By Adel Awwad
Nestled between Thailand and Vietnam, Laos is one of the true jewels of Southeast Asia. Though some parts of it may not be as highly developed as its Indochina counterparts, there is one area where it has managed to keep up - casino gambling.
The Dansavanh Casino is located in Ban Muang Wa-Tha, Vientiane Province. This Laos casino brings in many jobs for the locals, who sometimes do not always have a chance to earn a living wage. The Dansavanh Casino is heavily reliant upon tourists in order to make money. Locals normally only work there and do not spend their wages on gambling. Because neighboring countries such as Thailand are littered with flashy, flamboyant casinos, Dansavanh Casino relies more on tourists from China, which borders Laos on the Northeastern tip (though they do get some Thai tourists in to gamble).
The Chinese government has always been very much against gambling, especially within its own borders. This is why places such as Laos can open up casinos and be instantly successful--gamblers from other countries. Because gambling is so taboo in China, the tourists flock to casinos in excitement to satisfy their curiosity, and they usually spend pretty big. Laos casinos have long benefited from this type of spending.
Recently, the Chinese government forbid their citizens to travel to other countries to gamble. This especially meant neighboring countries such as Thailand and Laos. Because Laos does rely so heavily on commerce with China for income, they agreed to enforce the ban. Though this greatly hurt the income of Dansavanh (amongst others), they are still open for tourists from other countries. It is also believed that many Chinese still come to Laos to gamble, but it is not always in big public Laos casinos, such as Dansavanh.
Casino gambling in Laos features many of the same games that you would find at any other casino around the world. Games such as blackjack, baccarat, roulette, slot machines, and video poker can be found in the casinos. You can even have private or public tables to play at, if you so desire.
Due to the beautiful resort communities and the ability to gamble within its borders, Laos will continue to be a force in the Southeast Asia tourist market. More beachfront properties and even resort casinos are in the planning and are likely to be opening in the near future. This provides not only entertainment, but also a source for jobs and government income for this underdeveloped nation.
About the Author: This article is the property of Laos Casinos
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