The StarWorld Hotel and Casino will open this week in Macau, heating up competition at the Chinese enclave. The hotel and casino features a 500-room hotel, an outdoor pool and a casino with 371 slot machines and 300 gaming tables.

The StarWorld is owned by the Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. from Hong Kong, which also owns the Grand Waldo Casino and Hotel that opened on September 29th. “It is expected that Galaxy's market share may reach 25 percent by the end of the year,” Lui Che-Woo, Galaxy Chairman, said.

“Statistics show that over 95 percent of tourist arrivals in Macau are from Asia As a company owned and operated by Chinese, Galaxy understands the specific tastes of Asians for hotel, entertainment and dining," Lui added.

Macau, the only place in China where gambling is allowed, is expected to replace Las Vegas as the world’s gaming capital.