I have to admit my greatest vice is gambling. I’ve been to Vegas more times than I can count since I was a child, and on my 21st birthday my parents sent me off to Vegas with their blessing. So naturally, I couldn’t go to the “Vegas of the East” without playing.
We played today at the massive Venetian — and immediately I was struck by the main difference between Las Vegas and Macau. Macau casinos are QUIET. Vegas is a cacophony of sounds — blaring, bleeping, ringing slot-machines, people cheering, background music. Your ears ring as soon as you leave the grounds. In Macau the slot machines are on low and the Chinese, being more restrained culturally, don’t cheer or boo like Americans do. It was definitely nice being able to have a conversation, but it just didn’t feel as fun without all the noise and the dealers cheering along with you.
I was also entertained by all the games that exist in Macau, but not in Vegas, most notably “Casino War” which is War…aka, high card. Amazingly boring game, but we had fun with it anyways. I also initiated Hugh into the wonderful world of video poker. Despite our grand plans for paying off our trip with winnings, we walked away $200 US down…thank god that’s all!
Btw, Happy National Day, China.
