Macau is the only place in China where casino gambling is legal. Gambling in Macau has been legal since the 1850s, when it was a Portuguese colony. The region has a history of gambling on traditional Chinese games.

In November 2002 the Casin Lugano SA opened its doors, and subsequently the current share composition of the Casino Lugano: 65,73% to the Municipality, 29% to Casinos Austria Swiss, one of the world's leading groups specializing in the management of casinos, and the rest to some small private shareholders.