The first day of the 2012 Chinese New Year is on January 23, 2012 in China’s time zone. This day is a new moon day, and is the first day of the first Chinese lunar month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar system. The exact new moon time is at 15:40 on 23-Jan-12 in China’s time zone. I’d like to take this opportunity, with this date very nearly upon us, to wish all of my casino playing readers a very happy Chinese New Year. Kung Hei Fat Choy!

The Year 2012 is the 4709th Chinese year, and the year of the Black Water Dragon. The dragon is said to bring luck to those people with Earth, Water and Wood elements in their birth chart. Hey, I’m no expert here – but I have it on good authority! From my own VIP casino experience, many Chinese will probably celebrate the Chinese New Year at a casino location, to welcome the dragon for the year. Traditionally, casinos put on a Chinese Dragon (or Lion) dance, often free drinks, and lucky red envelopes containing cash or chips for players.

Luck seems to peak at certain times of year in the Chinese calendar, and the start of a new lunar year seems to be widely believed to bring good fortune. Many Chinese will visit Macau, Singapore or Malaysia casinos, but those further afield may celebrate at other casino complexes, or if non gamblers, at home with friends and family and loved ones. I think both ways of celebrating have their merits, based upon your personal tastes and preferences.

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If you’re visiting New Zealand (Auckland) in February 2012 by any chance, do check out the very successful 2012 Chinese Lantern Festival in downtown Albert Park. It’s one of only a small number of chinese lantern festivals held regularly in the world, and it’s pretty spectacular. Choose from dozens of delicious Asian food stalls and picnic on the grass amidst hundreds of beautiful lanterns specially imported from China. Non-stop entertainment on the main stage includes a dragon and lion dance group from Shanghai, a reggae band Chinese-style from Beijing, an opera and modern dance group from Taizhou and an acapella group from Hong Kong. And it’s all FREE – so is not to be missed!

Feel like trying your own luck today? Casino’s don’t come more Chinese friendly or themed than the ever popular Genting Casino which has land based casino operations in Singapore, Genting Highlands (Malaysia), and the UK. With High VIP table limits available, live dealers to play with, and a whole range of traditional online slot machines from Playtech, the Genting Casino is a great place to try your luck in true Chinese style. Use the banner below to get started – and score an excellent casino signup bonus when you join using the banner. Good luck, and have a very happy Chinese New Year 2012!