An Observation Study of Chinese Baccarat Players

Abstract

The Chinese gaming market, Macau in particular, is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. Many industry observers have reported a clear interest among Chinese in playing baccarat. Together, VIP and non-VIP baccarat accounted for as much as 85% of Macau's 2005 gross casino gaming revenue. This paper documented and examined the psychology of Chinese baccarat players through a 'non-participatory' observation study. The study discovered some peculiar behaviors about these Chinese gamblers that included a display of high illusion of control. Chinese baccarat players appeared to derive monetary, excitement, entertainment and social values from baccarat gaming. The results of this study would have significant implications to casino operators and game manufacturers.