Recent recommendations for improving Macau's economy and gambling industry have included two major arguments. Firstly, that the franchise monopoly system should be broken up, thus opening the industry up to free competition - introducing a "Las Vegas" model of casino development. Secondly, change the revenue regulation system so that benefits from STDM that are now received by the government be taken as tax revenue instead of contributions, which is the present arrangement. The argument is that free competition, as in other industries, would increase quality and efficiency of products and services, and would boost the development of the industry. The return of cash rather than services to the government would allow the government to allocate funds in a more centralized and efficient manner. This argument comes in response to some perceived problems in Macau's gaming industry and deserves serious consideration. This is especially true in a city such as Macau, where around 60 percent of public revenues come from the gaming industry. Any drastic change to the existing system needs to be approached carefully. Premature decisions could lead to financial and social instability. Before any measures are taken, several questions need to be more carefully researched, such as: what, exactly, is the "Las Vegas model"? How successful has it truly been and how can "success" be measured? What lessons can be learned from other cities, which have attempted to follow in the footsteps of Las Vegas? Is the "Las Vegas model" the answer to Macau's problems? A preliminary research has been done of those aspects providing a base for further discussion.