Video Poker In Macao
Last week, during a holiday in Hong Kong I spent a day in Macao. As
previously reported there is very little video poker in Macao. I
visited MGM Grand, Wynn Macao, Landmark and The Venetian and only saw:
· 3/5/10 play multi-games with 7/5 JoB and 6/5 BP at MGM Grand.
· 5 play double bonus with separate progressives for each hand
(didn't look at base pay table) at The Venetian.
· 50 play multi-game at The Venetian which included: 7/5 JoB
paying 80 for a 4 oak but 1 for two pair (VPW calculation = 96.25%
game); 6/5 BP and a deuces mutation (VPW calculation = 96.75% game).
Table games dominate Macao's casinos (they appear very high-roller
orientated), especially Sic Bo and Baccarat, with some blackjack and
single zero roulette. There are slots but not to the extent of Vegas
or Atlantic City. I didn't see any poker rooms but apparently they
are beginning to appear there. Sports and race books will be allowed
next year. The gambling currency is the Hong Kong $ despite Macao
having its own money.
All the casinos I visited had slot clubs but no sign-up promotions
were in operation. There wasn't even free alcohol provided for
players (complimentary water, soft drinks and coffee were supplied).
At both MGM Grand and Wynn Macao I was searched before being granted
entry at MGM Grand my bottle of water was confiscated!
Casino food was more expensive than in Las Vegas a cup of coffee at
MGM Grand cost me $3.75. There are already signs that the credit
crunch is hitting, with projects put on hold - Adelson's, Las Vegas
Strip in China plans are looking years from realisation.