
One of the greatest players in the history of ping pong found himself in the spotlight that is global week, not for his accomplishments in dining table tennis, but instead 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, advisor of the Chinese women’s ping pong team, had been summoned on Monday to return to Asia just as the 2017 World Table Tennis Championships were getting underway in Germany. He’s got been suspended from the united team in the wake of a scandal over gambling debts.
Kong, a 41-year-old champion that is former one of the biggest players in the annals associated with the game, was named 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 personal credit line so they could play while he ‘sat and observed.’
‘It is until today after news 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. ‘I am being dragged in to the lawsuit. I have immediately requested the indebted to show up and clarify the 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.
‘we am deeply disturbed by the impact that is negative of incident in the team,’ 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 of this motherland!’
Ping Pong Prince
Kong, known as the ‘ping pong prince,’ is certainly one of just a select few rivals to win the grand slam of table tennis titles. The table Tennis World Cup, and table tennis events at the Olympics, where he won two gold medals and a silver during his heyday in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he won the World Table Tennis Championships.
The 41-year-old Kong won Olympic gold in 1996 and 2000.
Considered by his contemporaries as one of the most extremely complete and well-rounded ping pong players of them all, Kong is credited for shaking up a longtime European male dominance of this sport within the 1990s.
The government that is chinese him to Sweden to study the great players. He returned to China in 1993 with just what he had discovered, and by the end of 1995 he was the top rated player worldwide.
In 2006, Kong retired early at age 30 after crashing his Porsche in Beijing while driving drunk. The government that is chinese a mandatory 15-day detention because of his displaying success for the country.
Macau Residents Gambling More casino 21 dukes Frequently Than in Previous Years
Macau gambling revenues are finally starting to trend in the direction that is right thanks to a return within the VIP segment, and mass advertising efforts from casino resorts. But there’s another element in the reversal of fortune, and that is the regional 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 activity packages additionally led to a bump that is slight the resident gambling rate. (Image: Macau Really Loves Locals)
According to a paper published by the scholarly Study of Commercial Gaming during the University of Macau, 51.5 percent of city residents participated in some type of gambling during 2016. That’s two percent higher than just what the same poll concluded when it absolutely was last tallied in 2013.
Funded by the Macau personal Welfare Bureau, the examination is to track gambling habits of locals, and monitor whether residents tend to be more prone to gambling that is developing.
While the almost 52 percent majority shows that Macau habitants gamble with greater regularity than the general Chinese population, the rate is still greatly reduced than the 68 percent who admitted to participating in Macau back 2003.
Macau ended Hong Kong billionaire Stanley Ho’s monopoly on gambling after nearly four years in the early 2000s, and contains been monitoring the social impacts 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. An old gambling proverb in China declares, ‘If you are doingn’t gamble, you don’t understand how lucky you are.’
That’s why the government that is chinese banned nearly all forms of wagering throughout its long history. Macau, A portuguese that is former territory only became part of the People’s Republic in 1999.
But so far, there’s little evidence, at the very least according to the Macau University findings, that residents within the city are experiencing disproportionate gambling addiction rates.
Of the 2,000 respondents surveyed, just 51, or 2.5 percent of the sample, answered in a manner that classified them as ‘probable disordered gamblers.’ And of the in that category, just 10 (0.5 percent of the total pool) fell into the ‘severe’ grouping.
Assuming the information is correct, that means simply 3,250 of Macau’s predicted 650,000 residents are currently suffering from the gambling problem that is severe. However, the report however concluded that ‘there is still room for individuals to improve their awareness and understanding’ when it comes to disorders that are gambling.
Video Gaming revenue plummeted from a 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 procedure for attempting to advertise its reimagining to possible visitors. Long known for its plethora of casinos, resorts are marketing their amenities first, and gambling a distant second or third today.
A recent Macau tourism report figured there are lots of facets that are now actually enticing travelers to the region apart from gambling. One of the key non-gaming facets would be the quality of the resorts, food and drink establishments, duty-free shopping, and events and entertainment.
Ideally, those elements will even attract new residents to Macau and strengthen the economy that is local.
The Macau government expects to see visitor arrivals grow five percent overall in 2017. That will create 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 which was revealed last fall is receiving mixed reviews through the town council. While many tourists don’t get it, the city of Las Vegas is distinct from the more glamourous Strip, and encompasses mainly the downtown Fremont Street area, from a gambling viewpoint.
The Las Vegas logo design in the left was called away for being not severe enough for the ‘we mean business’ 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 some of the town’s council feeling that the new logo doesn’t reflect its more serious side.
The girly, pink magenta script emblem wasn’t meant to replace the city’s longtime existing seal, but alternatively to complement it. However, some bureaucrats think the brand new logo design is being utilized too often, and in places in which the city should present a more official-looking and business-oriented image.
‘When we look at the logo, that doesn’t say official company to me, and that concerns me,’ Councilman Ricki Barlow said at a meeting that is recent. ‘The seal [on the other side] says official business.’
The problem, based on those voicing concerns over the colorful identity, is that the logo is not being used strictly for advertising purposes. Certainly, the pink vegas 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
About a 12 months and a half ago, the town sought a marketing identity that is new. Designers submitted 20 ideas, and after councilmembers narrowed them down to four, they opened it as much as public vote for the winner.
Victoria Hart’s Las Vegas logo emerged as the top pick in October 2016. Las Vegas paid her $10,000 for the concept, and spent another $50,000 performing the advertising plan that encompassed it.
Among the list of detractors to Hart’s design is City of nevada Mayor Carolyn Goodman. ‘ We are serious company here at the town,’ she explained of her opposition. Goodman had been instrumental in using downtown Las Vegas’ once image that is somewhat shady making it a now-thriving business and arts center that includes the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, footwear manufacturer Zappos together with edgy Container Park shopping mall, where previous shipping crates have 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 design was made during a council that is recent, although the board says it will continue the discussion in July. For the time being, an online store selling branded materials using 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 be concerned their brand new logo design presents an image that is too flashy. The most gambling that is celebrated in the globe, both famed and notorious for its nightlife, could be the epicenter associated with the tourism and hospitality industries.
But the certain area many visitors call Las Vegas is found 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 of this primary drag is usually cited at SLS Las vegas, nevada (the previous Sahara), just south associated with the observation tower.
And the most famous Las Vegas sign, the marquee landmark that reads, ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las vegas, nevada,’ markings the southern end of the Strip, and is some 4.5 kilometers outside associated with actual city limits.
The City of Las Vegas still has plenty to crow about these days despite often being referred to as the less chichi cousin of the Strip and all its glitz and glamor. Along with its business and arts districts renaissance, Downtown Las Vegas is home to Fremont Street, that is now outpacing the Strip when it comes to casino revenue percentage gains in current months.
The Holy Grail of Novelty Betting from Next Pope to Bond, Paddy Power
Paddy Power is at it again. The bookmaker that is irish offers a slew of eccentric novelty prop bets, but right now, the UK sportsbook is outdoing itself.
Paddy Power is getting its pope mobile back out on the way to promote its papal betting lines. And yes, we think this holiness that is fictitious smoking a cigarette. (Image: Paddy Power)
Bettors offshore can currently place bets on everything from who are going to be the pope that is next to which star will change Daniel Craig and step into the iconic role of James Bond. Of course, additionally a surplus of betting opportunities Donald that is surrounding Trump presidency.
While Paddy Power’s listings are as comical as ever, they’ve taken a softer tone than in past years. The site received an abundance of controversy some in 2008 for asking if newly inaugurated President Barack Obama could be assassinated during his first term.
Pope Props
At 76 years and 86 days old, Pope Francis ended up being the ninth oldest pope to ever be elected to the papacy in 2013. Now 80, Paddy Power is counting down the occasions before the Roman Catholic Church will have to locate a new leader.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines) is the favourite 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) are also into the running.
But so is U2 frontman Bono, at least according to Paddy Power. The musician and philanthropist 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.
Relationship Bets
Craig said recently he’d ‘rather slash his wrists’ than play 007 again, meaning Bond producers are scurrying to locate 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 longshots that are humorous 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 workplace 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.
However, today the favorite in the question, ‘What year will Trump cease to be president?’ is ‘2020 or later’ at 11-10. This season does come with the next shortest odds at 13-8, followed by 2018 (10-2) and 2019 (9-1).
Paddy Power is obsessed with the new frontrunner of the world that is free and justifiably so. Trump yields much interest for his at times outlandish comments and penchant for social media.
The sportsbook ended up being even attempting to employ a US political expert for its newly created position, ‘Head of Trump Betting.’ Paddy energy took a beating on the November US election after it began spending on Hillary Clinton bets prior to Americans shocking the world.
Peace Props
Finally, Paddy Power is preparing to see whom you might think is going to win the Nobel Peace Prize when it’s announced this October.
Pope Francis leads the real way at even money, accompanied by German Chancellor Angela Merkel (13-5). The White Helmets, Syria defense that is civil, are at 3-1, and murdered British Labour Party politician and humanitarian Helen Cox are at 6-1.
Notables consist of Barack Obama (22-1) and his spouse Michelle (33-1), Leonardo DiCaprio (50-1), and Russian President Vladimir Putin (90-1).
And yes, Trump is a choice 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 us government could be a sign things are starting to change.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance is offered the energy to grant business licenses to casino businesses to greatly help national debt. (Image: saigoneer.com)
Just before a 2017 decree, many Vietnamese natives weren’t permitted to gamble in the country’s casinos but foreign visitors could. In the beginning of this year, a government decree (Decree 03/2017/ND-CP) moved to alter this by launching a three-year pilot scheme that could allow certain residents to gamble.
Although there have been conflicting reports about how the decree will in fact work in practice, the typical idea is that locals with earnings of at least VND10 million (US$443) will have the ability to gamble in a casino.
Although this decree was designed to enter into influence on March 15, the government has yet to issue a statement on what regions should implement the regulations.
Ministry of Finance Has the Energy
The government has now said that the Ministry of Finance’s Department of Banking and Financial Institutions will have some influence on the regulations despite the lack of movement.
As outlined in a report by VietnamNet May 30, the Ministry of Finance has been offered the capacity to grant organizations licenses to casino and video gaming services.
At this stage, it’s confusing what this means in practice, but there clearly was a chance it could give gaming operators and technology companies permission to operate within the nation. What is understood, however, is any business wanting to offer entertainment that is casino-based invest a minimal capital of US$2 billion.
Furthermore, prospective companies must explain how it will tackle dilemmas such as for instance problem gambling. Overall, the news that is latest still doesn’t give us far more of an understanding of how Vietnam’s casino industry will evolve in genuine terms over the coming months.
Progress is Slow but Nevertheless a positive sign
Nevertheless, there is clearly an atmosphere among federal government officials that progress needs to be made. With GDP slowing down in Q1 of 2017 and general public debt (as a share of GDP) increasing by more than 12 percent since 2011, ministers are now looking for a way to redress the balance.
Allowing residents to invest money in local casinos has been seen as one of the more ways that are effective do that. Using this as a beginning point, an escalation in casino-based activity because of newly licensed operators could stimulate further spending.
Although some more pieces regarding the puzzle need to be lined up prior to the nationwide coffers can reap the advantages of Decree 03/2017/ND-CP, it certainly looks as though things are moving in the right direction.