Macau's economy relies heavily on gambling. Nowadays, the gambling industry generates over 40% of the GDP of Macau. Since the early 1960s, around 50% of Macau's official revenue has been driven by gambling.

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.