It's flashy, rich and decked with neon, and only the lack of Elvis impersonators gives away the fact it isn't the real thing. Macau is the new Las Vegas.

The Chinese philosopher Confucius said gambling was morally wrong. But he also said it was preferable to being lazy and doing nothing.

Eighty-five per cent of the high rollers who play in Las Vegas come from China, Taiwan and Japan, and the Chinese have a reputation as the ones most likely to risk mega amounts. Now they can do so closer to home.

Situated 40 miles west of Hong Kong, Macau has seen a tremendous explosion in its gaming industry since restrictions were lifted three years ago, and now giant casino hotels are reeling in the chancers.

The Sands Macau, for example, has a 1 million square foot casino and 300sq ft 'Las Vegas-style buffet', a 'Las Vegas style steakhouse' and Strip-style performers . The main difference to its American counterparts is the tea terrace serving 200 types of the country's drug of choice.