Published on: February 16, 2026, at 11:30am.
Updated on: February 16, 2026, at 11:30am.
- China issues warnings against gambling abroad
- The CPC mentioned a reported suicide of a gambler in Singapore, though there are no verified reports confirming this incident
As the Chinese New Year approaches, the Chinese government is cautioning its citizens about the dangers of gambling overseas during holiday times, which can lead to severe financial losses and even tragic outcomes.
Gambling is completely banned across mainland China, with the sole exception being Macau, a semi-autonomous Special Administrative Region (SAR) where casinos are permitted.
Chinese law prohibits citizens and residents from engaging in gambling overseas. Nonetheless, many ignore this ban and gamble in countries such as Australia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Las Vegas.
The Chinese New Year will begin on February 17, 2026, marking the onset of the Year of the Fire Horse. The Spring Festival holiday, which started on February 13, will continue through February 23. During this time, many employees enjoy paid leave and travel with their families, with popular destinations including Singapore, Macau, and various locations in Southeast Asia.
China’s Message: Avoid Overseas Gambling
President Xi Jinping has associated cross-border gambling with increased national security threats. In China, casinos are strictly forbidden from advertising to residents of the mainland.
In a notable incident in 2017, 19 employees of Crown Resorts in Australia were sentenced to prison for arranging gambling tours for Chinese citizens. Jason O’Connor, the former head of Crown’s international VIP program, served 18 months in one of China’s most notorious detention facilities.
As the festivities of the Chinese New Year continue, the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) is reiterating its advice through diplomatic channels for travelers to refrain from gambling when abroad. Casino.org has obtained and translated a warning from the Chinese Embassy in Singapore regarding this issue.
“The Chinese Embassy in Singapore once again earnestly reminds Chinese visitors and citizens in Singapore to heighten legal awareness and avoid engaging in gambling,” the notice from the Embassy stated.
Singapore hosts two major casinos: Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa.
Is the Suicide Incident a Hoax?
The Embassy has emphasized the dangers gambling poses to Chinese nationals, referencing a supposed incident where a Chinese tourist tragically ended his life after gambling at Marina Bay Sands.
“Recently, a Chinese national took his life after gambling at Marina Bay Sands. The Embassy is assisting his family with funeral arrangements,” the announcement detailed.
However, no local news outlets or law enforcement have reported such an incident occurring recently at Marina Bay Sands. There have been no public records of any suicides at this integrated resort for several months.
“In recent years, our Embassy has dealt with multiple cases related to gambling-related deaths and has issued warnings accordingly. Gambling is illegal under Chinese law, and amendments to the Criminal Code have made cross-border gambling a legal offense. Although some casinos operate legally abroad, Chinese citizens who partake in gambling while overseas may be violating Chinese laws, particularly those involved in organizing such activities, and could face legal consequences. The Embassy cannot offer consular support for illegal acts,” the statement concluded.
“Gambling can result in substantial financial losses, damage to familial relationships, and even lead to fatal outcomes. Engaging in cross-border gambling can open the door to risks like fraud, money laundering, abduction, illegal detention, human trafficking, and smuggling,” the notice added.