Suncity Group CEO Alvin Chau has issued a pledge not to conduct any gaming operations currently outlawed in Macau in any other countries and regions, even if those operations are legally allowed within those jurisdictions.
The declaration follows allegations published by a media organization linked with China state-owned news agency Xinhua, Economic Information Daily, last week accusing Suncity Group of signing up players who gambled in its Macau junket rooms to online gaming and proxy betting services. Both are banned under both Macau and Chinese law.
Speaking at a specially convened press conference at Mandarin Oriental Macau on Saturday afternoon, Chau reiterated Suncity’s strong denial of the allegations but nevertheless promised Suncity would apply the law of Macau globally — meaning Suncity will not partake in proxy betting or any online gaming operations anywhere in the world.
“For any products that are legally allowed to operate in other countries and regions, the company will not adopt them if the laws of Macau do not allow it and will strictly adhere to the law of Macau,” he said, adding that the company’s activities have not interfered with the mainland’s pursuits.
“The company has not operated the so-called online gaming platform, which is promoting gaming and conducting monetary settlement in Mainland China without physical gambling chips.
“Company profit has not exceeded the revenue of China Lottery and absolutely has not disturbed the national financial order. All turnover data and income of the company are officially announced by authority every month.”
Chau also insisted that he has not been personally investigated by Chinese authorities in the wake of the allegations but said Suncity would not pursue any legal action against Economic Information Daily or any other media.
“Suncity Group is deeply sorry for any inconvenience caused to the Macau Government and the possible negative impact on Macau gaming concessionaires,” he said. “We hope the concerns generated in both Mainland China and the Macau SAR will be eased.”
Suncity Group operates 18 VIP Clubs in Macau and 14 elsewhere including the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Korea and Australia. The listed arm of Suncity Group holds a 34% stake in Vietnam IR Hoiana, which is set to open in December 2019, and recently acquired 27.95% of Summit Ascent Holdings, which owns Russian integrated resort Tigre de Cristal near Vladivostok.
