Is Macao the New Vegas?

Is Macao the New Vegas?
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Angus Dunnington Pokerlistings Author
Fact Checked: PokerListings
  • Updated: July 2, 2025
  • Read time: 1 min

Las Vegas might be the gambling mecca, but Macao – known as the Las Vegas of Asia – is more than just a pretender to the throne… Poker players who like the glitz and theme of Vegas now have a worthy alternative in what is officially known as the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (MSAR), where an attraction that has gone on a PR overdrive recently could be slotted right in the middle of Vegas.

On Macao’s famous Cotai Strip, you could already find famous European landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Venice’s Grand Canal – yes, this most densely populated region in the world is clearly keen to emulate its US gambling counterpart. But Asia’s would-be sin city has gone a step further in the shape of the British-themed The Londoner Macao – complete with its own set of famous London attractions. This even includes an enormous replica of Big Ben!    

Of course, the world of real money online poker is an exciting one, but if you feel like trading in online poker tournaments for the live poker tournament experience in an exotic location, then here is a unique option.

Abbey Road, Palace of Westminster… in Macao

Not only do gamblers and tourists from this part of the world no longer need to fly halfway around it to get a taste of Abbey Road or a typical English afternoon tea, but Londoners can make the trip to Macao and get their own, quite bizarre London experience.

Between your sessions at the tables, you can take in 10 Downing Street (the UK Prime Minister’s residence) or wander at an iconic double-decker London bus inside the hotel. There’s even the so-called Black Cab Escape, a virtual ride around London with a hologram David Beckham, taking in the soccer legend’s favourite London spots. Indeed, Beckham, a Sands Resort Macau Global Ambassador, has even designed a select bunch of luxury suites in the hotel, apparently based on a ‘homely’ theme.