Macao's casino boom brings wealth but at a cost, 25 years since China's takeover
Macao has grown from a monopoly-driven gambling enclave into the world's biggest gaming hub, packed with Chinese tourists, since Beijing took control of the former Portuguese colony 25 years ago
MACAO (AP) — When Portugal returned its colony Macao to China in 1999, coffee shop owner Daniel Chao was a first grader living in a different world.
Since then his sleepy hometown has transformed into a bustling gaming hub lined with glittering casinos. Its once quiet streets are now jammed with tourist buses. But the growing wealth of the city dubbed the “Las Vegas of the East” has not brought qualities of sustainable development such as economic diversity and high civic participation.
“What was once a relaxed, free place in my childhood has become a place that is crowded and highly commercialized,” said Chao.
Macao will mark the 25th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule on Friday. Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting the city for three days and the city is festooned with celebratory banners and other decorations. A fireworks display is planned for next week.
