Venetian Macau casino welcomes its millionth visitor

Hong Kong, Sept 14, 2007 - The world's largest casino resort, the Venetian Macao, welcomed its one millionth visitor Friday just 17 days after opening, its operators said.

The gargantuan casino, convention and retail centre awarded the fortunate customer two nights hotel accommodation, dinner at a restaurant and a cheque for 88,888 Hong Kong dollars (11,400 US), a statement from operator Las Vegas Sands said.

Eight is a lucky number in Chinese culture.

It means the casino has seen an average of 55,500 visitors a day since it opened on August 28.

"To have received over one million visitors since our opening just 17 days ago is quite simply a momentous achievement," said Mark Brown, president of Sands' Macau operation.

The casino resort -- which was built on part of the Cotai Strip development aiming to recreate Las Vegas in the southern Chinese city -- hopes to transform Macau from a betting destination to Asia's leading entertainment centre.

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