The embassy of China in Singapore has issued a warning to its citizens residing in the city-state, advising them to abstain from all forms of offshore gambling, citing violations of Chinese laws.??

According to the report by The Standard, the advisory comes amidst heightened efforts by Beijing to crack down on Chinese nationals engaging in gambling activities across Southeast Asian countries.  

In a statement, the embassy emphasized the need for Chinese nationals in Singapore to bolster their legal awareness and refrain from participating in gambling activities.  

Despite the legality of overseas casinos, the embassy highlighted suspicions of cross-border gambling by Chinese citizens violating Chinese laws.  

“Cross-border gambling could bring risks such as fraud, money laundering, kidnapping, detention, trafficking, and smuggling,” said the Chinese embassy.  

Singapore boasts two prominent casinos: one situated within the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort and the other operated by Resorts World Sentosa, a subsidiary wholly owned by Genting Singapore.  

Global Warnings and Repatriations??

China’s warnings extend beyond Singapore, with similar advisories sent to countries like South Korea and Sri Lanka.   

Recent collaborative efforts between Chinese and Philippine law enforcement saw the repatriation of over 40 Chinese nationals involved in offshore gambling on February 22.  

Reporting Platform Initiative??

To bolster enforcement measures, China’s Ministry of Public Security has established a reporting platform enabling Chinese citizens to provide tips and report suspected illegal gambling activities.  

Investors in Genting Singapore remain steady despite Beijing’s warning??

Investors in Genting Singapore exhibited little reaction following Beijing’s warning, with shares of the integrated resort operator showing minimal movement mere hours after the advisory was released.?

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