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Chinese gamblers from the mainland have reportedly invested a staggering $42 billion in online gambling sites operated by the former Macau junket giant, Suncity. This revelation surfaced during a three-day trial held in Wenzhou, China, in August 2022, as disclosed by China Central Television (CCT). The trial involved 34 defendants, including Zhang Ningning, responsible for managing Suncity's assets on the mainland, who received a seven-year prison sentence.
Suncity's founder and CEO, Alvin Chau, along with several senior executives, faced separate prosecutions in Macau on charges of illegal gambling and criminal association. In a significant development, Chau was convicted in Macau in January 2023 and sentenced to 18 years in prison. The legal actions underscore the heightened scrutiny and legal challenges confronting entities and individuals involved in the lucrative yet controversial realm of online gambling.
CCT's report revealed that Suncity likely amassed approximately $1.2 billion in profits from the colossal $42 billion handled from Chinese gamblers. The trial exposed intricate details of Chau's alleged recruitment strategy, wherein he enlisted 283 mainland Chinese operatives to oversee online gaming platforms, operating primarily from the Philippines and other jurisdictions since 2015. Each operative was reportedly required to invest around $600,000 and meet ambitious sales targets.
The court proceedings provided insights into the methods employed by Chau to entice agents, utilizing commissions and dividends as bait. Through this network of agents, Chau purportedly organized and attracted Chinese nationals to engage in gambling activities through Suncity-operated gambling rooms or participate in cross-border online gambling.
Chau, once a prominent and affluent figure in Macau, faced additional charges related to swindling the government out of HK$8.2 billion (US$1.1 billion) in tax revenue through Suncity's illegal side-betting operations. This illicit scheme involved clandestinely multiplying stakes on official bets placed by VIP clients at Macau casinos, settling them later tax-free. The legal actions against Chau and Suncity reveal the intricate challenges posed by the intersection of online gambling, legal scrutiny, and tax evasion.
The downfall of Chau, who was once among the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in Macau, can be traced back to 2019 when state-run media accused Suncity of generating billions through online gambling operations targeting China. The allegations, asserting harm to the country's socio-economic order, served as a precursor to Chau's legal troubles.
Suncity's prominence in Macau, where it held the position of the largest junket operator, handling an estimated 25% of VIP revenue in the gambling hub, adds significance to the legal proceedings and regulatory challenges faced by the online gambling sector. The revelations from the trial not only underscore the extensive scale of Suncity's operations but also highlight the legal complexities and risks inherent in the online gambling industry, especially when subject to scrutiny from state authorities.
As the legal landscape surrounding online gambling continues to evolve, the case of Suncity and Alvin Chau serves as a noteworthy example of the legal consequences and regulatory scrutiny faced by major players in the industry.
By fLEXI tEAM