Online gaming sites linked to Suncity Group allegedly amassed turnover of $42 billion

January 9, 2024 Macau Crime & Legal iGaming & Gambling

China Central Television (CCTV) reports that between 2015 and 2019, mainland Chinese players allegedly paid RMB 300 billion (US$42 billion) to online gambling sites connected to the now-defunct Macau-based junket Suncity Group.

Alvin Chau, the CEO of Suncity, and the company are said to have earned RMB 8.7 billion (US$1.22 billion). This revelation followed Chau’s court case, which resulted in an 18-year prison term and was named one of China’s “Top 10 Cases of 2023” by a survey.

CCTV captured the trial and highlighted Chau’s development of Suncity in Macau, which had internal divisions including customer service, finance, accounting, and IT. The court emphasized Chau’s contribution to the establishment of VIP areas in Macau casinos and the growth of online gambling sites in the Philippines. Chau is charged with hiring agents who lured Chinese people into gambling in return for fees and profits.

According to information revealed by the court, each Suncity agent was required to spend HK$5 million (US$640,000) and reach a rolling monthly goal of HK$50 million (US$6.4 million). Data that was gathered indicates that between 2015 and 2019, mainland gamblers wagered over RMB 300 billion on Suncity-controlled platforms, generating an alleged profit for Chau and Suncity of over RMB 8.7 billion.

The leader of Chau’s asset management company, Cheung Ling Ling, and the other defendants were found guilty by the Wenzhou Court and were sentenced to 15 months, seven years, and six months in prison. After a second trial in Macau, Chau was found guilty of money laundering, illegal gambling, and criminal association. In January 2023, he received an 18-year jail term. In October 2023, the Macau Court of Intermediate Appeal upheld this, and in December, the Court of Final Appeal rejected requests for habeas corpus. Following an appeal to the Court of Final Appeal, Chau and a number of defendants are awaiting a definitive decision.

Original story by: IAG