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Casinos Worried About Chinese Government Backlash

”…`There's a great deal of concern about reaction from the Chinese government, that there's been a misrepresentation of facts, that there's potential for a reaction,’ a Strip executive said of the fallout from the story, which appeared in Monday's Post.

”The story painted a picture of a booming Chinese economy that has seen corrupt government officials, businessmen, bookies and gangsters raise money through illegal means for some casino-style rest and relaxation in Las Vegas.

”…No reliable numbers are available detailing the number of travelers from China to the United States, said Kevin Bagger, a researcher for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. An estimated 40,000 residents of mainland China traveled to Las Vegas in 1997, according to the most recent figures provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce. An estimated 511,000 Japanese tourists visited Las Vegas in 2000, making the island nation the No. 1 supplier of overseas visitors to the desert city, Bagger noted.

”…The casinos' baccarat take for the three-month period ended Dec. 31 was down 49 percent to $80.9 million, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Baccarat is a favorite of big-time Asian gamblers. Eighteen Strip casinos generated 98.7 percent of the state's fourth-quarter baccarat win.

”The Asian travel numbers have since rebounded, with the results from February's Chinese New Year celebration -- a popular getaway for South Asian visitors -- closely mirroring the results for last year's Chinese New Year.

”…The Post article angered Las Vegas casino bosses who quickly adopted the defensive posture many assume whenever someone questions the day-to-day workings of the state's dominant industry.

”Denials of wrongdoing were issued from the executive offices of MGM Mirage and Park Place, which control three quarters of the city's $500 million to $700 million high-roller market. Strip casinos won nearly $5 billion from all gamblers last year…”

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