The Classiest and Gaudiest Casinos of Macau in Photos

As classy casinos go, this one tops the list. It’s a lot of casino, US$4.2 billion dollars worth, and it looks and feels expensive. Roger Thomas, who is head of design for Wynn Resorts, is renowned for his classy sense of aesthetic which is on full display throughout this casino. There is less of the gilded, over the top kitsch style that we’re used to seeing in many casinos and more of a trend towards elegance and subtlety. Even the water shooting from over a thousand water jets, as part of the eight acre performance lake, is choreographed in an elegant fashion.

This casino is certainly eye catching and as it’s the tallest building in Macaumaking it impossible to miss. However, it’s unique design frequently divides opinion and it’s one you either love or hate. Shaped like a giant golden lotus flower, the official emblem of Macau, it’s been nicknamed “the giant golden pineapple” by locals, as its shape bears a striking resemblance to the fruit. It’s gold, bold and over the top. It’s as gaudy as it gets and everything you expect a casino to be.

The first thing you notice about the Venetian is that it’s huge. In fact, it’s the world’s largest casino complex. Such is the success of the place, a veritable goldmine for its owners, that The Venetian is arguably more famous than Macau itself. Adorned with decadent interiors styled on gilded, old world Europe, it’s loud and proud of being gaudy and shouts it from every corner. It’s definitely a sight to be seen and so wonderfully over the top that it can’t help but charm you.

Unlike the name suggests, it’s not quite the stuff of dreams, but it’s not a tacky nightmare either. Here, several hotel brands are housed under one roof in an integrated resort that offers casinos, shopping, entertainment and dining. It attracts a younger crowd and has less of the Vegasstyle gaudiness that is prevalent elsewhere in Macau.

Galaxy Macau is yet another palatial casino resort, once again decorated in Macau’s favourite gold colour. It’s a giant Asian palace style building that dominates the Cotai skyline. It’s no less golden or attention grabbing on the inside, but it does have its less gaudy moments in the form of the Ritz-Carlton hotel that opened in the resort back in 2015, bringing a more refined touch.