Starworld Macau
In a crowded world of Macau’s casino hotels, the StarWorld Hotel and Casino, run by Galaxy Entertainment Group, has long standing credentials- it’s been here since 2006 which gives it some vintage compared to some of its competitors on the Peninsula. These properties might not be as glitzy as the Wynn Palace Macao on the Cotai Strip, but they are not ar off and they represent excellent value for visitors to this Pearl River Delta city.
Handily, StarWorld is located mid Avenue D’Amizade in the midst of the action and, quite naturally, it’s a five star affair like so many of its peers. As a roulette fan I was curious to see what StarWorld could offer up for me apart from its startling modern architecture, the work of the famed Hong Kong architect Dr. Rocco Yim, lavish modern styling, and top notch status. It’s pretty tall too. Not as tall as the Stratosphere Tower Casino in Las Vegas obviously, but tall enough!
In terms of space for gambling StarWorld does spread its gaming over three separate floors which boded well for my chances of getting some action at a roulette wheel. Given that, this luxurious place boasts a very healthy 250 table games and that’s before you take a break from all that wheel spinning action, with more than 240 slots (which are far more affordable than the table games) there to change up your play; if you fancy your hand at a little pick and mix.
Having 13,000 square metres of gambling floor with a buzzy atmosphere, this casino is popular. I was expecting to try out a smorgasbord of gambling delights but despite its size the roulette is fairly limited, even in the level one mass gambling area, and I was disappointed by this. So it might be bigger than the Ca’ Noghera Casino in Venice, but the roulette is a bit tough to find.
The first level is where the greatest numbers of gamblers come to have their fun although there are different private salons for VIP gaming scattered throughout the casino hotel. This area focuses on providing a small selection of games and these often come with a high price tag, with $300 not an unusual price to start your gaming fun – but I couldn’t find table roulette on offer here.
Here too it’s hard not to notice the massive LED screen which shows sports and basically helps to lure people into this area to lounge and relax.
There is also a large electronic gaming area with tables games on offer including roulette but unsurprisingly there is also baccarat and sic bo. The minimum table bets here are low but come in around the $3 mark.
If you have wondering tastes in gambling it has to be noted that StarWorld has the famed Poker King Club within its 39 storeys of hotel and casino, and this place has a hard earned reputation for hosting some of the territories’ highest stakes games and some famous players take their chances here too. If you’re really not too keen to try another game, then you’ll be happy to hear that there is roulette on offer on the tenth floor.
The tenth floor is really the place dedicated to high rollers, which on this occasion wasn’t me. There are private salons where those who are feeling that their wallets are just too heavy can put their feet on the gas pedal and play where the sky is the limit.
As you’d expect in a five star place like StarWorld, there is a massive selection of world-class eateries where you can eat incredible Asian food including the two Michelin Starred Feng Wei Ju, or try more continental fare at the Temptations restaurant. Notable for its fun atmosphere and popularity is the 16th floor’s Whisky Bar with enviable city views and some live music to boot.
The hotel is a very smart affair with 500 rooms to boast but beware this place is often booked up at weekends; if you’re not booking ahead try getting a room mid-week when the crowds are at their lowest.
For the roulette lover this is a place to have a wonder and dip into the action but I didn’t think that there was enough to keep you here, despite its finery and glitz.