Chinese Table Tennis Legend Suspended Over Gambling Debts with Sands Casino in Singapore
- Posted on 13 Marzo 2020
- in 21 Dukes Casino
- by euroviti853

Certainly one of the maximum players within the history of table tennis found himself in the spotlight that is global week, not https://myfreepokies.com/21-dukes-casino/ for his accomplishments in dining table tennis, but alternatively for his apparent failures at the tables in a casino.
Kong Linghui ended up being such as the Michael Jordan of ping pong, a likeness even up to the point in gambling troubles that he allegedly got himself.
Kong Linghui, coach of the Chinese ladies’ table tennis team, ended up being summoned on Monday to return to Asia simply as the 2017 World Table Tennis Championships were getting underway in Germany. He’s been suspended from the united team in the wake of the scandal over gambling debts.
Kong, a 41-year-old champion that is former one of the best players in the annals associated with game, was called in a lawsuit filed in Hong Kong that alleged he stiffed the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino in 2015 on nearly $720,000 in markers.
Alleged Debts and Gambling Regrets
A popular Chinese social media site, to explain that the debts weren’t his on Tuesday, Kong posted on Weibo. He said the casino was visited by him in Lion City, Singapore, with friends and family, and used his line of credit so they could play while he ‘sat and observed.’
‘It is just until today after news reports have exposed the incident that I discovered someone had kept some debt unsettled utilizing the casino,’ he stated in a declaration (as translated by Google) on Weibo. ‘we am being dragged to the lawsuit. I’ve immediately required the indebted to show up and clarify the known facts.’
Based on the lawsuit filed by Sands against Kong, the casino extended him S$1 million in credit during a trip in 2015, of which he has since paid back s$550,000 february. That left an unpaid balance equivalent to US $320,000.
‘we am profoundly disturbed by the impact that is negative of event in the team,’ Kong wrote. ‘ I will work with my team to eliminate disturbance and make every work in this World ping pong Championships, and carry on to fight for the honor of this motherland!’
Table Tennis Prince
Kong, referred to as ‘ping pong prince,’ is one of just a choose few competitors to win the grand slam of dining table tennis titles. During his heyday in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he won the World Table Tennis Championships, the Table Tennis World Cup, and ping pong events at the Olympics, where he won two gold medals and a silver.
The 41-year-old Kong won gold that is olympic 1996 and 2000.
Considered by his contemporaries as one of the most complete and well-rounded ping pong players of all time, Kong is credited for shaking up a longtime European male dominance of the sport within the 1990s.
The Chinese government sent him to Sweden to study the great players. He returned to China in 1993 with exactly what he had discovered, and also by the final end of 1995 he was the top rated player worldwide.
In 2006, Kong retired early at age 30 after crashing his Porsche in Beijing while driving drunk. The government that is chinese a mandatory 15-day detention because of his sporting success for the country.
Macau Residents Gambling More Frequently Than in Previous Years
Macau gambling profits are finally beginning to trend in the right direction, thanks to a return into the VIP segment, and mass marketing efforts from casino resorts. But there’s another factor in the reversal of fortune, and that is the resident that is local.
In early 2016, Macau’s six integrated resort operators launched a regional’s campaign that provides various non-gaming perks to city dwellers. But discounted spaces and activity packages additionally generated a small bump in the resident gambling rate. (Image: Macau Loves Locals)
In accordance with a paper published by the scholarly Study of Commercial Gaming during the University of Macau, 51.5 per cent of city residents participated in some form of gambling during 2016. That’s two percent higher than just what the same poll concluded whenever it absolutely was last tallied in 2013.
Funded by the Macau personal Welfare Bureau, the assessment is to keep tabs on gambling habits of locals, and monitor whether residents tend to be more prone to gambling that is developing.
The rate is still greatly lower than the 68 percent who admitted to participating in Macau back in 2003 while the nearly 52 percent majority shows that Macau habitants gamble more frequently than the general Chinese population.
Macau ended Hong Kong billionaire Stanley Ho’s monopoly on gambling after nearly four years in early 2000s, and has been monitoring the social effects of the casino industry’s liberalization ever since.
Study Results
The chinese have a tendency to gamble due to a strong belief in luck, fate, and fortune like many other Asian cultures. A classic gambling proverb in China declares, ‘If you are doingn’t gamble, you are doingn’t know how lucky you are.’
That’s why the Chinese government has banned nearly all forms of wagering throughout its long history. Macau, a previous portuguese territory, only became part of the individuals Republic in 1999.
But thus far, there is little evidence, at least in line with the Macau University findings, that residents within the city are experiencing gambling that is disproportionate rates.
Of the 2,000 respondents surveyed, just 51, or 2.5 percent of the sample, answered in a fashion that classified them as ‘probable disordered gamblers.’ And of those in that category, just 10 (0.5 percent of the total pool) fell into the ‘severe’ grouping.
Assuming the information is correct, that means just 3,250 of Macau’s projected 650,000 residents are currently putting up with from the gambling problem that is severe. However, the report nevertheless concluded that ‘there is still room for individuals to boost their awareness and understanding’ when it comes to gambling disorders.
Video Gaming revenue plummeted from a a lot of $45 billion in 2013, to $28 billion last year, as the mainland continues to crack down on allegedly corrupt VIP junket operators in Macau.
More Than Gambling
Macau is in the process of trying to advertise its reimagining to visitors that are potential. Long understood for its plethora of casinos, today resorts are marketing their amenities first, and gambling a distant 2nd or third.
A Macau that is recent tourism concluded that there are numerous facets that are actually enticing travelers to your region apart from gambling. One of the key non-gaming factors would be the quality of the resorts, food and drink establishments, duty-free shopping, and events and entertainment.
Ideally, those components may also attract new residents to Macau and strengthen the economy that is local.
The Macau government expects to see visitor arrivals grow five % overall in 2017. That will generate more demand, and theoretically, more jobs.
Brand New City of Las Vegas Logo Met with Disdain by Some Councilmembers for Being ‘Not Serious Enough’
An official ‘City of Las Vegas’ logo that has been revealed fall that is last receiving blended reviews through the city council. While many tourists don’t get it, the city of Las Vegas is distinct from the greater Strip that is glamourous encompasses primarily the downtown Fremont Street area, from a gambling perspective.
The Las Vegas logo in the left has been called down for being not serious enough for the ‘we mean company’ message that Mayor Carolyn Goodman as well as other councilmembers want to industries that are potential their city. (Image: City of Las Vegas/Collage: Casino.org)
But a burgeoning business and arts climate has left a few of the town’s council feeling that the latest logo does not mirror its more serious side.
The girly, pink magenta script emblem wasn’t meant to change the town’s longtime existing seal, but instead to complement it. However, some bureaucrats think the brand new logo design is being used too frequently, and in places where in actuality the city should present a more official-looking and image that is business-oriented.
‘When I look during the logo, that doesn’t say official company to me, and that concerns me,’ Councilman Ricki Barlow stated at a meeting that is recent. ‘The seal [on the other side] says official business.’
The issue, according to those voicing concerns over the colorful identity, is that the logo design isn’t being used strictly for advertising purposes. Certainly, the pink Las vegas, nevada font now covers official city vehicles, letterhead, business cards, employee uniforms, and more.
‘ All I’ve seen was basically the disappearing of the city seal,’ Barrow concluded.
How We Got Here
In regards to a year and a half ago, the city sought a marketing identity that is new. Designers submitted 20 ideas, and after councilmembers narrowed them down to four, they opened it up to vote that is public the champion.
Victoria Hart’s Las Vegas logo emerged as the top pick in October 2016. Las Vegas paid her $10,000 for the concept, and invested another $50,000 performing the marketing plan that encompassed it.
One of the detractors to Hart’s design is City of Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman. ‘ We are serious business here at the populous city,’ she explained of her opposition. Goodman ended up being instrumental in taking downtown Las Vegas’ once significantly shady image and turning it into a now-thriving company and arts center which includes the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, footwear manufacturer Zappos and the edgy Container Park mall, where former shipping crates have been converted into storefronts.
But not all officials concur with Goodman’s assessment. Councilmen Steve Ross and Stavros Anthony said they enjoy the fresh look, while Bob Coffin asked, ‘Have we overthought it?’
No motion to repeal Hart’s logo design was made throughout a recent council conference, although the board says it’s going to continue the discussion in July. In the meantime, an on-line store selling branded materials using the pink emblem is set to launch next week.
Too Flashy for Las Vegas?
Some might find it a little humorous that the City of Las Vegas would get worried their new logo presents an image that is too flashy. The most gambling that is celebrated in the globe, both famed and notorious for its nightlife, is the epicenter regarding the tourism and hospitality industries.
But the area most visitors call Las Vegas is found in the unincorporated towns of Paradise and Winchester in Clark County. The Stratosphere is the only Strip resort inside the city boundaries, although the northern end of the primary drag is often cited at SLS Las Vegas (the former Sahara), simply south associated with the observation tower.
And the most famous Las Vegas sign, the marquee landmark that reads, ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas,’ markings the southern end of the Strip, and is some 4.5 miles outside of this city that is actual.
Despite frequently being referred to as the less chichi cousin of the Strip and all its glitz and glamor, the town of Las Vegas still has plenty to crow about these times. Along with its company and arts districts renaissance, Downtown Las Vegas is home to Fremont Street, that will be now outpacing the Strip with regards to casino revenue percentage gains in recent months.
From Next Pope to Bond, Paddy Power the ultimate goal of Novelty Betting
Paddy Power is at it again. The bookmaker that is irish offers a slew of eccentric novelty prop bets, but right now, the UK sportsbook is outdoing itself.
Paddy Power is getting its pope mobile back out on the road to promote its papal betting lines. And yes, we think this fictitious holiness is smoking a cigarette. (Image: Paddy Power)
Bettors offshore can currently place wagers on everything from who is going to be the next pope, to which star will replace Daniel Craig and step into the iconic role of James Bond. Of course, there’s also an excess of betting opportunities Donald that is surrounding Trump presidency.
While Paddy energy’s listings are since comical as ever, they’ve taken a softer tone compared to previous years. The web site received lots of debate some in 2008 for asking if newly inaugurated President Barack Obama will be assassinated during his first term.
Pope Props
At 76 years and 86 days old, Pope Francis ended up being the ninth pope that is oldest to ever be elected to the papacy in 2013. Now 80, Paddy Power is counting down the occasions before the Roman Catholic Church will need to find a brand new leader.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines) is the favorite at 5-1, followed by Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana) and Cardinal Marc Oullet (Canada), both at 8-1. US Cardinals Sean O’Malley (10-1), Kevin Joseph (20-1), and Timothy Dolan (20-1) may also be within the running.
But so is U2 frontman Bono, at the least according to Paddy Power. The musician and philanthropist is a longshot, however, at 1000-1. Richard Dawkins, an atheist, comes at the devilish odds of 666-1.
Surprisingly, Trump isn’t an option.
Relationship Bets
Craig stated recently he’d ‘rather slash his wrists’ than play 007 again, meaning Bond producers are scurrying to locate a new name star.
Paddy Power believes it’s Jack Huston’s to(2-1 that is lose, followed by Tom Hardy and Tom Hiddleston (4-1). A few longshots that are humorous Kristen Stewart (90-1), Helen Mirren (175-1), David Beckham (500-1), and Diddy (500-1).
Surprisingly, Trump isn’t an option.
Trump Trending Better
The chances of Trump leaving workplace before his first term expires are growing longer. Earlier this month, bettors felt there was a decent chance of the commander that is 45th chief being ousted before 2020.
Nevertheless, today the favorite in the question, ‘What year will Trump cease to be president?’ is ‘2020 or later’ at 11-10. This year does include the shortest that is next at 13-8, followed by 2018 (10-2) and 2019 (9-1).
Paddy energy is obsessed with the new leader for the free world, and justifiably so. Trump creates much interest for his at times outlandish opinions and penchant for social media.
The sportsbook ended up being even trying to employ a US expert that is political its newly created position, ‘Head of Trump Betting.’ Paddy energy took a beating on the November US election after it began paying out on Hillary Clinton wagers prior to Americans shocking the world.
Peace Props
Finally, Paddy energy is preparing to see whom you imagine is certainly going to win the Nobel Peace Prize when it is announced this October.
Pope Francis leads the real way at even money, followed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel (13-5). The White Helmets, Syria civil defense soldiers, are at 3-1, and murdered British Labour Party politician and humanitarian Helen Cox is at 6-1.
Notables consist of Barack Obama (22-1) and his wife Michelle (33-1), Leonardo DiCaprio (50-1), and Russian President Vladimir Putin (90-1).
And yes, Trump is an alternative at 25-1.
Casino Gaming in Vietnam Set for Change as Ministry Gets Licensing Powers
Casino gaming in Vietnam operates in something of a place that is strange but a new move by the federal government could be a sign things are starting to change.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance happens to be offered the ability to grant business licenses to casino companies to simply help debt that is national. (Image: saigoneer.com)
Prior to a 2017 decree, many Vietnamese natives weren’t permitted to gamble in the united kingdom’s casinos but foreign visitors could. A government decree (Decree 03/2017/ND-CP) moved to change this by introducing a three-year pilot scheme that would allow certain residents to gamble at the start of this year.
The general idea is that locals with an income of at least VND10 million (US$443) will be able to gamble in a casino although there have been conflicting reports about how the decree will actually work in practice.
Even though this decree was supposed to come right into influence on March 15, the government has yet to issue a statement on how regions should implement the regulations.
Ministry of Finance Has the Energy
Inspite of the lack of motion, the government has now said that the Ministry of Finance’s Department of Banking and Financial Institutions will have some influence in the laws.
As outlined in a report by VietnamNet May 30, the Ministry of Finance has been given the charged power to grant organizations licenses to casino and gaming solutions.
At this time, it is not clear what this means in practice, but there clearly was an opportunity it could give gaming operators and technology companies permission to operate within the nation. What exactly is known, however, is that any business wanting to offer entertainment that is casino-based invest a minimal capital of US$2 billion.
Furthermore, potential companies must explain how it will tackle issues such as for example problem gambling. Overall, the latest news still doesn’t give us far more of an understanding of how Vietnam’s casino industry will evolve in genuine terms over the coming months.
Progress is Slow but Nevertheless a good sign
However, there is actually a feeling among government officials that progress needs to be made. With GDP slowing down in Q1 of 2017 and general public debt (as a share of GDP) increasing by more than 12 percent since 2011, ministers are now looking for a method to redress the balance.
Allowing residents to spend money in local casinos has been seen as perhaps one of the most ways that are effective do this. Taking this being a beginning point, an escalation in casino-based entertainment as a result of newly certified operators could stimulate spending that is further.
Although some more pieces of the puzzle should be arranged prior to the nationwide coffers can reap the benefits of Decree 03/2017/ND-CP, it certainly looks as though things are transferring the direction that is right.
