Israelis (L) share a black jack table with Arabs (R) as the dealer clears the table of chips in the opening hour of play in the Oasis Casino September 15 night. The casino is located in the Palestinian Authority self-rule town of Jericho in a desert area at the lowest point on Earth just north of the Dead Sea. The Oasis is operated by Casinos Austria and opened at a cost of $50-million. The completed project will eventually be valued at $150-millon and include hotels, a desert golf course and conference center. There are 35 U.S. dollar-only gaming tables and 220 slot machines. Palestinians are barred from gambling however those Palestinian who hold another passport are able to try their luck at the various games.

JWH/CLH/