Lui Che Woo, the Hong Kong-born casino magnate whose vision helped Macao overtake Las Vegas as the world’s gambling capital, has died at the age of 95. Galaxy Entertainment, his company, confirmed that Lui passed away on November 7 in Hong Kong, calling him a figure of “vision, tremendous leadership, and guidance” whose legacy will continue to shape the casino industry in Macao and beyond.
Lui’s contributions to Macao’s meteoric rise as a gambling destination cannot be overstated. As chairman of Galaxy Entertainment, Lui navigated his company through the competitive and rapidly transforming gambling landscape, building it into one of the largest operators in the Macao market. The casino group held one of the six coveted gaming licenses awarded by the Macao government after the industry’s liberalization in 2002, giving it a foothold that would propel it to prominence alongside global giants such as Sheldon Adelson’s Las Vegas Sands and Steve Wynn’s Wynn Resorts.
Lui Che Woo’s life journey and entrepreneurial ventures extended far beyond the casino industry. Born on August 9, 1929, in Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, Lui moved to Hong Kong with his family at the age of four. When Japan occupied Hong Kong during World War II, the young Lui, barely 13, began working in a food manufacturing and distribution business to support his family. From there, he launched into a series of diverse businesses, marking him as a true self-made mogul. His ventures initially included car parts and heavy machinery, and he gradually expanded into quarrying and construction materials—industries foundational to Hong Kong’s booming post-war economy.
In the 1960s, Lui shifted his focus to property investments, a prescient move that positioned him to benefit from Hong Kong’s escalating property market. By the 1980s, he was adding hotels to his portfolio, diversifying his empire further. His company, K Wah Group, which he chaired alongside Galaxy Entertainment, became a construction and property conglomerate with over 200 subsidiaries spanning mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Southeast Asia. His holdings included quarry mining, property developments, and, eventually, high-stakes gambling.
When Macao’s government opened its gambling market to foreign investment in 2002, Lui seized the opportunity, steering Galaxy Entertainment into a market that would soon eclipse Las Vegas in gambling revenue. Galaxy’s emergence as a dominant force in Macao came in part due to Lui’s ability to foresee the potential of the Cotai Strip, a reclaimed stretch of land that would eventually host some of the world’s most luxurious casinos and resorts. Galaxy Entertainment’s sprawling resorts on Cotai are testaments to Lui’s strategic planning, and they have been key attractions for gamblers and tourists alike.
The company’s flagship property, Galaxy Macau, opened in 2011, boasting one of the region’s largest casino floors, lavish suites, world-class restaurants, and entertainment facilities. By creating an immersive entertainment experience, Galaxy Macau helped redefine the notion of a casino, catering not only to high rollers but also to a growing number of tourists seeking leisure and luxury.
Beyond Macao, Lui’s low-profile yet influential persona helped shape the entire Asian casino industry. A contemporary of casino titans like the late Stanley Ho, Sheldon Adelson, and Steve Wynn, Lui managed to carve a distinct niche for Galaxy Entertainment by focusing on land acquisition, large-scale resorts, and long-term sustainable growth.
A key factor in Lui’s success in Macao and beyond was his strong connection with Beijing. As a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, China’s national advisory body, Lui enjoyed close ties to influential government figures. His participation in a 2014 business delegation to meet President Xi Jinping underscored his deep-rooted connections with Chinese political leadership. These ties provided Lui with both political support and strategic advantages, particularly in the context of a highly regulated casino industry where government policy directly impacts business.
Lui’s influence within China was also apparent in his company’s operations. K Wah and Galaxy Entertainment aligned with Beijing’s vision for Macao, which has sought to diversify the region’s economy and mitigate the social impacts of gambling. Under Lui’s leadership, Galaxy adhered to local regulations and became a dependable partner for the government, particularly during recent regulatory shifts aimed at tightening oversight and reducing Macao’s dependence on gambling revenues alone.
Lui Che Woo’s influence extended well beyond business. Known for his philanthropic endeavors, Lui made significant contributions in education, healthcare, and technology. One of his most well-known initiatives was the Lui Che Woo Prize, an annual cash award of HK$20 million (US$2.57 million), created to recognize individuals and organizations that contributed to world civilization through sustainable development, contributions to humanity’s welfare, and promotion of a positive outlook on life. The award reflects Lui’s personal belief in the potential for positive impact, particularly in areas that foster human and societal development.
Lui’s philanthropy has made a lasting impact on Hong Kong’s educational and healthcare institutions, which have benefited from his substantial financial contributions. Through K Wah, Lui supported medical advancements and expanded educational opportunities, which have positively affected thousands in Hong Kong and mainland China.
Lui is survived by his wife, Chiu Kam Ping, and his five children, who are active in various facets of his business empire. His son Francis Lui, Galaxy Entertainment’s deputy chairman, has long been a prominent figure within the company. Over recent years, Francis has taken on more of the day-to-day responsibilities, especially as Galaxy pursued further expansions on the Cotai Strip. Under Francis’ guidance, the company has continued to thrive, leveraging its expansive landholdings and developing one of the territory’s largest indoor arenas, which opened last December.
Lui’s other children are involved in various branches of K Wah Group’s diversified holdings, ensuring that the family remains deeply entwined in the businesses their patriarch built. Galaxy Entertainment has stated that a new chairman will be announced “in due course,” indicating that Lui’s death is not expected to disrupt the group’s operations.
Lui’s death marks the end of an era for Galaxy Entertainment, but the company appears well-positioned to carry forward his vision. Over the past two decades, Lui’s strategic land acquisitions and focus on integrated resorts have solidified Galaxy’s position as a leader in Macao’s gambling and entertainment industry. As Macao continues to adapt to regulatory changes and Beijing’s calls for economic diversification, Galaxy’s extensive infrastructure and innovative projects provide it with a competitive edge.
Furthermore, Macao’s commitment to reducing its dependence on gambling presents both challenges and opportunities for Galaxy and other operators. Galaxy has already invested heavily in entertainment facilities, conventions, and non-gambling amenities, aligning with Beijing’s goal of creating a more sustainable tourism sector. This foresight is part of Lui’s legacy—a dedication to long-term, adaptable growth that ensures Galaxy remains resilient amid changing policies and economic pressures.
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Despite being one of Hong Kong’s wealthiest individuals, Lui maintained a notably low profile. Often seen wearing a distinctive flat cap at public appearances, he preferred a reserved approach, rarely courting media attention or flaunting his wealth. His understated manner belied his substantial influence and ambition, which were evidenced in the impressive scale and scope of his business achievements.
Lui’s legacy also includes his role as a trailblazer who helped transform Macao’s casino industry from a collection of smaller, independently run casinos into a globally recognized center of high-stakes gambling and luxury tourism. His approach to the casino business—marked by meticulous planning, long-term investments, and a steady focus on growth—set him apart from other casino moguls. This commitment to steady growth and his focus on community-building initiatives made him a respected figure among his peers, employees, and those who benefitted from his philanthropy.
