Chinese Table Tennis Legend Suspended Over Gambling Debts with Sands Casino in Singapore

One of the greatest players into the history of table tennis found himself in the international limelight this week, not for their accomplishments in dining table tennis, but rather for his apparent failures at the tables in a casino.
Kong Linghui was just like the Michael Jordan of ping pong, a likeness even up to the point which he allegedly got himself in gambling troubles.
Kong Linghui, coach of the Chinese ladies’ table tennis team, ended up being summoned on Monday to return to China just as the 2017 World Table Tennis Championships were getting underway in Germany. He has been suspended from the united group in the wake of a scandal over gambling debts.
Kong, a 41-year-old champion that is former one of the best players in the history associated with game, was known as 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 credit line so they could play while he ‘sat and observed.’
‘It is just until today after media reports have exposed the incident he said in a statement (as translated by Google) on Weibo that I have learned someone had left some debt unsettled with the casino. ‘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.
‘I am deeply disturbed by the impact that is negative of incident on the group,’ Kong wrote. ‘ i will work with my team to eliminate interference and make every effort in this global World ping pong Championships, and carry on to fight for the honor associated with motherland!’
Ping Pong Prince
Kong, known as the ‘ping pong prince,’ is one of only a choose few rivals to win the grand slam of dining table tennis titles. During his heyday in the belated 1990s and early 2000s, he won the World ping pong Championships, the ping pong World Cup, and ping pong events at the Olympics, where he won two silver 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 regarding the sport within the 1990s.
The government that is chinese him to Sweden to study the great players. He returned to China in 1993 with what he had discovered, and also by the final end of 1995 he was the top ranked player on earth.
In 2006, Kong retired early at age 30 after crashing his Porsche in Beijing while driving drunk. The Chinese government waived a mandatory 15-day detention because of his sporting success for the nation.
Macau Residents Gambling More Frequently Than in Previous Years
Macau gambling revenues are finally starting to trend in the right direction, thanks to a return within the VIP segment, and mass advertising efforts from casino resorts. But there’s another aspect in the reversal of fortune, and that’s the local resident.
In early 2016, Macau’s six integrated resort operators launched a local’s campaign that provides various non-gaming perks to city dwellers. But reduced rooms and entertainment packages also led to a bump that is slight the resident gambling rate. (Image: Macau Really Loves Locals)
Based on a paper posted by the Study of Commercial Gaming during the University of Macau, 51.5 percent of city residents participated in some form of gambling during 2016. That’s two percent higher than exactly what the same poll concluded when it absolutely was last tallied in 2013.
Funded by the Macau personal Welfare Bureau, the assessment would be to monitor gambling habits of locals, and monitor whether residents are far 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 the early 2000s, and has now 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 vintage gambling proverb in China declares, ‘you don’t know how lucky you’re. if you don’t gamble,’
That is why the Chinese government has banned nearly all forms of wagering throughout its long history. Macau, A portuguese that is former territory only became part of the individuals Republic in 1999.
But thus far, there is little evidence, at least based on 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 pool that is total fell in to the ‘severe’ grouping.
Assuming the information is correct, that means just 3,250 of Macau’s estimated 650,000 residents are currently putting up with from a severe gambling issue. However, the report nevertheless concluded that ‘there is still room for individuals to improve their awareness and understanding’ when it comes to gambling disorders.
Gaming revenue plummeted from the most of $45 billion in 2013, to $28 billion year that is last as the mainland continues to crack down on allegedly corrupt VIP junket operators in Macau.
More Than Gambling
Macau is within the process of wanting to advertise its reimagining to visitors that are potential. Long known for its plethora of casinos, resorts are marketing their amenities first, and gambling a distant second or third today.
A present Macau tourism report figured there are numerous factors that are now actually enticing travelers to your region apart from gambling. On the list of key non-gaming facets will be the quality of the resorts, food and drink establishments, duty-free shopping, and events and entertainment.
Preferably, those components may also attract new residents to Macau and fortify the economy that is local.
The Macau government expects to see visitor arrivals grow five percent overall in 2017. That will generate more demand, and theoretically, more jobs.
New City of nevada Logo Met with Disdain by Some Councilmembers for Being ‘Not Serious Enough’
An official ‘City of Las Vegas’ logo that has been unveiled fall that is last receiving mixed reviews from the city council. While many tourists don’t realize it, the city of Las Vegas is distinct from the greater amount of Strip that is glamourous encompasses primarily the downtown Fremont Street area, from a gambling perspective.
The nevada logo on the left was called down for being not severe enough for the ‘we mean company’ message that Mayor Carolyn Goodman along with 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 brand new logo doesn’t mirror its more serious side.
The girly, pink magenta script emblem was not meant to restore the town’s longtime existing seal, but rather to complement it. However, some bureaucrats think the brand new logo is being utilized too often, and in places where in fact the city should present a more official-looking and business-oriented image.
‘When I look at 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 problem, according to those voicing concerns over the colorful identity, is that the logo design isn’t being utilized strictly for marketing purposes. Indeed, the pink Las vegas, nevada font now covers city that is official, letterhead, business cards, employee uniforms, and more.
‘ All I’ve seen was basically the disappearing of the populous city seal,’ Barrow concluded.
How Exactly We Got Right Here
In regards to a year and a half ago, the town desired a new marketing identity. Designers submitted 20 ideas, and after councilmembers narrowed them down to four, they opened it up to public vote for the champion.
Victoria Hart’s Las Vegas logo emerged as the pick that is top October 2016. Las Vegas paid her $10,000 for the idea, and spent another $50,000 performing the marketing plan that encompassed it.
On the list of detractors to Hart’s design is City of vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman. ‘ We are serious business here at the populous city,’ she explained of her opposition. Goodman was instrumental in taking downtown Las Vegas’ once image that is somewhat shady turning it into a now-thriving company and arts center that features the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, footwear manufacturer Zappos 21 dukes online casino australia as well as the edgy Container Park plaza, where former shipping crates have actually 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 was made within a council that is recent, though the board states it’ll continue the discussion in July. In the meantime, an online store selling branded materials with all the red emblem is set to launch next week.
Too Flashy for Las Vegas?
Some will dsicover it a little humorous that the town of Las Vegas would fret 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 associated with the tourism and hospitality industries.
But the certain area many visitors call Las Vegas is located in the unincorporated towns of Paradise and Winchester in Clark County. The Stratosphere is the only Strip resort inside the city boundaries, though the northern end associated with the drag that is main usually cited at SLS Las Vegas (the previous Sahara), just south of this observation tower.
And the most famous Las Vegas sign, the marquee landmark that reads, ‘Welcome to Fabulous nevada,’ markings the southern end of the Strip, and is some 4.5 kilometers outside associated with the actual city limitations.
Despite often being referred to as the less chichi cousin of the Strip and all its glitz and glamor, the town of Las Vegas nevertheless has plenty to crow about these days. Along with its company and arts districts renaissance, Downtown vegas is home to Fremont Street, which can be now outpacing the Strip in terms of 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 Irish bookmaker constantly offers a slew of eccentric novelty prop bets, but 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 overseas can currently place wagers on every thing 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 is also an excess of betting opportunities surrounding Donald Trump’s presidency.
While Paddy Power’s listings are since comical as ever, they’ve taken a softer tone than in past years. The web site received lots of debate some in 2008 for asking if newly inaugurated President Barack Obama would be assassinated during his very first term.
Pope Props
At 76 years and 86 times old, Pope Francis had been 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 leader that is new.
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) will also be within the running.
But so is U2 frontman Bono, at the least according to Paddy energy. The philanthropist and musician 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.
Bond Wagers
Craig said recently he’d ‘rather slash his wrists’ than play 007 once more, meaning Bond producers are scurrying to find a title actor that is new.
Paddy Power believes it’s Jack Huston’s to(2-1 that is lose, followed by Tom Hardy and Tom Hiddleston (4-1). A couple of humorous longshots consist of 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 office before their first term expires are growing longer. Earlier this month, bettors felt there was a decent chance of the 45th commander in chief being ousted before 2020.
Nonetheless, today the favorite in the question, ‘What year will Trump cease to be president?’ is ‘2020 or later’ at 11-10. This present year does include the next shortest odds at 13-8, followed by 2018 (10-2) and 2019 (9-1).
Paddy energy is obsessed with the new frontrunner associated with the free world, and justifiably so. Trump generates much interest for his at times outlandish comments and penchant for social media.
The sportsbook had been even trying to employ a US expert that is political its newly created position, ‘Head of Trump Betting.’ Paddy Power took a beating on the November US election after it began spending on Hillary Clinton wagers prior to Americans shocking the world.
Peace Props
Finally, Paddy Power is preparing to see who you might think goes to win the Nobel Peace Prize if it is announced this October.
Pope Francis leads the real way at even money, followed closely 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 reaches 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 option at 25-1.
Casino Gaming in Vietnam Set for Change as Ministry Gets Licensing Powers
Casino gaming in Vietnam operates in something of a strange destination, 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 given the energy to grant business licenses to casino organizations to greatly help debt that is national. (Image: saigoneer.com)
Ahead of a 2017 decree, many natives that are vietnamesen’t allowed to gamble in the united kingdom’s casinos but foreign visitors could. From the beginning of the year, a government decree (Decree 03/2017/ND-CP) moved to alter this by introducing a three-year pilot scheme that will allow certain residents to gamble.
Though there have been conflicting reports about how the decree will actually work in training, the overall idea is the fact that locals with money of at least VND10 million (US$443) will have the ability to gamble in a casino.
Even though this decree was supposed to come right into effect on March 15, the national government has yet to issue a statement on how regions should implement the regulations.
Ministry of Finance Has Got the Power
Regardless of the lack of movement, the government has now said that the Ministry of Finance’s Department of Banking and finance institutions will have some impact on the regulations.
As outlined in a report by VietnamNet May 30, the Ministry of Finance has been provided the charged power to grant organizations licenses to casino and video gaming services.
At this time, it is confusing what this means in practice, but there is certainly a chance it could give gaming operators and technology companies permission to operate within the nation. What’s understood, however, is the fact that any business wanting to offer entertainment that is casino-based invest a minimum capital of US$2 billion.
Furthermore, potential companies must explain how it will tackle problems such as for instance problem gambling. Overall, the latest news still doesn’t give us far more of an insight into how Vietnam’s casino industry will evolve in genuine terms over the coming months.
Progress is Slow but Nevertheless a sign that is positive
Nonetheless, there is actually an atmosphere among government officials that progress needs to be made. With GDP slowing down in Q1 of 2017 and debt that is publicas a share of GDP) increasing by more than 12 percent since 2011, ministers are now searching for a option to redress the balance.
Allowing residents to spend money in local casinos has been seen as the most effective ways to repeat this. Taking this as a starting point, an increase in casino-based activity because of newly certified operators could stimulate spending that is further.
Although some more pieces associated with puzzle should be prearranged before the national coffers can experience the benefits of Decree 03/2017/ND-CP, it certainly looks as though things are relocating the right direction.