SHANGHAI Australian and Chinese employees of a casino company on Monday pleaded guilty to charges relating to gambling and the three Australians were sentenced to nine or 10 months' imprisonment, an Australian official said.
The 19 defendants, including three Australians from the sales and marketing team of Australia's Crown Resorts Ltd., appeared at a court in Shanghai. Casino gambling, the marketing of casinos and organizing overseas gambling trips involving 10 or more people are illegal in China.
"The three Australians and the other defendants pleaded guilty," the Australian Consul General in Shanghai, Graeme Meehan, said outside the Baoshan District People's Court.
Jason O'Connor, the head of Crown Resorts international VIP programs was sentenced to 10 months in prison, and Australian-Chinese dual nationals Jerry Xuan and Jenny Pan received sentences of nine months' imprisonment, Meehan said.
Their sentences start from the date they were detained, which was Oct. 14, he added.
At least half of the 19 had been on bail awaiting trial, according to an officer from the court's propaganda office who only gave his surname, Li.
Crown's vice-president in China, Malaysian Alfread Gomez, was also among the defendants.
Casino gambling and the promoting of gambling are illegal in mainland China and agents are banned from organizing groups of more than 10 Chinese citizens to gamble abroad. According to Chinese law, anyone who "runs a gambling house or makes gambling his profession" can face up to three years in prison.
However, gambling is allowed in the Chinese enclave of Macau Asia's gambling center and Chinese are often coveted by foreign casinos.
The industry has been known to skirt China's ban by touting destination packages rather than gambling, particularly as Chinese President Xi Jinping's ongoing corruption crackdown has deterred some gamblers from Macau.
___
Watt reported from Beijing. AP researcher Fu Ting contributed to this report.
Read more:
China tries Crown Resorts employees on gambling charges - Fox News
- Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling: Learn How to Stop ... [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2016]
- Remote Gambling Association (RGA) [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2016]
- William Hill Casino Club - Up To 150 Casino Bonus [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2016]
- Gambling - The New York Times [Last Updated On: December 31st, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 31st, 2016]
- Trusted Online Gambling Sites Since 1996 - Online.Gambling.org [Last Updated On: January 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 7th, 2017]
- Casino Gambling Web | Best Online Gambling News and Casinos ... [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2017]
- Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling - helpguide.org [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2017]
- Industry: Crackdown on illegal gambling in the Philippines now ... - GamingTodaySlotsToday [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Military should screen for gambling disorder, GAO says - Virginian-Pilot [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Gambling with people's autonomy | Liberties | Risk | spiked - Spiked [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Bill introduced to lower age for legal gambling in Nevada - Las Vegas Review-Journal [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- FIFA YouTuber Pleads Guilty To Gambling Charges [UPDATE] - GameSpot [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Gambling Stock Roundup: Macau Sales Rise Again in January, Nevada Records a Drop in December - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Super Bowl sets gambling record at Nevada sports books - Reuters [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Older gamblers face worse odds for addiction - Times Herald-Record [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- How to Handle Gambling Wins and Losses This Tax Season - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- GAO report recommends military members be screened for ... - wtkr.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- The Newest Challenge in Gambling: Finding Growth - Motley Fool [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Raising a question about gambling prohibition - Dothan Eagle [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- A Creepy Dude Is Your Inner Gambling Addict in These Horrifying PSAs From Tom Tagholm - Fishbowl NY (blog) [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Super Bowl Betting Tally Helps Make the Case for Legalized Sports Gambling - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- MLB commissioner admits the league is rethinking its stance on gambling - FOXSports.com [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Why I love fake gambling and in-game casinos according to a psychologist - PC Gamer [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- YouTubers fined for running illegal FIFA 17 gambling site - Ars Technica [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Deducting Gambling Losses on Your Taxes - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Gambling pot grows for Madison County - Utica Observer Dispatch [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- How Vietnam Is Changing Its Gambling Rules To Win Foreign Investment - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- No truth to alleged link between missing Spencerport teen, illegal gambling - 13WHAM-TV [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- The world's biggest gamblers - The Economist (blog) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Idaho House Panel Introduces Bill Limiting Indian Gambling - Boise State Public Radio [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Pennsylvania Omnibus Gambling Bill Presented to House - Casino.Org News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Gamblers caught in Hat Yai open-air casino bust | Bangkok Post: news - Bangkok Post [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Men Fined Over FIFA Gambling Operation - Card Player - CardPlayer.com [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Rob Manfred may change MLB's stance on gambling - SB Nation [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Do you have a mobile gambling/gaming problem? - KMTV [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- OUR VIEW: Transparency needed in gambling operations - Pacific Daily News [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- New York State transformation into the gambling big leagues nearly complete with opening of newest casino - The Daily Freeman [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Kenya: Gambling in Kenya Gets Out of Hand - AllAfrica.com [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Gambling Responsibly - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Duterte targets illegal gambling in the Philippines - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- US Grabs Biggest Global Gambling Industry Win Share in 2016 - Casino News Daily [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- UFC 208 odds, gambling guide - MMA Fighting [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Calendar urges gamblers to cut their losses l Dayton, Ohio - Dayton Daily News [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Gambling Manga "Akagi" Begins Countdown to Conclusion - Crunchyroll News [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Football's gambling problem: You better, you better, you bet - Football365.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- States are gambling with law enforcement safety - The Hill (blog) [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- AFL's gambling ads concern for Cats star - Wide World of Sports [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Celeb Gambling Ring Members Fear They've Been CAUGHT On Wiretaps Making Illegal Bets, Source Claims - Radar Online [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Highway Patrol: Raid of Warren bar uncovers illegal gambling - WKBN.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Scary graph shows how Australians are the biggest losers - NEWS.com.au [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Bato: War on illegal gambling won't be bloody - Philippine Star [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Last holdout Lakewood to vote on repealing video gambling ban - Northwest Herald [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- AFL's gambling ads a concern for Geelong Cats star Harry Taylor - The Age [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Online Casinos Generate A Third Of UK Gambling Dollars - CardPlayer.com [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Darlington deputies bust gambling house in Hartsville | News ... - SCNow [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Kim Jong Un's gambling half-brother reportedly assassinated - CBS News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- BitcoinCasino.us Ensures Instant Payouts and Responsible Gambling - newsBTC [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Gambling operators are cashing in on teens' addiction to online games - The Canberra Times [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Americans Lost $116.9B Gambling In 2016: Report - CardPlayer.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Levine: Rick Hahn, White Sox Gambling On Right Trades At Right Time - CBS Local [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Wesfarmers considers pokies exit in bid to tackle problem gambling - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Massive felony gambling raid in Marietta | WAGA - FOX 5 Atlanta [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- 'War on gambling' starts with small fry - Inquirer.net [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Edgeless Casino Introduces Revolutionary Transparent 0% House Edge Online Gambling - newsBTC [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- FF12: When is gambling illegal in Kansas? - KWCH [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Osage woman accused of stealing, gambling mother's money - Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- 'Operation Parlay' Leads To Gambling Raid, Arrest - Patch.com [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Pete Rose defends legal gambling: 'Who am I hurting?' - Yahoo Sports - Yahoo Sports [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Cops bust alleged gambling ring being run out of Cobb storefronts - Atlanta Journal Constitution [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Dunlap: State Rep. Gets It Right With Sports Gambling - CBS Local [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Gambling Addiction Treatment Center, Rehab - Non Gambler [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Problem Gambling Online Resources - Drugfreeinfo.org [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Attleboro seeks gambling grant for new dispatch center - The Sun Chronicle [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- House gambling bill teed up for next week - SaintPetersBlog (blog) [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Firms oppose Bill regulating gambling - Daily Nation [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Tim Simona faces NRL deregistration after alleged breaches of gambling rules - The Sydney Morning Herald [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Washington State Gambling Commission [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Online Casino USA Friendly Online Casinos for 2017 [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Records: 70 gambling machines seized, two arrested in Alamo raid ... - KGBT-TV [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Florida House Goes Conservative on Gambling Expansion with New ... - Casino News Daily [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]