'I had come here with my family last year. But after seeing the nightlife and the thriving casinos, I planned to come again with friends,' said a businessman, who did not want to reveal his name.

Hopping from one casino to another, he said they were first a bit unsure about gambling but gained confidence after they started winning.

'We are having the time of our life. We are hoping to come again some time later this year. But of course just with friends,' said the beaming middle-aged businessman obviously out for some fun - without his family.

But then Macau is for everybody - those gambling fortunes with a roll of the dice and also those with the itch to travel.

Photograph: A sight in Macau

Photograph: Stock.Xchang