The Ho family, renowned for their pioneering impact on Macau's casino industry, has now set their sights on the world of esports. Mario Ho (pictured above), the youngest son of the late Stanley Ho, a prominent figure in Macau's casino business, spearheads this ambitious transition. Aged just 29, Mario has propelled his esports company, Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) Group Inc., to notable achievements, including a remarkable debut on the Nasdaq stock exchange.

The Ho family's legacy traces back to Stanley Ho, the visionary who transformed Macau into a global gambling hub. Renowned as "The King of Gambling," Stanley established SJM Holdings, which held a government-granted monopoly for 75 years, making Macau's casinos more lucrative than those in Las Vegas. Beyond gambling, Stanley's Shun Tak Holdings ventures into real estate, shipping, entertainment, and air transportation, significantly contributing to Macau's economic landscape.

Stanley's entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen made a lasting impact on the market. However, his passing in 2020 led to a family dispute over his fortune.

Even after Stanley's passing, Angela Leong, his fourth wife and Mario's mother, remained an influential figure in her own right. Angela Leong is a prominent politician in Macau and holds a significant stake in SJM Holdings. With a net worth of approximately $3 billion (around €2.8 billion), she ranks among the wealthiest individuals in Hong Kong and is also known for her philanthropic work.

Pansy Ho, one of Stanley's daughters from his second wife, Lucina Laam King Ying, is another influential member of the family. Pansy holds a 50 percent stake in MGM Macau and commands an estimated net worth of $5.3 billion (approximately €4.9 billion). She has played a pivotal role in expanding the family's casino empire and continues to be a prominent figure in the industry.

Lawrence Ho, another of Stanley's sons, serves as the CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, overseeing casino operations across Asia. With a net worth of $2.6 billion (approximately €2.4 billion), Lawrence has been instrumental in diversifying the family's business interests, focusing on the integration of entertainment and technology with traditional gaming.

Alice Ho, Mario's younger sister, is also making her mark. At 24, Alice has demonstrated exceptional academic and athletic prowess. Opting to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) over an offer from Cambridge, she pursued a major in Mathematics with Computer Science. Fluent in multiple languages and accomplished in playing the violin, Alice embodies the blend of talent and ambition that characterises the Ho family.

Laurinda Ho, 33, a socialite and businesswoman, daughter of Stanley Ho to his third wife Ina Chan. She has been making a successful transition in her career with a lead role in an upcoming major movie. She's known for her youthful and lively energy. Laurinda is co-starring with Chinese actor Ci Sha in the film, which is already in production. Her first role as a protagonist comes after her previous appearance in "Heroes of Dunhuang" alongside her husband, actor Shawn Dou. With her affluent background and successful career move, Laurinda adds a new dimension to her personal journey and contributes to the ongoing narrative of the Ho family's rich history.

Mario Ho, the third child of Stanley and Angela, has achieved success in the esports industry. The initial public offering (IPO) of NIP Group raised over $20 million (about €18.5 million), thus valuing his stake at approximately $69 million (about €63.7 million). Mario's journey began with roles at iDreamsky Technology Holdings Ltd. and as President of the Macau E-Sports Federation. He co-founded NIP Group by merging with ESVF Esports Group and Ninjas in Pyjamas Gaming. Mario is also known for his academic accomplishments, media presence, and his marriage to Chinese model Ming Xi, with whom he has two children. Mario was recognized in Fortune China’s “40 Under 40” 2023 list for his innovation and leadership in the esports industry. Under Mario’s guidance, NIP Group has become a prominent digital sports entity.

Stanley Ho's children from various marriages have all contributed to their respective fields. Daisy Ho, another of Stanley's daughters, now chairs SJM Holdings, continuing her father's legacy in the casino industry. Josie Ho, a daughter from Stanley's second wife, is a celebrated actress and singer, showcasing the family's diverse talents.

The Ho family's influence on the gaming and entertainment industries is deep. From Stanley Ho's pioneering efforts in Macau's casino scene to Mario Ho's innovative strides in esports, the dynasty continues to shape the future of gaming and digital entertainment.

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In the USA, millions of dollars are being wagered on obscure table tennis matches in Eastern Europe. Last year in February, in a sparsely filled gymnasium in Poland, two relatively unknown players battled it out in a 14-minute match. Thousands of miles away, an American sports bettor placed an impressive $35,000 bet on the outcome, one of the biggest bets ever placed on the sport.

In 2023 alone, Colorado saw $107 million in wagers placed on table tennis. Data from the Oregon Lottery reveals that table tennis has quietly become one of the most popular sports for betting. In 2023, $57 million was bet on the sport, a dramatic increase from the $18.5 million wagered in 2022. This surge represents 890,000 individual bets. Although table tennis still comes behind basketball, football, and baseball, it now outpaces more traditional sports like tennis, soccer, hockey, and golf in terms of betting interest.

Bettors are even wagering more per game on table tennis than on other sports. The average table tennis bet stands at $66, compared to $24 on NFL games, $34 on Major League Baseball, and $41 on NBA games.

The matches, are often held in rundown gymnasiums with no live audience, announcers, or fans, and have scores kept manually. The players, while skilled, are far from elite.

“It isn’t the highest level. I would consider it club-level. These are serious players but not close to the national team,” said Sean O’Neill, a two-time Olympian. So, why the intense betting interest?

“This is like the crack cocaine of sports gambling,” explained Dr. Ken Pendleton from the University of Oregon. He pointed out that the sheer volume of matches, with new games starting constantly, coupled with their short duration, allows for rapid, repeated betting. The relentless pace and continuous action leave little room for downtime, keeping bettors constantly engaged. Most of them watch these matches on YouTube or directly through betting platforms.

The surge in popularity began during the COVID-19 pandemic when most mainstream sporting events were cancelled. The demand for these table tennis matches was so overwhelming that the number of games skyrocketed, and continues to grow.

“They’ve got players competing 24/7, around the clock,” said O’Neill. “Matches are happening at 3 a.m., 4 a.m., 5 a.m., all because they’re being broadcast for the betting community. Bettors are always looking for the next match.”

In 2020, authorities in Colorado and New Jersey temporarily banned betting on table tennis over concerns about potential match-fixing in Ukraine. However, most of these matches are organised by the TT Elite Series, based in Poland. This organisation has never been implicated in match-fixing scandals and has been diligent in maintaining the integrity of its matches.

Platforms like DraftKings, which stream these games to American bettors, also play a role in safeguarding against match-fixing by closely monitoring betting patterns.

Led by a distinguished board of directors, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has been very much in the headlines recently with the announcement of its lottery licence. Chairman Jim Murren (pictured above) brings extensive experience from the gaming and hospitality industries, including his previous role as Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. Aside from being the Chairman of GCGRA, Murren also has current roles and responsibilities as the chief executive officer at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. His leadership is crucial as GCGRA navigates this transformative period for the UAE’s gaming sector.

The Vice Chairman, Chris O’Donnell, brings extensive experience in real estate and investment from major UAE firms, enhancing the company’s regulatory and investment strategies. He previously served as CEO of Nakheel Properties and Emaar Developments, Head of Real Estate at Al Futtaim Group, and Director at CityCenter Holdings in Las Vegas. Chris currently holds the position of Managing Director at CNN Advisory.

Nicholas Casiello, Jr., is a retired attorney with over 40 years of experience in gaming law. His global perspective on gaming regulations and compliance has been instrumental in shaping the authority’s regulatory framework. In addition to serving as a board member of GCGRA, Casiello is also a part-time advisory council member at Seton Hall University School of Law and a member of the Compliance Committee at Interblock Gaming.

William W. Grounds has provided valuable insights into strategic development and oversight through his experience in managing high-profile real estate investments and serving on gaming company boards. He has served on the boards of MGM Resorts International for eight years. He is currently on the boards of Consumer Portfolio Services and PointsBet Holdings. Grounds has also held senior positions at Lend Lease Corporation, where he managed the Sydney 2000 Olympics Games Project and the NSW and WA Regions.

John Kelly, a partner at the London-based law firm Harbottle & Lewis, specialises in reputation protection, data privacy, and defamation. With over 30 years of legal experience, he has represented high-profile clients globally, particularly in sports law. Kelly is recognised as an authority in his field by Chambers UK, Chambers HNW, The Legal 500, and The Spear’s 500.

Giovanni Lega, a prominent business lawyer with over 30 years of experience in international transactions, offers a global perspective on gaming investments and regulatory issues. He is the founding and managing partner at the Italian law firm LCA. He has previously served as the managing partner of the Italian offices of Freshfields. Additionally, he was the founding chairman of ASLA, the organisation representing leading Italian and international law firms in Italy.

Mark A. Lipparelli is a highly experienced figure in the gaming industry and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Member of Gioco Ventures. He holds leadership positions in gaming companies and advisory boards, including Galaxy Gaming, Inc. and Golden Entertainment. Mark’s extensive background includes serving as a Nevada State Senator, chairing the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and holding senior roles at Bally Technologies, Shuffle Master, and Casino Data Systems. He is also actively involved in gaming technology and regulation.

Issuing the lottery licence represents the beginning of a new chapter for the UAE’s gaming industry. As the GCGRA continues to lead in commercial gaming regulation, its dedication to transparency, innovation, and responsible practises will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of gaming in the UAE.

The GCGRA has made a tremendous advancement in the UAE’s gaming sector by issuing the country’s first-ever lottery licence to The Game LLC. This milestone is a crucial development in the UAE’s gaming industry and may pave the way for the potential legalisation of other forms of gambling, including casinos, in the future.

Established by Federal Law by Decree and based in Abu Dhabi, the GCGRA oversees the regulation, licensing, and supervision of all commercial gaming activities within the UAE. This role is essential in maintaining a fair, transparent, and well-regulated gaming sector.

The GCGRA’s responsibilities include creating and enforcing regulatory frameworks to govern commercial gaming. These frameworks ensure that gaming operations adhere to high safety, quality, and consumer protection standards. The authority manages a clear and transparent licensing process, issuing licences only to entities that meet strict criteria.

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A potential agreement between the PSC (Socialists’ Party of Catalonia) and the Comuns to appoint Salvador Illa as the President of Catalonia has sparked interest as it encloses a decision to halt the development of the Hard Rock macro-project. This proposed leisure complex in Salou, set to feature hotels, a casino, entertainment venues, and a shopping avenue near PortAventura, has been a contentious issue among Catalan political parties and even led to a budgetary dilemma within the Catalan government.

Catalonia, an autonomous community in northeastern Spain, known for its rich cultural heritage, distinct language (Catalan), and vibrant cities like Barcelona. It boasts a diverse landscape, from beautiful Mediterranean beaches to the scenic Pyrenees mountains.

The specifics of the pre-agreement with the PSC and the Comuns’ support for Illa’s presidency have come to light, with Esquerra Republicana signalling approval.

Outlined in a detailed five-point action plan, the agreement emphasises the creation of more public housing, regulating seasonal rentals, promoting educational policies, and enhancing public health services with increased funding and accessible social security psychologists.

One important aspect of the agreement is the opposition to large-scale projects. Although the expansion of Prat Airport is not mentioned, the document clearly states that neither the extension of the ‘Quart Cinturó’ nor the construction of the Hard Rock project in Catalonia will happen during this term in office.

The Hard Rock casino complex, proposed over a decade ago, has been a contentious issue in Catalonia. Initially envisioned as a massive leisure and gaming complex near PortAventura, the project has faced significant opposition. Critics argue it would harm the environment, increase gambling addiction, and promote a mass tourism model that doesn’t benefit the local area. The ongoing drought in Catalonia has further complicated public approval.

Supporters, however, see it as a significant economic opportunity that could boost Catalonia’s GDP. The project has been stalled for years, awaiting a new Urban Development Plan after the original was annulled by the Catalan High Court in 2020. Currently, the approval of the Hard Rock project is a key factor in passing the 2024 budget, with political parties divided on its future. The outcome remains uncertain as negotiations continue.

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