Year of the Rabbit Could Bring Record Numbers of People to Las Vegas

The Chinese New Year traditionally results in a substantial amount of traffic (and revenue) coming to the Las Vegas Strip, including Asian high rollers.  This week we will celebrate The Year of the Rabbit, and it comes at the same time as the Super Bowl, which is considered the busiest weekend in Vegas.

Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to have vital skills to become successful gamblers.  They have an uncanny gift for choosing the right thing.  The problem is, they are not typically gamblers (or not supposed to be) since those born under this sign are conservative and wise. 

"We'll see very high visitor traffic during Chinese New Year, perhaps not to the same degree as other hotels," said Donald Bowman, manager of the Mandarin Oriental at CityCenter, in an interview with the Las Vegas Review Journal. 

And while the Mandarin Oriental Hotel itself does not operate a casino, the surrounding gambling establishments are sure to benefit.

Wynn Las Vegas and Encore have the traditional dance scheduled at their properties, according to the LVRJ while Caesar’s has a sign that reads "Kung Hey Fat Choy ... Happy New Year”.  The Bellagio will display a 45-foot-tall Chinese junk topped with a rabbit to represent the fourth sign of the Chinese zodiac.

And while the Super Bowl may only last a weekend, the Chinese New Year celebrations continue for 15 days.

- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com