I had no idea Lunar New Year and gambling were so intertwined.

From For Chinese New Year, Vegas caters to Asian high-rollers:

Chinese New Year is a time for families to get together, for children to get red envelopes stuffed with money, for food, firecrackers and lion dances — and for many, the first chance to see if good fortune at the baccarat tables will greet them this year.

What a lovely portrayal of a thousands-year old celebration. I wonder if the kids take their winnings (from their families) straight to the baccarat tables, or if they stop to buy chow mein first.

Inside the Pearl restaurant at MGM Grand, patrons will get a taste of food once reserved for those who have eaten at Daioyutai, a series of villas run by the foreign ministry that began as a “fishing terrace” 800 years ago for Emperor Zhangzong of the Jin Dynasty.

I hope they don’t forget the eunichs. Ah, normal slaves would be ok too.

Queen Elizabeth II, former Federal Reserve Board chairman Alan Greenspan, NBA star Steve Nash, and Microsoft Corp.’s Bill Gates have eaten there. Former president Bill Clinton famously wanted to stay a few extra days to sample more of the cuisine.

I love the fact that Nash is mentioned in this group.

This next piece comes from Philly.com aka “The People Paper.” When I first started working at a newspaper I never understood how casinos always got what was essentially free advertising in our paper. I’m guessing this relationship goes back decades and probably has something to do with the mafia.

“We are all looking for the Asian market,” said Rosalind Krause, general manager of Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort.

“They are good customers and loyal. They love to gamble, and we want to make sure they do it in our casino.”

Ah yes. What would The New Year be without gambling and a hot, steamy, succulent Asian Market from which to pluck customers from.