Gaming anyone? A comparative study of recent urban development trends in Las Vegas and Macau

Cities thrive for many reasons. The sheer impact of people, socio-economic activities and urban development promotes the essential conditions for urban growth. Gaming, in addition to a myriad of other entertainment activities, has been used to foster urban growth in cities. Las Vegas and Macau are two territories that are well known for their high concentration of casinos, hotels and shopping malls. This paper reviews current trends in urban development in these two urban agglomerations and discusses their implications from an urban planning perspective. The main conclusion is that the global financial crisis slowed development projects and made real estate entrepreneurs and policy makers more cognizant of the challenges of sustainability and global climate change.

► The paper reviews currents trends in the urban development of Las Vegas and Macau.
► The impact of the global financial crisis is highlighted.
► Entrepreneurs are more cognizant of sustainability and global climate change.
► The tendency to gamble can potentially destroy the socio-economic fabric of communities.
► Leadership from the whole spectrum of societal forces is one of the best solutions.