The junketeers, the agents, the marketing departments and the policy makers are all in search of the richest vein of Chinese high-rollers. Las Vegas has long had its sights on the Chinese and caters extensively for the market; Macau has built its gambling fame and fortune on the back of wealthy Chinese clients; Singapore will be looking towards China when its integrated casino resorts open; and now world famous Monaco is hoping to entice those Chinese who can gamble €1 million or more in a session at the gaming tables.

It is said that the Chinese will make a wager on anything, but in the plush VIP rooms of top casinos around the world baccarat (punto banco) is the lure, where the result depends on the turn of a card and not on skill. Chinese high-rollers are in such demand that heated words were exchanged last year between Macau mogul Stanley Ho and Las Vegas legend Sheldon Adelson. The spat was over percentages paid to the junketeers bringing in the players, with Ho accusing Adelson of ruining the Macau market by offering more. To which Adelson is reported to have replied, “If you can’t stand the heat…”

In less than one month, 18 February, the Chinese New Year will start and will continue for 15 days. Lucky red will doubtless be seen in abundance in casinos around the world that have a large contingent of Chinese players, from Viet Nam to Venezuela and from Cambodia to Canada. The last night of celebrations is Lantern Festival, and by then the Chinese high-rollers will have been feted and given constant VIP treatment as the top casinos vie with each other in an attempt to become the gaming floor location of choice for those seriously rich lovers of gambling. (E-01.19.07)

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