Macau surpasses Switzerland in GDP per person – World Bank

[Chinese-Dragon]

Yeah, I think gambling is an essential part of Chinese culture. I read that during the 70's and 80's, if you go down the basement of some restaurant in Chinatown, there is usually an illegal mahjong ring.

I live in California and I occasionally visit casinos. It is usually completely crowded with Chinese people all speaking Cantonese. Everything from the dealers, to the chef, to the custodian, to the gamblers.

Yes, this is our curse.

Anyway nothing wrong with liking to gamble. Most Chinese gambler just do so recreationally. They lose 20 or so dollars on average which is nothing if you like a day of fun socializing with old friends.

Only very few are degenerate gambling addicts that loses their house.

I've seen a lot of those around.

Gambling is the only way you can lose millions of dollars in a day.

Even a hardcore cocaine habit, or a penchant for buying private jets, can't lose money as fast as gambling can. At least shopaholics have something to show for it, tangible goods that have some degree of resale value, whereas gamblers get nothing.

 

[terranMarine]

I'm in New Jersey right now. I frequent Atlantic City and Ocean City on weekends. If you go to the casinos on the atlantic city board walk like: Caesars, Trump Plaza, Tropicana, et al... there's a lot of retired Chinese people that are usually in the majong table OR playing the slots. How they can just squander their money like that -- it behooves me.

In Japanese culture, we are very adamant on SAVING our finances; and not squandering it in such ways.

Even for me; i don't smoke, nor do i drink alcohol heavily. Socially, maybe (a little).

It's all about self control....

Gambling in Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gambling in Japan is generally banned by the Criminal Code chapter 23,[1] however there are several exceptions, including betting on horse racing and certain motor sports.

To say it's Japanese culture avoiding gambling is bullsh!t. Plenty Japanese people love wasting cash at Pachinko parlors.

Gambling in Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
At the same time, Ishihara has been pushing the legalization of casinos for quite a while. In 2000, he proposed building casinos in Odaiba, but despite the high public interest, the idea wasn't totally approved. One of the arguments was that the Japanese being unused to gambling would be too prone to addiction.[8] Another possibility for the development of the casino industry in Japan is creation of floating casinos. The idea of boat gambling is also actively supported by Ishihara.[9]

 

[Aepsilons]

Gambling in Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gambling in Japan is generally banned by the Criminal Code chapter 23,[1] however there are several exceptions, including betting on horse racing and certain motor sports.

To say it's Japanese culture avoiding gambling is bullsh!t. Plenty Japanese people love wasting cash at Pachinko parlors.

Gambling in Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
At the same time, Ishihara has been pushing the legalization of casinos for quite a while. In 2000, he proposed building casinos in Odaiba, but despite the high public interest, the idea wasn't totally approved. One of the arguments was that the Japanese being unused to gambling would be too prone to addiction.[8] Another possibility for the development of the casino industry in Japan is creation of floating casinos. The idea of boat gambling is also actively supported by Ishihara.[9]

Largely its frowned upon. I personally view people with gambling addiction-- as a sign of personal weakness.

One should be able to master one's own urges.

 

[Nike]

Japanese for me is one of the largest drinking buddy society in the world, Chinese is almost nothing compare to them. Only the Russians and Germans can match them in drinking table.