Las Vegas vs. Macau: Which Is Better?

There are two major gambling destinations: Las Vegas and Macau. But which one is better?

Honestly, we think both locations are excellent places to head for a gambling vacation, but before you go, know that they are two very different destinations. Read on to learn whether Las Vegas or Macau is a better gambling destination for you.

How to Choose Between Macau and Las Vegas

As we mentioned above, both Macau and Las Vegas are excellent places to head for some gaming fun. But which one should you choose? We’ve learned that it depends on several factors, which we will explore in depth below.

1. What is Your Passport?

Depending on your nationality, it may be easier for you to visit one over the other. Las Vegas is in the United States, and while it’s easy for Europeans to visit, other countries may find it difficult to acquire the required US visa. In these cases, it may be easier to visit Macau.

Although Macau is technically part of China, it has very low visa requirements (by design), and most individuals can get a short-term visa upon arrival with no issue. Therefore, if you can’t get a US visa, you should definitely consider Macau.

2. How Long is the Flight?

That brings us to our next point: if you can easily get a visa for both locations, then it’s time to consider how long it will take to fly to each one. While it might be easy to say a 6-hour flight is better than an 8-hour one, remember to consider stops. We always prefer the least number of layovers, and therefore might choose the destination with the 10-hour direct flight versus the 4-hour flight with a stop before another 4-hour flight.

This is a very personal decision, however, so take your time in deciding which location is more accessible for you.

3. What Do You Want to Do?

Obviously, both Las Vegas and Macau feature gaming. However, gaming is a broad industry, and the offerings in both locations will vary widely.

Not only that, but Las Vegas is more of an entertainment destination, meaning that while there is definitely gaming, there are also shows and other forms of adult amusement for you to enjoy. So, if you want something much more than just gaming, Las Vegas is the way to go.

However, remember how we said the gaming options vary? Well, Macau is known for its table games, while Las Vegas is known for its slot machines. Therefore, unless you are heading to Las Vegas for a table game-specific event (like the WSOP) you will probably have a better time in Macau if you love table games.

Plus, Macau is known for its wide range of baccarat and other unique table games which aren’t always available in Las Vegas.

4. How Much Do You Want to Pay?

That brings us to our next item, cost. Macau is focused on being a 5-star and only a 5-star experience—meaning it will cost more, but you will get an amazing upscale experience. Las Vegas, on the other hand, had a range of offerings, meaning you can make your visit as luxurious as you want it to be.

Those on a budget can enjoy Las Vegas by staying at the Circus Circus and visiting In-n-Out, while those who want a nicer experience should choose the Wynn for a premium vacation.

5. What’s Your Tax Situation?

Are you planning to win big? Then it’s important to know the gambling implications of both casino towns. Las Vegas, because it is located in the United States, automatically reports all winnings to the US government, and while you may be tax-exempt as an international, it’s important to know that the IRS may report your winnings to your home country.

This is a stark comparison to Macau, where all winnings are tax-free. This doesn’t mean you don’t owe taxes (in your own country in the form of income tax), but it means that there is a chance you may not, and that you should look deeper into your local laws before booking a flight.

6. Do You Want to Drink?

Alcohol is abundant in Las Vegas, and you will have no issue finding a range of cocktails, beers, and wines. It is not the same in Macau. While drinking is legal in Macau, and was once abundant, many of the casinos scaled back on alcohol after COVID. So, although you might be able to enjoy a nice wine with dinner, individuals report that you won’t be offered any (not even for purchase) while you play.

This is why those who are looking to party (instead of just gamble) should consider Las Vegas over Macau.

7. Are You Okay Being Misunderstood?

What language do you speak? While it might not sound like a big deal, the casino workers in Las Vegas mostly only speak Spanish or English, while workers in Macau only speak Chinese. So, if you don’t speak Chinese in Macau, you should be prepared to be misunderstood. This doesn’t mean that no one speaks English, just that you shouldn’t expect it.

In fact, we’ve found it’s easier to navigate Las Vegas as a foreign speaker than Macau, because while only English and Spanish are common, many hotels have resources available in other languages, like Chinese and Korean. Plus, Las Vegas is a melting pot, so when you visit restaurants after a day of gaming, you’ll likely find someone speaking your native language if you head to an ethnic restaurant.

8. What Vibe Are You Looking For?

As you’re probably starting to see, the vibes are very different in Las Vegas versus Macau, and visitors report that Macau is not a party vibe at all—even when someone wins big. So, if you want a giant crowd of strangers cheering you on, Las Vegas is the way to go—Macau is more of a quiet, relaxing, and upscale gaming destination.

Of course, if you don’t want to spend money either way, you can check out an online casino like MintDice.com, which allows you to gamble socially and comfortably from your home, any time, day or night!