Inside Asian Gaming

inside asian gaming August 2015 30 Since taking over from Fidel in 2007, Raul started introducing reforms. He had to. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Cuba lost its primary means of support. The country lost up to 80% of its imports and exports. The Cubans call the devastating economic depression that followed the “Special Period.” Recovery has been slow. Without the economic aid supplied by oil-rich Venezuela, people would still be eating household pets. But Venezuelan aid has ended due to the passing of Hugo Chavez and the near- collapse of that country’s economy. Cuba is a country where nuclear physicists drive taxis, because they can make more than their $40 per month government salaries. The average Cuban does not have access to the Internet. The government has published a list of only 100 for-profit businesses that are allowed in the country. Since there are no opportunities, young adults flee the country. Many are willing to risk their lives on Styrofoam rafts to try to get to America. Marrying tourists is another, slightly less risky strategy. Change is coming to Cuba. The big questions are whether it will be slow or fast, peaceful or violent. The old men who have led Cuba for the last 56 years—there have been 11 US Presidents since Fidel took over—are survivors. They know how to hang on to power. If a charismatic leader arose who might one day challenge the Castro brothers, he was sent to work in the sugar fields. So, there is no caudillo (strong man) to lead a second revolution. But the old men also have to keep the disappointment and anger of the general population under control. They are understandably scared by what they saw happen to dictators during the “Arab Spring.” Under Fidel, Cuba had adopted the exit policies of the old Soviet Union and East Germany: The few Cubans, such as artists and athletes, who were allowed to visit other countries had to leave behind their spouses and children, to be held hostage to ensure their return. On 14th January, 2013, the government began allowing most Cubans to leave the country, without having to get approval or pay $400 for a visa. Most importantly, they now do not forfeit their right of return. This turned out to be like the fall of the Berlin Wall. Average citizens visiting countries with more than four state- controlled television channels, let alone access to the Internet, were more frustrated upon their return, with their lack of just about everything. Cuba is locked into 1959. The US embargo, and the failures of communism, have prevented new developments. Even the cars and buildings are the same. And this may provide the solution to Cuba’s problems. Classic 1950’s Fords and Chevys are everywhere. Imagine the reaction of a guy making $20 a month, after trade reopens with the US: “I won’t give you more than $40,000 for your car.” During the 1950s, Cuba was one of the leading gaming and tourist destinations Gambling and the law Cuba’s 1950’s hotels are still standing. More importantly, so are its casinos. Although now dark and empty, nothing else has changed; even the chandeliers are the same. You swear you hear the ghost whispering of long- gone slot machines and crap tables, when you walk around the Riviera casino. The Hotel Riviera , built in 1957 of the world. It started in the 1920s, when Havana assumed a role later taken by Las Vegas: a vacation spot where Americans could party in ways not allowed at home. But it was not the gambling as much as it was the booze. America was in the midst of the