Macau has taken another step in its strategy to diversify tourism while reinforcing regulatory oversight, with two developments announced in early July 2026. City of Dreams Macau will open backstage of its iconic House of Dancing Water show to the public for the first time, while authorities confirmed an increase in suspicious transaction reports filed by casino operators during the first half of the year.
Beginning on 15 July 2026, Melco Resorts & Entertainment will launch the House of Dancing Water Backstage Tour. This permanent 30-minute experience, priced at MOP 500, allows visitors to explore the show's main stage, underwater platform, dressing rooms, prop workshops, and technical facilities. Originally premiered on 17 September 2010 and relaunched on 7 May 2025 under the artistic direction of Giuliano Peparini, the production represents an investment of more than RMB 2 billion, has staged nearly 4,000 performances, and attracted over 6 million spectators. The initiative is being promoted by Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts, as part of Macau's drive to expand non-gaming tourism attractions.
The tourism initiative coincides with new figures released by Macau's Financial Intelligence Office (GIF), which reported receiving 2,746 Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) during the first half of 2026. Of those, 2,013 were submitted by casino operators, representing an 8.7% increase compared with the same period in 2025. The gaming sector remains the largest source of anti-money laundering reports across Macau's economy, accounting for 73.3% of the total, reflecting stronger monitoring and compliance by licensed concessionaires.
Oversight of the gaming industry is carried out by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), led by Lio Chi Chong, in coordination with the GIF and the Secretariat for Economy and Finance, headed by Ng Wai Han. The reporting obligations form part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) framework imposed on Macau's six casino concessionaires under local legislation and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards.
Lio Chi Chong
Together, these developments illustrate the strategy adopted following the 2022 casino concession renewals, because with expanding Macau's appeal through world-class entertainment while simultaneously strengthening financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and the integrity of one of the world's largest regulated gaming markets.
