Guide to Asian Poker Destinations - MACAU

Macau is the Vegas of Asia. Or should I say, Vegas is the Macau of the US. Macau is actually the gambling capital of the world, with more gamblers, more money dwarfing Vegas' numbers. But that's not what we are talking about. Macau's poker scene is still far from Vegas but it is getting there. This week there's the ACOP, with the main event buy in at HKD 100,000 - higher than WSOP's main.

Recent Photo of Macau, after the typhoon destruction

There are I believe almost 40 casinos in Macau, but when it comes to poker in Macau, they are only available at these casinos.

1. Wynn Macau

Wynn Macau is one of the earliest if not THE earliest to have a poker room. I still remember playing there like 10 years ago when it the games were at 10/25. Wynn has a cool room, nice tables, stakes from 25/50 to 1000/2000 (HK$), free drinks, good dealers, reasonable service and usually a good 4-6 tables going every day. The room is open 24 hours and doesn't disappoint. The rake is good, capped at $250 regardless of stakes (please correct me if I'm wrong) Due to this, there are more regulars and pros here. However it is good to note that most players play with deeper stacks here, compared to other rooms.

2. Venetian

Like Wynn, Venetian has a very active poker room as well. Well, Venetian has a very active casino. I think it is one of the most crowded in Macau. So the poker room is buzzing with action too. When full they can accommodate quite a lot of tables because it has a pretty big area. However rarely they do that and there's always a queue. The dealers are pretty grumpy and service isn't great. Games are 24 hours too but the rake cap is at $500. Less pros and regs, good location so there are curious fish who swim by once in a while. However most just sit there with a 50bb stack.

Outside the Venetian

3. Galaxy

Galaxy has a small but reasonably active poker room. When full they can only fit in 3-4 tables and games are 25/50 and 50/100. However they do have some promotions going to attract players, such as the bad beat jackpot, aces cracked, high hand of the day etc. Initially when they started they had a rake promotion of $150 cap. I am not sure if it is still the case. Dealers deal pretty well, but do not expect friendly banter or smiling. I was told tables close at 1am, but I am not sure about this myself.

4. City of Dreams

This is where most of the big tournaments are held, ACOP, Red Dragon, etc so it has a buzzing poker room as well. Stakes are usually 25/50, 50/100 and occasionally 100/200 but I have never seen higher. Rake I believe is capped at $250 as well. I would say the game is pretty good during tournament times but there is usually a long queue for seats. It is away from other gaming tables so I don't think they attract passer-bys as well as some of the other rooms.

5. Wynn Palace

Wynn has a twin! Pinkish, flowery twin! They have a poker room with 6 tables but usually only 1 or 2 are running. Smallish games, haven't played there so I don't know about the service or dealer skills. But I think it is a bad idea to split their focus to two poker rooms. Would not recommend, unless you're staying there or happen to be passing by. I would recommend taking the free cable car while you're there though.

6. Others

Lisboa and Babylon were running poker at one time. I have no idea if they are still going. If anyone knows please comment below.

Join me Natural8 using the code POKER168 and play!