Warning: This article contains mentions of suicide. Audience discretion is advised.
The Chinese embassy in Singapore has issued a reminder for its citizens to stay away from gambling after one of its citizens jumped to his death in Singapore.
According to the embassy in its Feb. 14
statement, the citizen had done so after gambling at Marina Bay Sands (MBS).
However, it did not provide any details on when the incident happened.
The embassy said it is currently guiding the family through funeral arrangements.
The Chinese embassy had issued a similar statement previously to deter Chinese citizens from gambling.
In March 2024, it issued a
reminder, which analysts said was tantamount to a warning that could spook punters and cause them to lie low.
However, there has been no clear legislation punishing Chinese nationals for placing bets overseas, legal experts said at the time.
Citizens should stay away from gambling with Chinese New Year approaching
In this latest note, the embassy highlighted that it had handled several deaths related to gambling in recent years and had issued prior warnings.
It also pointed out that with Chinese New Year approaching, Chinese tourists and citizens in Singapore are "solemnly" reminded to stay away from gambling and improve their legal awareness.
The embassy then issued the following warning points.
Illegal to gamble overseas under Chinese law
Under mainland Chinese law, gambling is prohibited, with the prohibition on Chinese citizens also applying to overseas casinos that are operating legally.
Any Chinese citizen who gambles in international locations will be suspected of violating Chinese law, especially if it involves the organisation of gambling activities, the embassy said.
Gambling can lead to financial ruin and entails criminal risks
Gambling also leads to financial ruin, a breakdown in the family and even death, the embassy added.
Cross-border gambling also entails criminal risks such as fraud, money laundering, kidnapping, detention, human trafficking, and smuggling.
Platform for addressing overseas gambling launched
In addition, the Chinese government has also launched an
online platform for combating overseas gambling.
Anyone who has information on Chinese citizens who are opening or operating casinos overseas, or organising or recruiting Chinese citizens to gamble or participate in cross-border gambling, should make a report, the embassy said.