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Tag: Resorts World

  • Did China Make Up a Gambling Suicide Story?

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    Posted on: February 16, 2026, 11:30h. 

    Last updated on: February 16, 2026, 11:30h.

    • China is warning its people not to gamble overseas
    • The CPC cited a gambler’s recent suicide in Singapore, though no media or police report has detailed such an incident

    Ahead of the Chinese New Year, China is warning its people that gambling while on holiday poses significant risks, including financial ruin and even suicide.

    China casino gambling New Year holiday
    The New Year Lantern Festival, celebrating the Year of the Horse at Shanghai Yu Garden, is pictured on Feb. 11, 2026. China is warning its people to avoid gambling if traveling cross-border during the holiday period. (Image: Shutterstock)

    China bans casino gambling everywhere on the mainland. The only place under China’s control where casinos are allowed is in Macau, a semi-autonomous Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic.

    By law, Chinese citizens and residents are barred from gambling in foreign countries, though, of course, that doesn’t keep many from doing so while in Australia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Las Vegas.

    The 2026 Chinese New Year is tomorrow, Feb. 17. The Year of the Fire Horse, the Spring Festival holiday period, which began Sunday, runs through Monday, Feb. 23. During the celebration, most workers are afforded paid time off and take their families on vacations, with Singapore, Macau, and other parts of Southeast Asia popular destinations.

    China: Don’t Gamble Overseas

    Chinese President Xi Jinping links cross-border gambling to heightened national security risks. China has always prohibited casinos from marketing their operations to mainlanders.

    In one high-profile case in 2017, China imprisoned 19 employees of Australia-based Crown Resorts for promoting gambling trips Down Under. Jason O’Connor, then the head of Crown’s international VIP program, spent 18 months in a Chinese prison, often described as among the world’s most brutal detention centers.

    With the Chinese New Year in full swing, the CPC, through its embassies, is reminding Chinese people not to gamble internationally. Casino.org obtained and translated the gambling warning issued by the Chinese Embassy in Singapore.

    The Chinese Embassy in Singapore once again solemnly reminds Chinese tourists visiting Singapore and Chinese citizens in Singapore to strengthen their legal awareness and stay away from gambling,” read the notice from the Singaporean Chinese Embassy.

    Singapore is home to two casinos in Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa.

    Suicide Story Fabricated?

    The Chinese Embassy in Singapore said gambling comes with significant risks to Chinese people. The Embassy cited a recent incident involving a Chinese tourist at Marina Bay Sands who killed himself after gambling.

    Recently, a Chinese citizen jumped to his death after gambling at the Marina Bay Sands. The Embassy is guiding his family through the funeral arrangements,” the notice said.

    However, there have been no local media or police reports of such a recent suicide at Marina Bay Sands. No story has been made public about any suicide within or from the integrated resort in months.

    “In recent years, our Embassy has handled several deaths related to gambling and has previously issued relevant warnings. Gambling is strictly prohibited under Chinese law, and the amendment to the Criminal Law has formally criminalized cross-border gambling. Even if overseas casinos are legally operating, Chinese citizens who gamble across borders are suspected of violating Chinese law, especially those involved in organizing gambling activities, and will be held legally responsible. The Embassy and consulates cannot provide consular protection for illegal activities,” the statement continued.

    “Participating in gambling leads to financial ruin, family breakdown, and even death. Cross-border gambling may also bring risks such as fraud, money laundering, kidnapping, illegal detention, human trafficking, and human smuggling,” the Embassy notice concluded.  

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    Devin O’Connor

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  • Resorts World Las Vegas Hires Former Governor • This Week in Gambling

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    Resorts World Las Vegas has appointed former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval as chairman of its board of directors, marking a significant leadership shift for the Strip property as it continues navigating regulatory scrutiny and organizational changes. Sandoval replaces Jim Murren, who will remain involved with the company as chairman emeritus.

    The decision follows nearly a year of Sandoval’s service on the board. His background includes terms as Nevada’s governor, attorney general, and chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission, along with experience as a federal judge. Resorts World Las Vegas executives say his combination of regulatory knowledge and state-level leadership will help guide the property through ongoing compliance oversight.

    The appointment comes after a challenging period for the property. Earlier this year, the company agreed to a multimillion-dollar settlement with state regulators after an investigation into compliance failures. As part of that agreement, the property committed to strengthening internal controls, restructuring several departments, and increasing board-level oversight of compliance procedures.

    In the months following the settlement, Resorts World Las Vegas has carried out a series of executive adjustments. Alex Dixon, who served briefly as chief executive officer, transitioned into an advisory role. Carlos Castro, who previously oversaw operations and financial functions, was promoted to president. The company has described these changes as part of a broader strategy to stabilize management and emphasize regulatory accountability.

    Sandoval’s elevation to chairman is seen as an extension of that strategy. His experience with Nevada’s regulatory framework is expected to shape upcoming policy decisions and ensure the property remains aligned with state requirements. Company representatives have emphasized that the resort aims to rebuild confidence with regulators and maintain operational momentum despite recent challenges.

    Resorts World opening in Las Vegas opened in 2021 as the first new ground-up resort on the Strip in more than a decade. Backed by its parent company, Genting, the property was designed to compete with major operators across the market. The recent leadership changes reflect the company’s intention to reinforce its corporate governance as it seeks long-term stability.

    With Sandoval now leading the board, the resort is signaling a renewed focus on compliance, oversight, and transparent management practices. Company officials have stated that additional structural reforms are expected as the property continues adjusting its leadership framework and responding to regulatory expectations.

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    This Week in Gambling

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  • Selena Gomez Seems To Have Had Her Bachelorette Party – Without Taylor Swift! – Perez Hilton

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    Selena Gomez just enjoyed what appears to have been a bachelorette party down in Mexico — and on the very same weekend that her fiancé Benny Blanco seems to have had his bachelor party out in Las Vegas.

    But where was Taylor Swift?! That’s the question on everybody’s mind when it comes to the Only Murders In The Building star and her longtime BFF at this point. Because Taylor was a no-show south of the border! And that’s especially notable because these two so often spend major milestones together!

    Related: Benny Blanco’s Biggest Fear Could Ruin Engagement To Selena Gomez…

    So, paparazzi pics started popping up on Monday that show Selena spending some time on a luxury yacht down in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico over this past weekend. She can be seen in the photos in a strapless black swimsuit and sunglasses. And she’s there with a ton of other girlfriends, with the group appearing to have the time of their lives on the boat and then again later while opting for a walk around Cabo.

    But like we said, Travis Kelce‘s girlfriend wasn’t there! She can’t be seen in any of the yacht or about-town pictures at all.

    Normally, we wouldn’t think much of it. Maybe Selly G had a girls’ weekend and Taylor just couldn’t come out for this one, ya know?! But here’s why we think this might have been a bachelorette party: because Benny was simultaneously in Sin City having what appeared to be his bachelor party. Yeah…

    Blanco posted a series of pics to his Instagram Stories over the past few days like these (below), while also thanking Resorts World Las Vegas for his whirlwind weekend:

    / (c) Benny Blanco/Instagram
    Selena Gomez Seems To Have Had Her Bachelorette Party -- Without Taylor Swift!
    / (c) Benny Blanco/Instagram

    That one comment in particular, Benny writing — “I’ll never forget this weekend” — makes us wonder whether it was something as formative as a bachelor party, ya know?!

    And we’re not the only ones thinking that. A TMZ report on Monday night cited sources who claimed the Vegas trip was indeed Benny’s bachelor party! The whole thing went down in a private 5,500-square foot villa 65 stories above the Strip (!) which the outlet says goes for an average of $25,000 per night and includes its own private butler.

    Whoa!!!

    And not only that, but People further cited a source on Monday evening who claimed Benny popped up at XS Nightclub over the weekend to see Marshmello perform. Blanco’s close pal Lil Dicky was said to be part of that group, as well. And considering Benny was just a central part of Lil Dicky’s wedding not too long ago, well, it would seem as though this crew is having major life milestones all around!

    No confirmation yet on whether the Cabo yacht move actually was Selly G’s bachelorette party. But we definitely can’t help but wonder, especially in light of Benny’s big weekend in the desert. And if all that’s the case, well, we ask again: where was Taylor??

    Thoughts or theories, Perezcious readers?! Drop ’em (below)…

    [Image via Nicky Nelson/MEGA/WENN]

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    Perez Hilton

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  • Nevada Regulators Investigate Resorts World • This Week in Gambling

    Nevada Regulators Investigate Resorts World • This Week in Gambling

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    Something isn’t quite right at Resorts World Las Vegas these days. In fact, the Nevada Gaming Control Board believes the casino has participated in “significant regulatory breaches” tied to organized crime, illegal bookmaking, and individuals with histories of gambling-related felonies. Now, the Board has filed a disciplinary complaint. The 31-page complaint levels twelve counts against Resorts World, claiming the casino failed to adhere to state anti-money laundering regulations, and that it lacked effective control over its operations. It also accuses the resort of overlooking suspicious activities for financial gain, potentially tarnishing the reputation of Nevada’s gaming industry.

    Details of the allegations include claims that the casino allowed Mathew Bowyer, a Southern California bookmaker who recently admitted to operating an illegal gambling scheme, to place thousands of bets over a 15-month span.  It further alleges that Mr. Bowyer lost more than $6.6 million during this period, while benefiting from various perks provided by the casino, such as gifts, discounts, and flights on Resorts World’s private jet.

    The complaint mentions other individuals such as Edwin Ting, who was convicted of running an illegal gambling business and has ties to organized crime; Chad Iwamoto, who was convicted of transmitting wagering information and neglecting to file tax returns; and another person suspected of illegal bookmaking activities. The board also believes that the casino granted significant credit to individuals with known criminal histories connected to illegal gambling and organized crime.

    Bowyer was banned from Resorts World on October 6, 2023, following the execution of a federal warrant at his home. The resort also stated that they are “…committed to doing business with the utmost integrity and in compliance with applicable laws and industry guidelines.” They added that they are cooperating with the Gaming Control Board to resolve the issues and move forward. the Board responded by saying that “All suspected violations of Nevada’s gaming laws and regulations will be fully investigated and disciplinary action will be filed when warranted.”

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    This Week in Gambling

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  • New details emerge in alleged gambling ring behind Shohei Ohtani-Ippei Mizuhara scandal

    New details emerge in alleged gambling ring behind Shohei Ohtani-Ippei Mizuhara scandal

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    Shohei Ohtani is still just playing baseball after being all but cleared in the Ippei Mizuhara scandal. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

    If you were curious about what exactly happened to Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s money after it was allegedly stolen by his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, a new report from ESPN’s Tisha Thompson has shed new light on the situation.

    The man at the center of the alleged illegal gambling ring that received Ohtani’s money was Mathew Bowyer, who has been under investigation by federal authorities since last year. Ohtani was only roped into the scandal when authorities noticed his bank information among the payments to Bowyer.

    Mizuhara reportedly funneled weekly $500,000 payments from Ohtani’s bank account to an associate of Bowyer’s to cover his illegal gambling losses. ESPN reports that associate would then deposit the money into accounts with Resorts World, a Las Vegas casino opened in 2021, and Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California.

    Bowyer and the associate would then allegedly convert the money to playing chips, gamble with it and cash out if they won. Bowyer reportedly lost $7.9 million at Resorts World from June 2022 to October 2023, a span of time in which he was receiving money from Mizuhara.

    This is all apparently part of a much larger trend in the gambling world in which illegal bookies in Southern California use Las Vegas casinos to launder money. Twelve people have reportedly been charged and convicted, while two Vegas casinos have agreed to pay fines.

    There’s even a tangential connection to LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers star’s friend and business partner, Maverick Carter, reportedly admitted late last year that he bet on NBA games via an illegal bookie. ESPN reports that bookie, Wayne Nix, has since pleaded guilty to operating an illegal gambling business and filing a false tax return. NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen and former MLB star Yasiel Puig also reportedly made bets through Nix.

    In the case of Bowyer, he reportedly boasted more than 600 bettors and was known as a whale in Vegas, with a reputation for bringing between $250,000 and $1 million with him as often as two or three times per month.

    As far as Ohtani, the Dodgers and MLB, the Ippei Mizuhara situation is in the rear-view mirror.

    Mizuhara turned himself in on a federal charge of bank fraud earlier this month and is currently out on $25,000 bond. His attorney released a statement soon after indicating Mizuhara’s desire to cut a deal with prosecutors rather than go to trial, in which he would face up to 30 years in prison:

    Today Mr. Mizuhara voluntarily surrendered, made his initial appearance, and was released on bond as agreed to with the government. He is continuing to cooperate with the legal process and is hopeful that he can reach an agreement with the government to resolve this case as quickly as possible so that he can take responsibility.

    He wishes to apologize to Mr. Ohtani, the Dodgers, Major League Baseball, and his family. As noted in court, he is also eager to seek treatment for his gambling. We have no further comment at this time, but Mr. Mizuhara will be providing further comment as the legal process proceeds.

    To date, no reports of a deal have materialized, but that doesn’t mean negotiations aren’t happening.

    Meanwhile, MLB has released a statement recognizing that authorities see Ohtani as a victim, leaving them little to investigate.

    This is about as good of an outcome as Ohtani and his people could have hoped for after his name popped up on an illegal bookie’s ledger, but it remains a very sad situation. It has become clear that Mizuhara was both very close to Ohtani and suffered from enormous issues with gambling addiction.

    Now, Ohtani is just focusing on baseball again, while Mizuhara is sorting out an unenviable legal situation.

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  • Insomniac’s Unique Hotel Experience for EDC Las Vegas 2023 Is a “Rave Wonderland” – EDM.com

    Insomniac’s Unique Hotel Experience for EDC Las Vegas 2023 Is a “Rave Wonderland” – EDM.com

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    Insomniac’s iconic EDC Las Vegas is getting even bigger for its 30-year anniversary in 2023.

    The renowned promoter has revealed “Hotel EDC,” a new initiative taking over Resorts World’s Las Vegas Hilton into a centralized hub for all things EDC. According to a press release issued to announce the first-of-its-kind festival experience, the 88-acre property will transform into a “rave wonderland” with a slew of unique fan experiences.

    Pass-holders will be able to experience EDC Las Vegas through a variety of onsite activations, such as exclusive parties at Ayu Dayclub, special art installations and EDC-themed cocktails and food, among many other perks. “Hotel EDC” will also provide a number of premium add-on experiences, like shuttle service to and from the EDC festival grounds.

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    Lennon Cihak

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  • Resorts World Las Vegas Inks Deal With Kaskade to Join Formidable 2023 Resident Lineup – EDM.com

    Resorts World Las Vegas Inks Deal With Kaskade to Join Formidable 2023 Resident Lineup – EDM.com

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    The concrete has hardly dried from the conclusion of pool season in Las Vegas, but Resorts World’s 2023 plans are already off to a strong start.

    The Las Vegas Strip newcomer has wasted no time courting the world’s most popular artists over the last two years—and now another notable name joins their ranks. Kaskade has been revealed as the latest high-profile DJ to ink a residency at Resorts World’s Ayu Dayclub and Zouk Nightclub beginning in 2023.

    The Chicago native and influential dance music producer has achieved another banner year by all accounts. Perhaps most notably, he joined forces with fellow Resorts World resident deadmau5 to form Kx5, and the two have been steadily marching towards the release of a hotly anticipated debut album.

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    Cameron Sunkel

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