By Kavita Bajeli-Datt, IANS

THE itinerant Indian with a penchant for the gaming tables seems to have found a new destination.

Always on the lookout for new pastures to explore, tens of thousands of Indians are flocking to this Chinese enclave with its picturesque coastline, grand hotels and, of course, all night casinos.

There has been an astonishing 94.4 percent growth rate in the number of tourists that visited this former Portuguese colony, a 50-minute ferry ride from Hong Kong, in the first three months of the year.

Last year, 7,307 Indians visited this South China Sea facing territory in the first quarter of the year. This year the number was almost double at 14,208.

Gambling is the favourite pastime of people here. At any given time, crowds can be seen at spacious, multi-layered casinos in the over two-dozen world class hotels. Or they can be found betting heavily at horse races and a rare dog racing facility.

The sole greyhound racing track here is said to be the only one in Asia. Located in the northern part of the city at Canidrome, it is considered one of the largest in the world.

At first glance, it seems people are reading pamphlets or newspapers, but a closer look shows that they are actually reading the history of the greyhound, including about the dogs' parents and grandparents.

The 500-yard oval track has two grand stands, several private boxes, a VIP lounge and a coffee shop. Races are held here four times a week - Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday - with over 300 dogs racing each day.

Races are broadcast over radio and TV from studios that are located within the complex.

The lean but mean looking greyhounds, with their mouths muzzled, chase an artificial rabbit around the track. For the owner of the winning dog, a photograph with his 'prized possession' at the end of the race is a must.

For lazybones, betting on one of these dogs is just a phone call away!

Photograph: A sight in Macau

Photograph: Stock.Xchang