Mahjong came to the West in the 1920's and has come in and out of vogue as a recreational activity. The game played in the Western world is a modernized version compared to its original form. Recently Mahjong has been enjoying a comeback due in large part to its online version and its casino form.

Gambling in Macau has been legal since the 1850s when the Portuguese government legalised the activity in the autonomous colony. Since then, Macau has become known worldwide as the "Gambling capital of the world". It is the only place in China where casino gambling is legal.