Asian casinos woo Chinese as corruption drive hits Macau

Shanghai

AT THE oceanfront Ramada Plaza hotel on South Korea's Jeju island, about a hundred Chinese gamblers huddle around felt-topped tables, wagering as much as five million won (S$6,100) at baccarat. Shouts in Mandarin - "Beautiful!" - ring out as bettors with winning hands slam their cards on the green table-tops.

Asian casino operators from South Korea to Australia are pulling in China's gamblers as the country's corruption crackdown scares many away from Macau, the world's biggest gambling hub. They are capitalising on a downturn in the city's gaming industry, which last month suffered its worst drop ever.

Operators such as Paradise Co in South Korea are hiring Mandarin- speaking staff and offerin…