Officials in Macau, the flourishing gambling enclave have give permission to local casinos to offer Texas Hold’em poker as part of their selection of games for the first ever. The Grand Lisboa Casino has invested in four new tables dedicated to Texas Hold'em, a company spokeswoman said. The casino has also trained staff to help first-time players.

The general interest in poker, predominantly Texas Hold'em has blown up in proportions all over the world due the increasing popularity of online poker as well as televised shows and tournament broadcasts and China is not the exception. Besides, China is been opening to the western customs and embracing poker is part of the same process, some poker sites are available inside China, including BodogLife Poker, a site that has increased its intentions to capture more players from that region of the world.

 

“We are confident that Texas Hold'em will become very popular here. It is popular in Europe and in the U.S. and there are international Texas Hold'em Poker tournaments every year” said Louis Ng, Casino director and chief operating officer.

Macau's government Texas Hold'em approval happened earlier this week. The new rules permit the casinos to save a commission of 3% to 5% of the betting pool for each game.

Macau's government has issued several gaming licenses that have attracted some of the major Las Vegas operators including Wynn, Las Vegas Sands and MGM Grand.