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Macau Bets Future on China, Asian High
Rollers
GAMBLING
MAD
High-rollers
from China and Taiwan do not bat an eyelid dropping more than $1.3
million each time they visit Macau, said a source in the casino
industry.
The same can
be said of Chinese gamblers in other parts of the world.
"We haven't
even seen the real power of the Chinese gambling streak yet,"
said one tour operator who arranges trips to Las Vegas for some
of Southeast Asia's wealthiest ethnic Chinese.
"Basically
all Chinese have the gambling gene."
For gamblers
used to the relative calm of Las Vegas, the feeding frenzy in Macau
can be a bit of a shock.
Crowds three
or four deep jostle at blackjack tables. Gamblers pick up their
cards and bend them tightly, a no-no in Las Vegas, before slowly
peeking at what lady luck has brought.
Having a seat
at the table does not mean you will get to play the hand you are
dealt. Spectators can place bets on any position at the table. The
gambler with the biggest bet controls the hand.
It is not uncommon
for one player to control every hand on the table.
Really high-rollers
prefer to place their bets in quieter private gambling rooms, usually
trying their luck at baccarat.
Unlike Vegas,
it is all gambling. No scantily clad waitresses bring clients free
drinks and there are no circuses or shows.
HEY,
BIG SPENDERS
An entire industry
has sprung up catering to the Asian gambling craze. Many are getting
rich just getting the rich to the casinos.
A phone call
to a gambling tour operator from a high-roller triggers a mobilization
of military-like precision. First-class plane tickets are delivered
and the best hotel suite and even favorite home dishes are prepared
-- all on the house, one tour operator told Reuters.
"It's hard
to say how much they spend, a million (U.S.) dollars would be accurate.
Some spend it over a few days, some in a few minutes," the
tour operator said.
"You get
female company if you want, they line it up for you, everything
you want you get. If they classify you as the highest of top rollers,
the sky's the limit," said one high-roller.
Vegas and Australia
are the top picks for many Asian gamblers, he said. Casinos there
are seen as more glamorous and exciting than in Macau.
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