you daydream of escaping the European autumnal gloom with something extravagantly exotic, imagine walking through the doors of a casino that has witnessed the evolution of Macau’s gambling industry since 1970. Casino Lisboa is not just a place to gamble; it is a pilgrimage through time.
Historical background
Built in 1970 by Stanley Ho (often referred to as the ‘King of Gambling,’), Teddy Yip, Yip Hon and Henry Fok, the hotel stood at 12-storeys in the heart of Macau and was the first legal casino there. Casino Lisboa has not only shaped the economic landscape of Macau but also its cultural identity. This remarkable structure eloquently highlights the city’s rich history and its ascent as a global gambling hub.
Positioned in the centre of the Macau Peninsula, Casino Lisboa is conveniently located beside the modern Grand Lisboa Hotel, which is famous for its eye-catching lotus design and mesmerising LED lights.
The original Casino Lisboa offers a multitude of games, concerts, and live performances. Although the newer and more luxurious casinos have become more prominent, Casino Lisboa is still cherished as the place where Macau’s gambling industry began. Gambling in Macau has a rich history that stretches back to the 16th century, coinciding with the Portuguese arriving in the area.
Its fa?ade, with its neon lights and retro design, is a sentimental nod to the seventies. Inside, the lavish décor, with intricate Chinese motifs and luxurious furnishings, creates an atmosphere of grandeur. Unlike many modern casinos, Casino Lisboa holds its old-world charm while offering state-of-the-art gaming facilities. It is a perfect blend of the past and the present.
The Casino Lisboa Macau
The glittering lights and vibrant colours of Casino Lisboa create an atmosphere of excitement and allure. Sounds of laughter, cheers, and the clinking of chips fill the air, adding to the lively ambiance. An enticing aroma of delicious cuisine from its various restaurants wafts through the corridors, tempting visitors to indulge in culinary delights. Ready to play?
This lively casino features 107 slot machines and 146 table games, including Baccarat, a classic and highly favoured game, especially popular in Asian casinos. Blackjack, known for its simple rules and strategic depth and Roulette, a wheel spinning crowd favourite, are also amongst the main offerings here.
With a history spanning centuries, Fan Tan is a classic Chinese game of luck that traces its roots back to the third and fourth centuries. Caribbean Stud Poker, where players compete against the house rather than each other, and Sic Bo, an ancient Chinese dice game, offering a variety of betting options.
Casino Lisboa features choices of slot machines with high-definition graphics and sound, providing an immersive gaming experience. Macau Baccarat, a variant of the traditional Baccarat game, tailored to local preferences and French Bank (Banca Francesa), a unique game of Portuguese origin, played with three dice, offers the discerning gambler more of a challenge.
Travel plans
October to December is an ideal time to visit when it is cooler and less humid. Travelling from Europe is easier by flying into a major hub, Hong Kong specifically. Shanghai offers transfers of two and a half hours to Macau. Just be aware of any longer layovers while you are connecting. Travel to Hong Kong and then you have options, whether you feel brave, adventurous, or just want to get there after a long flight.
You can take an hour’s ferry ride from the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal on the TurboJET or Cotai Water Jet services. Another option is to take a private luxurious car ride across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, which takes around 45 minutes to an hour. For those who want to create a more extraordinary experience, a helicopter will whisk you from Hong Kong to Macau in around fifteen minutes. Offering astonishing aerial views of the Pearl River Delta, this is something you deserve to treat yourself to.
Red, black, or bust?
When you have rocked on roulette or busted on blackjack, Macau offers a host of other attractions like the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Senado Square, and the Macau Tower. These sites provide a window into the rich history and vibrant culture of Macau. The Ruins of St. Paul’s is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
So, you have had a rewarding session in the Casino Lisboa and now feel on top of the world. Head straight to the Macau Tower and take the world’s highest commercial bungee jump from 233 meters. You will experience a 4-5 second free-fall, reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h (124 mph). You will even receive an exclusive t-shirt and an e-certificate to commemorate your jump!
If bungee jumping isn’t your thing, you can also try the Skywalk, where you walk around the outer rim of the tower, harnessed for safety. Otherwise, you can relax at Hac Sa Beach, known for its unique black sand or go shopping at the luxury malls.
Additional Attractions in Macau
Local markets offer a regional flavour, whilst you can cultivate your cultural curiosity with visits to A-Ma Temple, one of the oldest and most significant temples in Macau, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, or Taipa Village which offers a refreshing escape from the hubbub casino district of Macau.
Step back in time
Stepping into Casino Lisboa Macau evokes a sense of anticipation and thrill, as one becomes immersed in the exhilarating world of gambling and entertainment.
Casino Lisboa Macau is more than just a casino; it is a symbol of Macau’s heritage and its journey to becoming a global gambling destination. Seize the opportunity to create your part of its distinguished history.
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