Read a very interesting article this weekend concerning the ever-growing gambling mecca of Macau. Some incredible statistics -
* The casinos of Macau jingle to the tune of $38billion each year, more than six times the sum wagered in Las Vegas.
* On average, gamblers lay down $1,354 in Macau casinos compared to just $156 in Las Vegas.
But I was in Macau this year. Whilst it is interesting to visit a complete replica of, say, the Venetian, the whole casino experience is very cold and intense. The Chinese gamblers were very focussed and there seemed little in the way of "fun" going on. So - Vegas every time for me.
Of course, they do not aim to compete with Vegas - generally seen as too far to travel for the American/European audience. But does the investment of USA gambling corps suck money away from Vegas? Another statistic:
* Las Vegas Sands spent $265 million on the Sands Macau in 2004 and since has put another $100 million into the property. In addition to the $2.4 billion for The Venetian, the company is spending more than $12 billion to build 11 resorts on the Cotai Strip. Wynn Resorts’ total investment is more than $1.1 billion in the 600-room Wynn Macau, and the company expects to spend $600 million to add a second hotel tower by 2009.
Discuss................