After reports surfaced in Chinese media a few weeks ago that Suncity Group could be involved in the illegal promotion of online gambling, there were concerns that its revenue might be impacted. Those allegations have been refuted by the company and Macau’s gaming regulator hasn’t found any evidence to support the claims, either. As a result, it would appear that there has been no 
drastic cut in the casino junket promoter’s activity, at least not in its VIP business.
Suncity confirmed with GGRAsia that its VIP segment has not been impacted by the allegations. The news outlet had reached out to the company following a note by analysts with Nomura this past Monday that had hinted at the possibility of the allegations causing “market share shifts among junkets,” as well as a “withdrawing” of capital. Nomura wasn’t clear about whether or not it was talking about investors shying away from the junkets or if the withdrawal would come through the companies limiting their gaming market exposure.
Suncity told GGRAsia through email correspondence, “After responding to the [earlier] incident [via the] July 13 press conference, the company has stopped overseas telebetting as promised. Other businesses have been operating as usual and have not been affected.” It didn’t mention anything about Nomura’s comments on the shift in market share or about the withdrawal of capital.
Suncity operates 18 VIP gambling clubs in Macau, including the recently opened Rio Suncity VIP Club at the Rio Hotel and Casino on the city’s peninsula. It also has 14 VIP clubs outside of Macau in Australia, Cambodia, South Korea, the Philippines and others. The casino promoter also operates two additional clubs — one in the Philippines and one in Macau — under the Poker King Club brand.
The allegations of being associated with illegal gambling operations — the company had reportedly promoted an online gambling site that could be accessed by Chinese nationals in violation of laws — had caused the company to come under fire from virtually all angles. In addition to suggestions that its VIP segment would be damaged, it has also been reported that it might not qualify for a gaming license in Macau, should additional licenses be offered, despite the fact that the allegations have not been verified.
