China Faces Surge in Illegal Gambling Cases: 27,000 Filed From Jan-Sept 2024, Up 10% YoY

China’s Supreme People’s Court (SPC) reports a staggering rise in criminal cases related to illegal gambling operations. Between January and September 2024, judges across mainland China addressed approximately 27,000 cases, marking a 10.65 percent increase from the previous year. This surge has prompted intensified efforts from the Chinese judiciary to tackle gambling-related crimes, particularly those involving cross-border operations.

The SPC’s announcement highlights the seriousness of the issue. In the SPC press release cited by AGBrief, the court outlined its commitment to ensuring consistent and lawful punishment for gambling crimes by publicizing seven typical cases. This initiative aims to unify sentencing standards across different jurisdictions and promote a coordinated approach to dealing with such offenses.

One case that has drawn considerable attention is that of Alvin Chau, the founder of the Suncity Group, who was at the center of a notorious cross-border gambling syndicate. Reports indicate that Chau’s operation facilitated over RMB300 billion (approximately US$42.2 billion) in bets from Chinese gamblers between 2015 and 2019. This case has been recognized as one of the top ten criminal cases of 2023, underscoring its impact on the nation.

The SPC has emphasized that the growing prevalence of offshore casinos and online gambling platforms targeting Chinese citizens has led to substantial capital outflows and social harm. The Chau case exemplifies these challenges, serving as a critical reminder of the risks associated with illegal gambling activities. In total, the SPC identified six significant cross-border gambling cases, with the Chau operation being a prime focus due to its extensive reach and the financial implications for China.

Chau’s gambling empire thrived on various fronts. He operated VIP rooms in several casinos in Macau while establishing online gambling platforms in the Philippines and other regions. His operations expanded rapidly, with over 480 shareholder-level agents by late 2021. Notably, more than 280 of these agents were Chinese nationals. Chau’s organization also managed to attract a vast clientele, boasting over 60,000 customers from China alone.

Authorities took action against Chau in November 2021, when he was arrested by Macau’s Judiciary Police. He faced charges not only for illegal gambling but also for gang-related activities. Following a lengthy legal process, Chau was sentenced to 18 years in prison in January 2023. His appeals against this sentence were dismissed earlier this month, solidifying the judiciary’s stance against such criminal enterprises.

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