A former mainland Chinese government official is reported to have lost some $730,000 while gambling in Macau casinos, after coming to the venues some 112 times between 2007 and 2018.
Chinese media report that Beijing’s discipline watchdog discovered that the official had also transferred some $5.82 million in order to facilitate his gambling activities in Macau.
Due to border restrictions during the pandemic, the official was unable to come to Macau and continued his gambling habit by switching to online baccarat, reportedly gambling $2.63 million online.
In order to cover the gambling debts, the official borrowed money from colleagues, work partners and his clients, eventually leading to his discovery by the supervisory body.
The case is currently under investigation and no official penalty has yet been issued.
Under mainland Chinese law, gambling – whether in a casino or online – is strictly prohibited. The only in-person gambling allowed within Chinese territory is in the Special Administrative Region of Macau, with mainland Chinese residents requiring a visa to enter the territory.
