Galaxy Entertainment Chairman Lui Che Woo, the casino mogul who helped Macau surpass Las Vegas as the world’s biggest gambling hub, passed away on November 7 at the age of 95. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Macau surpassed Las Vegas as the world’s biggest gambling hub in 2006 and hasn’t looked back since. A key driver in this success was Lui Che Woo, a prominent real estate and casino mogul who chaired Galaxy Entertainment, one of six Macau gambling license holders. The casino company owns more real estate on the Cotai Strip than any other concessionaire.

Galaxy will appoint a new chairman in due course

Lui passed away on November 7 at the age of 95, his company revealed on Monday. It remarked that his “vision, tremendous leadership and guidance” were imperative for its success. Galaxy will appoint a new chairman in due course and emphasized that Lui’s passing won’t affect operations.

The Guangdong native initially made his fortune in quarry mining and construction through the Hong Kong-listed K. Wah Group. Despite being one of the wealthiest men in Hong Kong, Lui remained understated, wearing a flat cap as he went about his business.

His son Francis is the deputy chairman of Galaxy Entertainment and leads many projects within the company. Other children work globally in other aspects of the family’s business interests.