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Macau Trip Report

 
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stan_allen



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 1129

PostPosted: Oct Thu 16, 2014 12:32 pm    Post subject: Macau Trip Report Reply with quote

Yes, you're reading that right: I was in the Far East again not long ago, and had the opportunity to finally see for myself what the hubbub was all about regarding this part of the world which is supposedly making Vegas quake in its boots - so the following is an excerpt from the longer report, which also dealt with our flight to Hong Kong, and such; "Alan" is the name of a friend of mine in Hong Kong who was kind enough to show us around that day.

If you have ever wondered what the heck the whole Macau-casino thing is about, then this is for you:


"After a bit more struggle with the crowds, we finally emerge into an area which is somewhat less-traveled, and we can continue on more easily in our quest for the day's final major tourist attraction, the famous Macau casinos.

We approach one of the major ones, whose name I've already forgotten, but it is apparently one of the landmark titles. Before entering the casino itself, Alan shows us around the vast hotel lobby, which boasts a rather impressive display of Chinese artworks, such as gigantic jade and gold carvings, whose work provides yet another dictionary-worthy example of the word "ornate".

Finally, the casino itself, but a few words before I start the virtual tour: I approached this portion of our trip with a high level of anticipation; after all, this is the place which is supposed to offer a worthy challenge to Las Vegas itself; there is no question that it is a world-renowned center of gambling, and with minimal research under my belt, I was greatly looking forward to personally observing what the reality was.

The very first thing one notices before even getting inside is that getting inside is an effort in a way that is nowhere to be found in the state of Nevada: there are only a precious few entryways into the casino area, which are heavily guarded, and everyone passing through must go through a metal detector, and remove any sunglasses being worn. When you consider this in light of the multitude of entrances that grace every casino in Reno and Vegas, you can already sense that this is a far more stifling atmosphere.

Things don't get a lot better inside: the gaming areas are mobbed, and, according to Alan, it is the arrival of the nouveau-riche southern Chinese who are largely responsible for this. Indeed, one glance at the table minimums tells me that my idea of playing a few hands of blackjack is out the window (but of course, since we are in a casino, there are no windows).

Another issue is that there is a complete absence of the types of bars and lounges that are found in Nevada; the management clearly does not condone any type of recreation other than hard betting, and thus, there is nowhere for a person to simply relax and drink in the atmosphere.

The gaming itself largely consists of the type of games that are, in my opinion at least, the exclusive domain of gambling's community of suckers: table games based on dice, dominoes, and anything but an honest deck of cards, along with slot machines, which, while visually engaging, inspire no confidence whatsoever of any sort of reasonable payout odds. The sole exception is Baccarat, but once again, the crowds and exorbitant minimums preclude any desire to participate.

The entire establishment simply has a negative feel: a vibe of endless turn-offs that nonetheless seems to command ferocious attendance by the throngs of hardcore Chinese gamblers. My curiosity is satisfied within fifteen minutes, and we make a hasty break for the exits.

Vegas, I conclude, has nothing to fear from this part of the world."
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Shooty



Joined: 22 Jan 2006
Posts: 182

PostPosted: Oct Fri 17, 2014 10:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the writeup. It's consistent with other things I've read about Macao, that it is a gambling destination, for gamblers who want to gamble. It's great at that, but that's all it is.

Vegas has really diversified into more of an entertainment destination. That's caused Vegas to become more expensive, since the whole thing can't be easily underwritten by gambling losses anymore.

Today's Reno of course really has no relationship with Macao.

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spdmrcht



Joined: 12 Oct 2012
Posts: 498

PostPosted: Oct Fri 17, 2014 8:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wow I've walked off from so many of those pictures I can't even begin
to count them. But the good news is most of them are Dead now! Or
Dieing horrible deaths. And were still here!


Shooty wrote:
Thanks for the writeup. It's consistent with other things I've read about Macao, that it is a gambling destination, for gamblers who want to gamble. It's great at that, but that's all it is.

Vegas has really diversified into more of an entertainment destination. That's caused Vegas to become more expensive, since the whole thing can't be easily underwritten by gambling losses anymore.

Today's Reno of course really has no relationship with Macao.

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LilyJDragonfly



Joined: 03 Mar 2009
Posts: 425

PostPosted: Nov Sat 01, 2014 8:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wow - Macau! Guess I'll save my 5,476 frequent flier miles for a trip somewhere closer to gamble... <grin>
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CaSwede



Joined: 28 Feb 2006
Posts: 866

PostPosted: Nov Tue 04, 2014 8:24 am    Post subject: Not for me Reply with quote

Thanks for the report Stan. I have read similar comments about Macao. Nothing but serious gambling-- Relaxing and having a good time is not allowed.

It is not important, but is it spelled Macau or Macao? I have seen it both ways.
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stan_allen



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 1129

PostPosted: Nov Tue 04, 2014 1:54 pm    Post subject: Do the Macau-rena! Reply with quote

Thanks, all - and good question about the spelling; I get the feeling that "Macau" is the historical spelling, but Wikipedia indicates that it is "..also spelled 'Macao'", so I think you're safe either way.

But yes, spend your frequent traveler miles elsewhere! There is simply no hanging out and enjoying - it resembled work more than anything else; relaxation is simply not on the menu!!!

So although the casinos are probably the prime attraction at this point, just about *everything else* Macau has to offer is far more enjoyable!
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BC Dave
Site Admin


Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 1592

PostPosted: Nov Tue 11, 2014 1:18 pm    Post subject: That's really inferior! Reply with quote

Sounds like a good place for the CalNeva to open up a sister casino and show 'em how it's done - Reno Style!
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stan_allen



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 1129

PostPosted: Nov Wed 12, 2014 2:06 pm    Post subject: Macaul-Neva? Reply with quote

You got that right - man, do they need it!!! It's especially strange to see no tippling, since in general, the people of the region are quite fond of heavy drinking - and yet, not a proper bar in sight - something just doesn't add up, and the "Macaul-Neva" would be the perfect antidote...
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BC Dave
Site Admin


Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 1592

PostPosted: Nov Thu 13, 2014 8:07 pm    Post subject: Epic Voyage! Reply with quote

Despite the crappy (but as I understand - quite fancy) casinos, it sounds like you had an enjoyable time. I've never been anywhere near there. Hawaii doesn't count, does it? Hard to imagine that even though you're soaring at 500 mph in a jetliner and it takes about as long to get Macau as it would for me to drive to Reno.
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