Guangdong Province Gambling crackdown nets $8.5 million in illegal bets on 'Flying Cai Shen' game
In Guangdong Province, authorities have cracked down on illegal gambling activity, seizing more than 88 million yuan ($13.5 million) in bets on the game "Flying Cai Shen."
The crackdown operation was carried out by the provincial public security department between November and December of last year. Police arrested 44 suspects and froze bank accounts containing the illegally-earned funds.
"Flying Cai Shen" is a popular lottery game in mainland China, similar to baccarat or blackjack. Participants place bets on the game outcomes, with payouts often reaching several thousand yuan per bet.
Gambling is illegal in China outside of government-sanctioned lotteries, and authorities have stepped up enforcement efforts in recent years as part of a wider campaign against official corruption. In 2017, Guangdong Province alone saw more than 25,000 cases of illegal gambling activity, resulting in the seizure of more than 2.5 billion yuan ($373 million).
Hong Kong Authorities Seize $1.3 Million in Illegal Gambling Proceeds from 'Flying Cai Shen' Slot Machine Game
Hong Kong authorities have seized over HK$1.3 million (US$166,471) in illegal gambling proceeds from a so-called Flying Cai Shen slot machine game, in what is being touted as the biggest bust of its kind in the territory.
According to a report from the Hong Kong Economic Times, officers from the Hong Kong Police Force's Organized Crime and Triad Bureau raided a location in the Wong Chuk Hang district of the city on Saturday and took possession of 14 Flying Cai Shen machines.
The game - also known as 'Feng Shui BaBa' - involves players inserting coins into a machine in order to win prizes. Unlike traditional slot games, however, there is no set payout percentage and instead payouts are determined by how long it takes for players to match three symbols on the screen.
Speaking after the raid, Superintendent Chan Ka-po of the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau warned that playing the game could result in "serious social problems."
"The game is nothing more than a form of gambling," he said. "Not only does it have serious social problems, but it can also cause financial ruin for those who get caught up in it."
The seizure comes less than two weeks after police arrested five people suspected of involvement in running an unauthorized gaming establishment that was using Flying Cai Shen machines.
Macau Police Arrest 18 People for Alleged Involvement in Gambling on 'Flying Cai Shen' Slot Machine Game
Macau police on Monday announced the arrest of 18 people for their alleged involvement in illegal gambling activities related to the 'flying Cai Shen' slot machine game.
Cai Shen is a Chinese god of wealth, and the game is believed to be especially lucky. The arrests were made in a series of operations conducted by the Public Security Police (PSP) between November and December last year.
Those arrested are said to have operated or taken part in the operation of unlicensed gaming dens, or facilitated gambling activities for others at those locations. Gambling equipment, including computers and slot machines, was also seized during the raids.
The offences carry a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to MOP200,000 (US$24,600).
This latest crackdown on illegal gambling activities in Macau comes as authorities continue to step up efforts to address concerns over increasing levels of crime associated with such activities. In November last year, police arrested more than 260 people in connection with illegal gambling operations.
Singaporean Man Arrested for Betting More Than $36,000 on 'Flying Cai Shen' Slot Machine Game
In what is believed to be a first for Singapore, a man was arrested for allegedly gambling more than $36,000 on a slot machine game.
The 36-year-old Chinese national was detained by police officers on Monday after he lost all his money at the 'Flying Cai Shen' game at an Marina Bay Sands casino.
Under the Casino Control Act, it is illegal for anyone to bet more than $5,000 in a single day. The man faces up to six months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
This is not the first time that someone has been caught gambling illegally in Singapore. In February last year, two men were fined a total of $40,000 for betting more than $180,000 on soccer matches at an illegal online casino.
Malaysian Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Gambling on 'Flying Cai Shen' Slot Machine Game
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - A Malaysian man was sentenced to five years in prison for gambling on a slot machine game called "Flying Cai Shen."
The 31-year-old man, who was not identified, was spotted by police officers gambling on the popular slot machine game at an entertainment outlet in the Bukit Bintang district of Kuala Lumpur. He was arrested and later plead guilty to the charge of illegal gambling.
The maximum penalty for the charge is five years in prison and a 500,000 Malaysian ringgit (approx. $122,000 USD) fine.
"Flying Cai Shen" is a popular Chinese slot machine game that is said to be auspicious for gambling luck. The game features symbols such as gold ingots, rabbits, turtles, and dragons.
