SIBERIA: GAMBLING HEAVEN FOR CHINESE

For the past few decades, since China opened its door to other countries, many rich people have been born and it’s increasing every year. Today, if you go to European countries or other shopping-oriented places, you’ll find many Chinese people inside the luxury stores who dare to stir their money around. Not only luxury goods, but they also love casino.

Far East Russia

The Far East territory belongs to Russia and its size is larger than the European Union. It is only occupied by 6m people. Though it is Russian, it has grown to be dependent on its Asian neighbors. Some regions do 85% of their foreign trade with China and for them, Europe feels just like another world. When Russia’s economy was booming, locals took their holidays at Chinese resorts and popped over the border for cheap massages and shopping. Last time, when the rouble collapsed, the flow has reversed. Chinese shoppers come to buy Russian food because they think it’s safer, as we know that China has a big problem in its food safety.

Far East Russia is marked by the red colour

Enlightenment for Siberia

Last year, the brand new Tigre de Cristal casino was opened. It is located at Artyom, near Vladivostok. This casino is like an enlightenment for Siberia. The casino itself represents a bit of a bet for Russia to tap some of the cash from rising Asian economies to help develop its Far East territory.

Just like I mentioned earlier, Chinese people love to go to casino and guess what, this currently open casino is packed with Chinese gamblers. Now that Tigre de Cristal is trying to lure more Chinese people to invest.

Tigre de Cristal is the notion of Lawrence Ho, son of the Macao mogul Stanley Ho. At this casino, investors are banking on an influx of gamblers from north-east China, South Korea and Japan.

The luck of this foreign-backed projects depends on Russia itself, whether the conditions can support them for success or not. It’s not that easy for Tigre de Cristal. A bizarre legislative oversight means that it is illegal to advertise the casino, with the exception of a handful of special gaming zones, gambling is banned in Russia. The launch was postponed because of bureaucratic hassles. Even with the delay, the local government failed to transform the main road from the closest airport (Vladivostok Airport) in time for the grand opening.