Counting the Cost

Macau’s gambling problem

A crackdown on corruption and a lack of economic diversity spells a losing streak for casino reliant Macau.

Macau is China’s answer to Las Vegas, a gambling hub and magnet for high rollers. But a crackdown on corruption in China and a drop in high-spending tourists from the mainland means takings are down.

This is a worry for many local workers, for whom the casinos are the only game in town.

But one dealer, Leong Man Teng, who dreads the doubling of casino numbers in the next few years, says: “It is extremely hard for local people to maintain their living standards, the slowdown will give Macau time to adjust instead of being dominated by the gaming industry.”

The government has been trying to diversify its economy, away from its reliance on gambling. Still, the casinos account for 80 percent of this enclave’s revenue – business that in turn is heavily reliant on China allowing the steady stream of gamblers to come across the border.

Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride reports from Macau.