But the mecca of gambling will soon undergo a change if the Macau government's plan to encourage resorts to bring in more new nongaming elements, in addition to their gambling businesses, takes hold.

According to Macau's Statistics and Census Bureau, visitors to the city spent 13.1 billion patacas (HK$12.7 billion) on nongaming activities in the first quarter this year.

Overnight visitors spent 10.6 billion patacas, an increase of 39 percent from last year, while the nongaming expenditure of same-day visitors rose 19 percent year-on-year to 2.5 billion patacas.

Not only has Macau grabbed the world's top gambling spot from Las Vegas, the city has become the new entertainment capital of Asia thanks to the rapid development of the Cotai Strip.

Offering more than just gaming tables, Galaxy Macau's China Rouge offers a truly sophisticated nightlife experience that is like no other in the city.

Inspired by Shanghai's golden era of the 1930s and the Parisian cabarets of the 1990s, the chic members-only club blends classic and modern elements of East and West, and takes this allure to another level.

"China Rouge is the icing on the cake as we complement what already exists in the Galaxy right now and bring in something that we believe the market is really looking forward to and is not available anywhere else in Macau," says Gillian Murphy, senior vice president of Galaxy Macau's nongaming operations.

Murphy also hopes that they can offer something to Macau that is not only about gaming. "This actually works for the nongaming customers and we're hoping to give them as many diverse experiences as we can."

Next door to the Galaxy is the multibillion-dollar Sands Cotai Central - offering accommodation, shopping, dining and gaming. With nearly 20 dining options to choose from, gourmands can treat themselves to a diverse variety of international cuisines.

For instance, Dynasty 8 serves classic authentic Chinese cuisines from the eight Chinese Dynasties, while the Grand Orbit takes you on a culinary journey with its all-inclusive international buffet.

For the ultimate in retail therapy Shoppes Cotai at Sands Cotai Central joins The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Macao and The Shoppes at Four Seasons to offer the largest duty- free luxury shopping center in Macau, with nearly 600 brands to choose from.

Similar to the Galaxy, Sands Cotai Central also includes three hotels - Holiday Inn, Conrad and The Sheraton, with more than 5,800 rooms in total.

For those interested in the arts and live performances the Venetian Theatre is good news. Collaborating with leading international show producers, the stage is being set to showcase exclusive performances - from pop concerts and plays to Chinese opera.

For those who need nothing but pure relaxation and rest, pamper yourself with a deluxe spa treatment.

The Spa at Four Seasons refreshes your body using fine gems such as jade, tiger's eye and crushed diamonds as antioxidants, while the Tea Tree Spa at Holiday Inn revitalizes you with their signature Tea Tree massages, foot reflexologies, body wraps and more.

Today, Macau offers more than just gambling.

With more and more world-class hospitality groups and retail brands making their way into the former Portuguese colony, Macau is quickly becoming all things to all people.