Direct sky casino flights planned between Hong Kong and Las Vegas

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In-flight gambling proposed for Venetian Las Vegas – Venetian Macao-linked route

Feb. 13 – Plans have been announced in the Las Vegas Review Journal to launch VIP flights between Hong Kong and Las Vegas to capture some of the high roller market operating in Macau and its American counterpart. Las Vegas Sands Corp, the U.S./Macau casino operator controlled by billionaire Sheldon Adelson, has recently acquired, and is currently refitting two Lockheed Martin L-1011 Tristar widebody aircraft to accommodate about 200 passengers, featuring on board baccarat tables and lounge style interiors. Lawyers from Sands are reputed to have stated to Nevada’s regulators that they plan to offer the facility to and from the Venetian in Las Vegas to Hong Kong, to provide “an opportunity to access gaming table, cash only play with surveillance while the aircraft is in international airspace over international waters.” From Hong Kong a short, direct ferry or helicopter connection can whisk the same passengers directly to the Venetian in Macau.

Revenues generated from such “sky casinos” would be exempt from Hong Kong laws concerning gambling as the activity takes place in international airspace. Several airlines have proposed in flight gambling before, thus far via video-based games; the Sands proposal would in effect recreate gaming tables in a typical casino house style, in air.

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