Top Challenges Facing Macau If China Casino Monopoly Ends

Gaming in Hainan could threaten Macau’s $33 billion industry
Plans to allow gaming on island may pave way for casinos

Gaming chips are placed on a roulette table during the All Asia Dealers' Championship at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) inside the Venetian Macau resort and casino, operated by Sands China Ltd., a unit of Las Vegas Sands Corp., in Macau, China, on Tuesday, May 19, 2015. The gaming expo runs through May 21.Photographer: Billy H.C. Kwok/Bloomberg

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By Daniela Wei

February 2, 2018 at 6:39 AM UTC

Updated on

February 2, 2018 at 9:44 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

A plan to allow gambling on the Chinese island of Hainan and pave the way for casinos less than 300 miles (480 kilometers) from Macau could pose a challenge to the $33 billion industry fueling revenue for Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Wynn Resorts Ltd.

Government agencies are considering allowing online betting and other gambling on Hainan Island, and the proposal could open the door to physical casinos south of the former Portuguese colony, according to people familiar with the talks. The move would reshape gaming in China’s territories, especially in Macau, which is hosting a surge of mainland visitors. Currently, Macau and Hong Kong are the only Chinese cities where gambling is allowed, while Macau is the only one that hosts casinos.