Gambling is illegal in mainland China, but that doesn’t stop the Chinese, or the rest of Asia, from enjoying a good bet. Check out these five gambling spots and win big!
Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong
Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong goes back to 1845 thanks to the British ownership of the island and its 55,000-person capacity is distinctly British in feel and truly standout in juxtaposition when you consider the neon and skyscrapers that dominate the island territory. Wednesday Night Racing usually packs the place and is without the question the best of the race nights.
Shanghai
While gambling has been illegal in Mainland China since the Communist party took power, the Chinese are famous for their love of gambling and Shanghai is no exception. If you know how to play mahjong and have even a rudimentary understanding of numbers in Mandarin, a money game is quite easily found if you know where to look. My go to was the row houses (almost single-story ghettos) just east of Chongde Lu between Wuding Lu and Suzhou Lu. They surround a brilliant wet market and open money games are plenty. Look for open doors and the sound of tiles or houses with blue light bulbs signaling a game in progress. After 6 p.m. is best.
MARUHAN Shinjuku Toho Building
If unfamiliar with pachinko, the MARUHAN Shinjuku Toho Building in Tokyo is the best place available to learn this “vertical pinball” meets slot machine game. While gambling is illegal in Japan, pachinko along with the lottery exists for those in need of a quick fix. The Maruhan parlor features 704 machines and another 400-plus slot machines and provides pachinko gaming guides in nearly every major language. The sounds that emanate from this building are not soon forgotten.
Macau
Rather than give a specific casino or gambling destination in Macau, I’ll simply say you must visit Macau if only to walk the strip and treat yourself to some of the best food in the world with Portuguese and Indian spices finding their way into traditional Chinese food. African Chicken and Minchi are must tries when in Macau.
Royal Bangkok Sports Club
After a crazy night out in Bangkok on Saturday, many find a pleasant respite on a single Sunday each month at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club where cheap drinks and air conditioning should help you get over that hangover and you might just make some money for another long night out on the town.
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