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Macau,
Sport & Activities
Racing: This takes place at the Canidrome on Avenida General Castelo Branco on Monday, Thursday, weekends and some public holidays. The Canidrome is the only greyhound racing stadium in Asia and its excellent facilities include two grandstands, several private boxes and a VIP lounge. Over 300 dogs take part in races on each racing day. The Macau Jockey Club organises flat horse races at its track on the island of Taipa. Free shuttle buses take visitors from the Hotel Lisboa to the pier and the racecourse on racing days. The grandstand is air conditioned.
The Far East’s gala motorcycle and Formula III car racing event, the Macau Grand Prix, is held during the third week in November. Near the Grand Prix circuit is the Macau Grand Prix Museum.
Gambling: For the majority of travellers, gambling is Macau’s great attraction. Although it is well known that a large proportion of Macau’s GDP comes from gambling, people regularly travel to the country in the hope of hitting the jackpot. There are nine official casinos, all operated under Government franchise and all open 24 hours a day. Both familiar western games and popular eastern games are on offer, and an assortment of slot machines are available - these are called ‘hungry tigers’ by the locals.
Compared to western casinos, the atmosphere is unglamorous, with the emphasis on serious betting. There is a minimum bet, currently 50 patacas on all games. Further information is available from the Macau Government Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section), who also sell a detailed leaflet called A-O-A Macau Gambling Guide.
Other: An 18-hole golf course is available at the Macau Golf and Country Club, Colôane. Go-karting is available on Taipa Island. Swimming pools are found in major hotels and public pools are available in Macau, Colôane Island and Taipa. The best beach in the territory is at Hac Sa on Colôane. Despite the black colour of its sand, it has good facilities, including showers, toilets and good restaurants nearby. A bowling centre and ice rink is available at Future Bright Amusement Centre. Squash courts are available at the Oriental Macau and Royal hotels, as well as the Westin Resort. Courts and equipment for badminton and tennis are available for hire.
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