Macau casinos rely on boxing to boost punches
Today, there is no doubt that Macau has far surpassed Las Vegas to become the world's largest gaming market. But when it comes to vacation destinations, many still believe Las Vegas has a clear edge. While Macau has the most high-roller activity and highest gambling revenue in the world, Las Vegas remains the premier destination for world-class entertainment, dining and sporting events.
Macau wear gloves
That includes boxing, an area where Macau casinos can make some headway. US boxing promoter Bob Arum says Macau could become "a new destination for major boxing", a strategy that is starting to bear fruit. In April, Chinese Olympic boxing star Zou Shiming defeated Mexican player Eleazar Valenzuela to make his professional debut. But he didn't fight at a local venue or one of Las Vegas' classic arenas: his first fight was at the Venetian Macau.
The match was considered a huge success for both casinos and organizers: 300 million Chinese viewers watched it on television. But that may pale in comparison to what happened next.
In November, Manny Pacquiao from the Philippines and American boxer Brandon Rios will have a boxing match at the Venetian. Pacquiao may have lost two in a row, but he remains one of boxing's biggest stars and one of the most recognizable names in global sports. Unlike the Zou Shiming fight, this fight is designed to benefit audiences from all over the world, not just local Chinese audiences.
While the time for the Pacquiao fight has not yet been determined, it is expected to take place in the early morning hours local time, allowing it to be broadcast live to a paying audience in the United States in the evening.
Meanwhile, Shi will return to the ring in July when he takes on Mexico's Jesus Ortega at the Cotai Arena. The combination of a Chinese star and a boxer with global reach could be a lucrative match for promoters like Arum, who can tap into the existing boxing audience and attract countless Chinese viewers. Future cards will also showcase Asian boxing prospects in preliminary bouts, including fighters from the Philippines, Japan and Thailand.
Glen McCartney, assistant professor of gaming and hospitality management at the University of Macau, said that for Macau, the interest in boxing is about diversity.
"In Las Vegas 15 or 20 years ago, they realized they could make money from other types of tourism or business," McCartney said. "This could have a huge multiplier effect. They want to create a positive image and let people know this is a diverse city."
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Source: www.casino.org
