Casino Macao Guide and Review
Located in the vibrant city of Cancun, Mexico, Casino Macao offers a gaming diversion for visitors seeking a taste of casino entertainment. While it may not rival the colossal establishments found in Las Vegas or larger international gaming hubs, it consistently earns praise for its intimate yet engaging atmosphere.
Atmosphere & Size ✨
Reviewers frequently describe Casino Macao as a small but new and classy establishment. Despite its compact footprint compared to US casinos, it manages to maintain a fun and engaging atmosphere. Many visitors find its smaller size to be a pleasant change, offering a more focused gaming experience rather than overwhelming vastness.
Gaming Experience & Currency Matters 🎲
The casino primarily features a variety of floor games and slot machines, with a notable mention of "Vegas-style slot machines with an Asian theme (Macau)." For those who enjoy card games, Texas Hold'em is also available.
Important Note on Currency & Payouts ⚠️
This is where visitors must exercise caution. The machines operate exclusively in Mexican pesos. Several reviews highlight significant concerns regarding money conversion and payouts:
- One user reported a substantial discrepancy where an apparent win of "over $3,500 US turned out to be under $200" due to confusion over credits versus actual cash value.
- Another cautionary review noted the casino's unfavorable exchange rate, stating they offered 16 pesos to 1 dollar when the real rate was 19.5 pesos to 1 dollar. This means you get significantly less value for your USD when exchanging at the casino.
It is strongly advised to bring Mexican pesos in advance to avoid unfavorable exchange rates at the casino's cash desk. While some patrons reported being "paid correctly" or experiencing a "great exchange rate," the inconsistencies warrant a careful approach.
Service & Amenities 🍹
The casino provides a full bar, and reviewers speak highly of the drink quality. One reviewer specifically praised the bartenders for making an excellent "blackberry smash." However, unlike many US casinos, complimentary drinks are not offered, regardless of how much you gamble.
Regarding staff, the overall sentiment is positive, with waiters and bar staff described as "very nice and attentive" and "friendly." However, the cash desk personnel received criticism for being "not very welcoming" and making patrons wait. For those looking to relax, there are also sofas available to lounge and watch games.
Fees & Other Considerations 🚬
Be aware that the casino charges high commission fees for refilling your playing card or cashing out winnings. Additionally, some visitors noted that smoking, particularly cigars, is permitted, which might be a "damper" for non-smokers.
Overall Verdict
Casino Macao in Cancun offers a pleasant and intimate casino experience. It's a good option for those looking to enjoy some slots or table games in a relaxed setting without the overwhelming scale of larger resorts. The positive aspects include its clean, new interior, friendly service staff (outside of the cash desk), and a good bar.
However, potential visitors must be acutely aware of the currency conversion issues and associated fees. Planning to bring pesos and clarifying payout expectations beforehand can significantly enhance your experience. If you go in with realistic expectations and are prepared for the currency quirks, Casino Macao can be a fun stop in Cancun.
I recently visited this casino and had a great time. Although it's smaller compared to those in the US, it offers a fun atmosphere. However, I did notice a few drawbacks. The commission fees for refilling the card or cashing out are quite high, and they don't offer any complimentary services—drinks are on you regardless of how much you spend. The staff, particularly the girls and waiters, were very nice and attentive. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the cash desk personnel, who were not very welcoming and didn't seem to mind making patrons wait. Also, be aware that the machines operate in Mexican pesos, which is fine, but don't get confused thinking you've won thousands of dollars. Overall, it's a nice place to visit.
The casino is small but new with lots of floor games where most of the activity happens. There are some nice Vegas-style slot machines with an Asian theme (Macau). Be sure to bring pesos in advance to play because the casino’s exchange rate was 16 pesos to 1 dollar when the real rate was 19.5 pesos to the 1!
Americans beware! They rip you off. If you’re going just to play cool, but do not expect to walk out a winner. What appeared to be over $3,500 US turned out to be under $200 and was told that I had credits???!!! Save your money for slots in the states.
I love this little casino. It's super nice inside. The staff for the most part, were friendly. Give your two bartenders that worked day shift on 4/26 a raise! I hate I didn't catch their names but they made me the best blackberry smash I've tasted. Yes... it's a full bar inside too along with sofas to lounge and watch the game. I've been in Mexico for 8 days and I've gone twice. 👍🏽👍🏽 The reviews about money conversion issues and payouts didn't apply during my visit. I was paid correctly.
A small but classy casino, great drinks, and for a my husband who can't walk away from the Texas Hold'em table, a great exchange rate. We gambled a few hours for wayyyyy less than it would've cost in the states. One damper was the cigars being enjoyed at the next table over, but what are ya gonna do?