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Washington Casinos Target Asian Population

WASHINGTON – As reported by the Seattle Post Intelligencer: "…Asian community leaders and counselors confirm that Asians make up a significant percentage of local gamblers and casino workers -- as much as 30 percent or more, many estimate -- far higher than their percentage of the population in the region.

"And they caution that the higher numbers also mean that a greater number of Asians, including many recent immigrants, are developing problem gambling habits.

"…Connie Cheng, clinical manager of adult mental health with Asian Counseling and Referral Service in Seattle, said that for many men and women from China and other parts of Asia, gambling is a deeply ingrained social activity.

"'It's not accepted if we drink too much, or do drugs,' Cheng said. But for many Asian Americans -- and especially for recent immigrants who were raised in cultures where gambling is accepted -- gambling halls seemingly around every corner can be a potent lure. "It's almost like they're drawn there," she said.

"…Casinos know their market and employ several devices to lure Asian customers.

"They host Asian-themed holiday celebrations, including celebrations for Chinese New Year and the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. They bring in top-flight Asian popular musical acts and boast Asian restaurants, including sushi and Vietnamese noodle bars. Some send free buses to the International District to get favored customers in their doors.

"…In fact, casino executives say openly that they will happily hire Asian dealers and casino 'greeters' to make their customers feel welcome.

"…In several casinos, it appears that marketing toward Asians has been on the rise. At the Tulalip, for example, Topash said that within the last year the casino began hosting Sunday 'Asian nights,' with Asian-themed musical entertainers…"

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