Macau: DICJ confirms suspension of Suncity VIP rooms

The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) has confirmed that Suncity Group Holdings has closed all of its VIP rooms in Macau.

Macau.- Macau’s gaming regulator has confirmed that all Suncity Group VIP gaming rooms have closed. The move came after Alvin Chau Cheok Wa, Suncity Group CEO, was arrested on Saturday for allegedly organising illegal gambling for Chinese clients, including online gambling through the Philippines.

The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ for its initials in Portuguese) said in a statement it has been notified on Tuesday to suspend cooperation with Suncity Group. A senior manager of MGM Resorts International, the major shareholder of Macau casino operator MGM China Holdings Co., Ltd., confirmed that the company has suspended its collaboration with Suncity Group at MGM Macau and MGM Cotai.

The Macau gaming regulator did not mention the total number of VIP rooms in Macau that have ceased operations or what will happen to the staff in these venues. It said it would not comment on the case while authorities investigate the case. The DICJ added that “all casino operators and intermediaries must strictly abide by the law to carry out their activities.”

Suncity suspends travel and related business division

Suncity has suspended its travel and related business division, which accounts for nearly 17.4 per cent of Suncity Group’s revenue. Suncity has said its CEO’s arrest may affect the income of its tourism-related business but should not have a significant impact on the group and its ability to do normal business.