This month’s casino news takes you from Nevada to Hong Kong. Read on to find out about the launch of the latest US slot machine and Asia’s newest gambling fad.
David Copperfield: Illusionist to Slots King
Described by Forbes as one of the most successful magicians of all time, David Copperfield is creating quite a commotion in Sin City not for his latest disappearing act, but rather for his brand new line of slot machines. They were recently unveiled during the G2E convention at the Sands Expo Center last week.
As a man well known for levitating across the Grand Canyon and walking through the Great Wall of China, it seems interesting that his next step would involve having his face plastered all over US casino slot machines.
This new venture begs the question: being known as the guy who made the Statue of Liberty disappear, what on earth would compel this world famous illusionist to get into the business of slots? If he could make airplanes and national monuments vanish before live audiences, what would his slot machines do to players’ money?
All joking aside, at the end of the day David Copperfield is not just a man with a knack for magic, but a major brand in and of himself that has consistently wowed and entertained countless audiences over the past 30 years. Having grossed over $4 billion throughout the course of his career – more than any single entertainer ever – why not expand into another realm of entertainment?
Bally Technologies is the manufacturer behind this magical brand of slot machines; however, there is no word yet on when slots players can expect to find one in a casino near them.
A New Style of Casino Takes China by Storm
Move over Macau, the Chinese are taking their gambling sessions out to sea – literally.
With a government that likes to keep a tight rein on its population’s activities, coupled with the soaring hotel prices in Macau – the largest and richest gambling destination in the world – gamblers in this part of the world are looking for cheaper alternatives that also allow them to fly below the government’s radar.
Cue the eight casino boats docked in Hong Kong’s harbour – all of which motor out into international waters at night, clear of the government’s reach. These gambling ships not only provide tourists and locals alike with nightly casino fun and a place to sleep, but they also happen to be much more affordable than a trip to Macau, where the average cost of room and board has surpassed that of any notable hotel in Las Vegas.
Macau, the only place in China where casinos are legal, has experienced a sharp increase in tourism, pushing hotel prices up and room availability down. What’s more is that mainland tourists require a separate Visa to get there, adding to the complexity of planning a gambling trip there.
As for whether the ships pose a threat to Macau’s booming tourist industry – not at all. Though cheap and convenient, the casino cruises don’t offer anything remotely comparable to Macau in terms of shopping and dining. They simply provide gamblers a more convenient and affordable way to play their favorite casino games.