Galaxy Chairman Francis Lui Envisions Macau as a Parallel Universe for High-Rollers

The neon-lit skyline of Macau is undergoing a radical transformation, and one of the industry's most powerful figures is setting the pace. Francis Lui, who succeeded his late father Lui Che Woo as Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group in December 2024, is pursuing a vision he describes as a parallel strategy. At a time when the old junket system has crumbled and authorities are demanding greater diversification, Galaxy is attempting to balance exclusive VIP gaming with family-friendly mass tourism. It is a calculated move in a market that, according to Lui, still possesses humongous potential for further penetration into mainland China.

The core of this strategy lies in the physical separation and simultaneous elevation of both worlds. While the company focuses on government-mandated MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) facilities and massive arenas in Phase 3 of its Galaxy Macau project, ultra-luxury hotel brands like Raffles and Capella are being developed in the background. These properties offer private salons for high-rollers who wish to gamble away from the crowds, while right next door, thousands of visitors attend concerts in the city's largest indoor arena. This approach marks the end of an era where Macau relied almost exclusively on unregulated VIP business.

Numbers and facts

The financial scale of this transformation is staggering. Francis Lui estimates the total capital investment for Galaxy Macau will reach approximately HK$100 billion, or about US$12.75 billion, upon the completion of Phase 4. Last year, Galaxy’s group EBITDA exceeded US$1.8 billion, bringing the company close to its 2019 pre-pandemic level of US$2.1 billion.

The new infrastructure reflects this shift. The Galaxy Arena, opened in 2023, features 16,000 seats and eight luxury suites. The Galaxy International Convention Center offers 10,000 square meters of pillar-free ground floor space. Interestingly, Galaxy adjusted its planning for the upcoming Phase 4 based on market trends. Originally intended to house up to 2,500 hotel rooms, the number was reduced to 1,500 to provide more space for luxury and high-end quality.

Background

The transformation in Macau is not entirely voluntary. The government requires the six concessionaires to invest a total of US$13.6 billion in non-gaming activities. However, Lui sees this as an opportunity for a more sustainable business model. In interviews, he emphasizes the need to support the government's vision while creating economic value. An interesting aspect of his future planning is Hengqin Island. As Macau runs out of space for new mega-projects, Lui looks toward Hengqin, which is three times the size of Macau, as a potential location for lower-priced hotels and logistical support.

"The vision in Macau is that it has to be sustainable, and you don’t want to bet on just pure gaming. We try to understand and try to support what the government wants us to do." - Francis Lui, Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group

Lui points to international examples like The Sphere in Las Vegas or the ABBA show in London to illustrate where the journey must go. He argues that the next generation of entertainment facilities in Macau must embrace cutting-edge technology to entice visitors to pay high ticket prices, just as he did as a tourist in Vegas.

Why it matters for German players

For German casino fans playing online, billion-dollar investments in Macau might seem distant. However, the regulatory development in Asia mirrors a global trend that has also reached Germany with the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021): a shift away from a Wild West market toward strict state supervision and player protection. Those in Germany who are fascinated by Macau should know that the megaplexes there set standards that online casinos often try to replicate.

In Germany, the offering is strictly limited by the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL). There are no private salons for high-rollers with million-euro stakes here; instead, there is a fixed deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month across all providers, monitored via the LUGAS system. While Francis Lui bets on luxury suites for gamblers in Macau, German law protects players through a 1-euro limit per spin on virtual slots. German customers should play exclusively with providers on the official GGL whitelist to ensure legal certainty and fair winning chances.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German casinos with a GGL license can learn from the development in Macau that pure slot content will not be enough in the long run. Diversification toward entertainment and brand loyalty is crucial. While Macau builds physical arenas, German licensees must convince players through excellent service and innovative, legal game concepts within the tight regulatory framework. The focus on sustainability and social responsibility that Lui proclaims for Galaxy is already a business-critical reality for German operators due to strict advertising guidelines and prevention requirements. Providers without a German license (often from Curacao or Malta) may try to lure players with higher limits, but they do not offer the legal security provided by a state-regulated market like Germany or the newly restructured market in Macau.