LAS VEGAS -- It's the year of the rat, and Las Vegas rang in the Chinese New Year in a big way Thursday.

The 10-day celebration also means big business for the casinos.

Up and down the Strip, you'll see huge, red banners in Chinese, some with gold coins hanging from them.

They're considered lucky and a good omen.

A dragon dance ushered in Chinese New Year at the Venetian and Palazzo.

Firecrackers were set off to ward off the evil spirits.

Julie Wang wheeled her father to the casino and resort to see the traditional dance.

They also came to try their luck and start off the New Year with good fortune.

“Have a big feast and come to have some luck, win some money,” Wang said.

Casinos have come to cater and try to attract Asian customers from overseas and locally.

Companies like Las Vegas Sands have been tapping into the Asian market.

Last August, Las Vegas Sands opened a Venetian in Macau.

“It will never be a Vegas,” said Las Vegas Sands executive vice president Bradley Stone.

The company said Venetian Macau isn't competing with Las Vegas for customers and profits.

“I don't think Macau effects us at all. It gives us more visibility,” Stone said.