Macau's casino resorts are making significant changes in their approach to entertainment, broadening their scope to attract not only gamblers but also tourists interested in non-gaming activities. Lawrence Che Fok Sang, CEO of Chessman Entertainment & Production Co Ltd, noted in an interview with GGRAsia that the landscape has shifted markedly from pre-pandemic times. His agency, which focuses on stage entertainment production and artist management, has been instrumental in organizing numerous sold-out concerts featuring top artists at these resorts. Notable performers include Hong Kong's Jacky Cheung and MC Cheung Tin-fu, as well as Korean artists like G Dragon and Kyuhyun.
In the past, catering to the preferences of Chinese mainland gamblers was the main focus for Macau casino operators, who believed certain artists could drive additional gambling activities within their premises. However, in the post-pandemic era, operators are increasingly booking artists that appeal to non-gaming customers and the families of casino patrons.
"They [operators] are now focused on what non-gaming projects could drive their profits, or benefit their businesses in relation to hotel stays, [their] malls or the restaurants," Mr. Che stated. This new strategy emphasizes the importance of diversifying entertainment offerings to enhance visitor experiences and increase profitability.
The Evolving Scene of Macau's Entertainment Landscape
The ability of Macau's market to offer a wider variety of shows has been bolstered by the development of new and soon-to-be-launched performance venues at casino resorts. Mr. Che highlighted the emergence of an 'event centre' at Wynn Palace, one of Wynn Macau Ltd's properties on Cotai.
"The future for the entertainment business looks great," he suggested, noting the variety brought by shows such as the Shanghai cabaret 'Candor', presented by Wynn Macau Ltd. Furthermore, other operators are expanding their offerings by introducing Disney musicals, operas, and magic shows back into the market. The concert format remains a dominant force, primarily featuring artists from the Greater China region and South Korea.
As Mr. Che remarked, "K-pop really sees Macau as an important market." He attributes this interest in part to Macau's liberal environment, which provides an open space for Korean artists to connect with the Chinese market, especially given the historical context of cultural tensions between South Korea and China that have driven Korean pop artists to seek venues abroad, such as Macau.
Strategic Infrastructure Needs for Enhanced Performances
Despite the advances in diverse entertainment offerings, Mr. Che pointed out that Macau still lacks a venue comparable to Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium, which can accommodate 50,000 spectators with a retractable roof. "We are not able to host Taylor Swift or Coldplay, because their demand is… way beyond 16,000 seats a session," he explained
Although Macau does have a 50,000-capacity open-air venue adjacent to the Grand Lisboa Palace in Cotai, weather conditions limit its usability to about six months out of the year. Mr. Che advocates for the construction of an indoor, large-capacity stadium as a public investment.
He believes this would fulfill Macau's aspiration to be a "City of Entertainment" as per local-government goals, attract globally renowned artists, and ultimately increase international tourism to the city. Such a development could propel Macau into the global spotlight as a premier entertainment destination, hosting major international acts and further enhancing its appeal beyond gambling.
Source: Macau resort show offerings now expanding beyond a gambler audience: entertainment promoter, GGRAsia, October 17, 2025.
Posted by Wizard
Oct 21 2025
Oct 21 2025
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