Major Chinese online casino bust

**jetset** · 10th September 2007, 03:17 PM

$773 MILLION ONLINE GAMBLING BUST IN CHINA

32 charged in ongoing investigations

Chinese authorities have again demonstrated government antipathy to online gambling, announcing the arrest of 32 people in northeast China's Liaoning province, charged with involvement in illegal online gambling involving a total of 5.8 billion yuan (about US$ 773 million).

Another 10 people, including the principal offenders Yang Xu and Wang Jun, are still under further investigation and will be formally charged at a later date, a local government statement reported by Xinghua said.

More than 50 additional people thought to be involved in the case are still on the run, according to local police, who said Yang Xu, head of the criminal gang, formed a small group of gamblers and began operating illegal online gambling sites with his wife Wang Jun in November 2005.

The gang soon expanded to more than 100 people in just less than two years with the oldest member 61-years-old and the youngest 24.

Government officials stressed that gambling is illegal in China and the law will be enforced against Internet and other gambling offenders.

"The prevalence of online gambling has ruined the online environment and harmed young people's growth, which runs against the policy of building a harmonious society," said a circular earlier released by four government ministries.

**Slotster!** · 11th September 2007, 01:24 AM

32 people arrested? 32 people charged?

Which casino were they playing at?

Seriously though, governments everywhere - get in on the act, yes? Prohibition never worked, well managed and licensed operations do... It's not hard, unless you're a politician seemingly...

**chuchu59** · 11th September 2007, 03:33 AM

Originally Posted by Slotster!

32 people arrested? 32 people charged?

Which casino were they playing at?

Seriously though, governments everywhere - get in on the act, yes? Prohibition never worked, well managed and licensed operations do... It's not hard, unless you're a politician seemingly...

Give them more time. I am confident that they will tune in with the times in a decade or so. The leaders in China are very practical people but at the same time with such an enormous population they dont want any illegal activities that are harmful to society. This is a big cry from the Maoist days where I was sad at the state of our leadership.

BTW, arent you afraid you might be called a shill for promoting ahem, 32 RXX. Haha!

**Slotster!** · 11th September 2007, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by chuchu59

Give them more time. I am confident that they will tune in with the times in a decade or so. The leaders in China are very practical people but at the same time with such an enormous population they dont want any illegal activities that are harmful to society. This is a big cry from the Maoist days where I was sad at the state of our leadership.

BTW, arent you afraid you might be called a shill for promoting ahem, 32 RXX. Haha!

I understand, but trying to 'police' such an enormous population, when so many enjoy gambling just seems so utterly pointless; particularly when you consider good open regulation would wipe out the 'problem' in an instant (and the attraction for illegal outfits). I'm not too worried about promoting that 'red' casino, I think they're pretty well known around these parts!!!