Macau: Gambling Pleasure Zone
Macau has spent billions to secure itself as a significant force in the gambling industry, nearby Hong Kong claim they will not be challenging Macau's position in Asia as the gambling oasis of the East. Currently there are only three forms of gambling are legal in Hong Kong, horse races, soccer matches, and numbers games. The government officials in Hong Kong have discussed the possibility of opening a casino, it is believed that the negative social effects, and the various opposing views among their residents may over power any possible economic gain.
In a recent article for Casino Gambling Web, the Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Frederick Ma said the following: "It's definitely somewhat of a challenge to the tourism industry, the government doesn't think it would help the tourism industry if Hong Kong built one or two casinos because Macau has many casinos like Las Vegas." Frederick Ma has, did make clear that Hong Kong will continue to develop convention space, which is a significant draw for visitors to the new Macao Venetian casino.
The Macao Venetian, which recently celebrated the one millionth visitor after only seventeen days of operation, currently boasts it is the largest casino in the world. Hong Kong will also continue to build up its cruise ship terminals, as well as further develop Ocean Park, their most prominent theme park destination.