Fortune’s fate : considering Macao’s gambling history as heritage

Abstract

In 1847 gambling was legalised in Macao. Over the course of 170 years the city has developed into the world’s largest gambling destination. This dissertation examines the history of gambling in Macao and evaluates its potential as heritage. Through an account of Macao’s gambling history, a series of places, traditions, and artefacts is identified that constitutes a potential Macao gambling heritage. A systematic analysis of these places reveals their relevance to gambling history is often forgotten, ignored, or not fully understood. Through a series of interviews it is revealed that experts from Macao’s tourism and heritage sectors agree that many of these places, traditions, and artefacts should be preserved because of their significance for the history of gambling in Macao and their interpretation materials should clearly reflect this. Reasons for the lack of recognition are offered. A review of listed gambling heritage in Monte Carlo, Las Vegas, and Australia presents alternatives for the treatment of gambling heritage, using the concepts of corporate heritage, marketing and / or social value to recognise the significance of gambling in the history of these places. Finally, ways forward are suggested, including an approach to conservation and interpretation that may be able to deal with the difficulties the Macao government has in recognising the historic role gambling has played in the city while, at the same time, presenting a complete and meaningful narrative of that history to Macao residents and visitors.