I'm thinking of taking a business trip to Hong Kong soon and wanted to gather some info regarding Macau.

For those that have been there, can you give me some info regarding the following:

Do they have blackjack? Is it European or American BJ? If not, Bacc is fine.

What are the typical max and min limits for BJ and Bacc?

What is the best way to get money there (maybe USD$20k or $30k)? Is it possible to set up a marker for US-based player? What's the best way to exchange to HK$?

Are players clubs or properties related or completely separate from US casinos (Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau or Cotai)? Can my Las Vegas host set something up in Macau? What is the comp system there compared to the US?

What is the best way (or other ways) to get money back to the US if I win? Is it taxable either there or here in the US (US Citizen)?

No visa required in HK or Macau for US Citizens, correct?

Is it safe for a solo traveler/casino player?

Any other info I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance.

 

European BJ, where there's no hole card.

Best thing for US player is to bring cash.

Clubs are completely separate unless you are a big player, they will set up the membership for you if you are. Not much of a comp system...for normal players you can check how many points you have at kiosks.

No taxes on hand pays etc...

No visa necessary, very safe but don't go into dark alleys like in any city.

 

I highly recommend checking out the "racetrack" downstairs at the Grand Lisboa; order a beer at the dining room, kick back and chill for about a half hour while looking at the eye candy.

 

Also, if you're entering Macau from HK - either from the airport or from the Island, there are various ferry packages (with and without entertainment) that you can take. I recommend the turbojet, it's not much more expensive but a more comfortable and quicker ride.

I haven't been there in about 4 years, but if you are interested in some adult companion in Macau, I recall at the ferry terminal in Central and at the Airport, that there's an option for you to pre-select your companion from a book filled with head-shots. The package is for both the ferry ticket and cover charge to the establishment of your choice. The package basically gives you a comped ferry ride. A good deal if you're going to go to those places in the first place. I wouldn't know bc I never partook ...

 

Haha.... No, I don't think I'm interested in that, but thanks for the heads up

Thanks for the rest of your insight as well rycelover.

 

Thanks Nate! What are the table mins out of curiosity?

European BJ psyches me out. I always sit third base and stay or draw based not only on basic strategy, but also have to analyze if I draw a card that would help me, would that same card hurt the dealer if I don't draw it. I played it in London and didn't do real well so that trip I popped my Bacc cherry.

I don't know how comfortable I would be carrying $20k or $30k in cash for a few days before I reach Macau so I will probably call around to see what the alternatives are.

 

If you don't want to carry around that much cash, then you can open up an HSBC account here in the US, deposit your BR and have access to it in HK. That's what I did. Or you can do the same with a Citibank account.

 

Thanks. That's a good idea.

 

Yeah European BJ has worse odds too I think. Minimums vary, but slightly higher than the strip. Rycelovers advice on bank accounts is good, easy way of getting excess cash. Highest denomination is 1000 HKD, over 100 bucks, so a wad of that is not too bad, about 13k. Carrying two wads pretty easy...

If you are looking to gamble around 100k that trip, then just wire the money in. Casino web sites pretty detailed.

 

Thanks. Is there any gaming in Tokyo?