World's biggest casino opens its doors
SO just how big is the US$2.4 billion ($3.6b) Venetian Macao, the world's biggest casino?
It is the largest single-structure hotel in Asia and the second largest building in the world, according to owner Las Vegas Sands.
The integrated resort, which opened its doors on Tuesday, has 870 table games and more than 3,400 slot machines spread over a casino that is three times the size of Las Vegas' largest casino, reported the New York Times.
Its sports arena can seat 15,000 spectators and will soon play host to two NBA exhibition matches and a Roger Federer-Pete Sampras tennis face-off.
The convention centre has a banquet hall for 6,000 diners and the 1-million-sq-ft shopping mall has three indoor canals complete with singing gondoliers.
By comparison, the Venetian in Vegas has only one canal.
Currently, the IR has 3,000 guest suites in one building. But that is only the first of 14 interconnected hotels.
When completed, the US$10b to US$12b complex will boast a StRegis, a Shangri-la, a Raffles, a Conrad, an Intercontinental and a Sheraton, each with its own casino, bars and restaurants.
With the Venetian and more IRs coming up in Macau, China is set to be the leader of the world's gambling industry.
But with so many hotels and gaming tables in the former Portuguese colony, analysts are wondering if there are enough high-rollers to go around.
The average gambler in Macau is a day-tripper from Hong Kong or nearby Chinese cities who is so frugal he often packs his own meals and doesn't check into a hotel.
He spends an average 1.26 days there, compared with Las Vegas' 3.4 days, said NYT.
Meanwhile, the Venetian is offering a promotional rate of US$140 for a night's stay in a 650-sq-ft suite to lure visitors.
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