The Macao gaming industry can be traced back to the 16th century, when Macao first opened its harbor to the visitors.  At that time, gaming was specifically popular among the construction workers emigrated from Mainland China, harbor coolies and domestic helpers.  Since no gaming regulation was implemented, the gambling stalls were spread over streets and lanes and were operated by the bankers themselves.

After Hong Kong’s sovereignty was ceded to the British in 1842, Macao’s role as an important trading port was gradually replaced by Hong Kong.  In an effort to fill its depleted coffers and diversify its leading economic activities, the Macao’s Portuguese government legalized gaming for the first time in 1847.  By 1850s, there were more than two hundred “Fantan” stalls operating in Macao.  Towards the late 19th century, gaming industry started booming, thus, making gaming tax as the main income for the government.  Since then, Macao also began to be famous for its gaming industry and earned the appellation “Monte Carlo of the Orient”.