Macau’s future could see a surge in Las Vegas-style residency shows featuring global music stars, according to Sam Hou-fai, the gambling hub’s former top judge and a strong candidate for its next political leader.
Recently, a report from the UK tabloid The Daily Mail stated that Adele had turned down a colossal $200 million offer for an extended world tour, which would have included a residency at an undisclosed Macau casino. This tour was set to feature stops in Europe, Asia, and South America, with the Macau residency alone promised to be a financial windfall for the British singer, potentially marking the “biggest payday of her career.” However, Adele chose to prioritize spending time with her family.
Casino.org has not been able to verify the authenticity of this rumor, but Sam Hou-fai seemed to grasp its significance, as the story spread rapidly through Macau’s media outlets. This past weekend, during a town hall meeting, Sam reflected on the rumor, stating, “I read that a famous UK singer, who once performed in a residency show in Las Vegas for a period of time, was offered around US$200 million by a large leisure gaming firm in Macau to perform for maybe half a year or more.” According to reports and translations by The South China Morning Post (SCMP), he used this anecdote to highlight the potential benefits of attracting headline performers to Macau.
Adele’s current residency at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace will conclude in November 2022, after 100 shows over two years. She has publicly announced her need for a break. Reflecting on her decision to decline the Macau offer, Sam pondered, “While she [Adele] turned down the offer to take care of her family and children, could we not continue to promote something like this to make it a long-term operation?”
Though Macau casinos have dabbled in residencies, these usually feature Hong Kong or K-Pop stars rather than international megastars like Adele, who, despite her popularity in Asia, has never toured there extensively. The House of Dancing Waters, a show that blends acrobatics and dance, is set to return to the City of Dreams resort after a four-year hiatus, according to the SCMP.
Macau’s leadership faces mounting pressure from Beijing to diversify its economy beyond casino gaming and attract more tourists from outside mainland China. Sam, a staunch supporter of Beijing and the first Macau leader born in mainland China, has emphasized the need for “reform and innovation” to tackle economic and political challenges. He criticizes the casino industry’s impact on society’s resources and the restricted career options for young people.
As part of their recent relicensing, Macau’s six casino licensees have committed to investing $12.5 billion in non-gaming facilities. Sam suggested that attracting top international talent could be a strategic use of these funds, potentially transforming Macau into a bustling hub for global entertainment.