Chinese Tycoon Reaches Deal in Multi-Million Dollar Casino Fight

A big legal fight between Hong Kong businessman Linong Ma and SkyCity Adelaide has ended, wrapping up six years of court battles over millions in disputed casino winnings. The case also involved two junket operators, with one found liable by default because they did not show up in court. 

Chinese High Roller Alleges Casino and Junket Operators Withheld Over $3M in Winnings

Ma, who is from Shanxi province in China, claimed SkyCity Adelaide failed to fulfill its obligations. He also accused two individuals — Xiongming Xie and Fang Zhuangqian — of dishonest behavior related to a gambling trip in May 2019. The legal action centered on winnings exceeding AUD5 million ($3.2 million). Ma stated the casino kept this money from him after he had a lucky streak at the baccarat tables.

Based on Ma’s legal documents, he sent money in China to Xie, who ran a junket business in Sydney using a license linked to Fang. This setup aimed to give Ma access to big-time gambling in Australia, made possible by non-negotiable chips and a hostess named Goh in court papers.

Following a big win, SkyCity staff informed Ma that they would keep his chips in a deposit box, which he could access. Yet, while Ma was in Hong Kong, casino employees gave the chips to Xie without Ma’s permission. Ma got back some of the money, about AUD1.46 million ($937,904).

SkyCity Reaches Confidential Settlement as Court Sanctions Junket Operator for No-Show

In court, Ma’s legal team claimed that SkyCity’s actions were negligent, while they accused Xie and Fang of fraud. It is worth mentioning that Xie had faced serious criminal allegations. These included a violent incident in Sydney that resulted in criminal charges and news stories linking him to suspected Triad activity.

This week, SkyCity and Xie settled their disputes for an undisclosed sum, avoiding a long court battle, as reported by Adelaide Now. The South Australian Supreme Court ruled against Fang by default because he did not show up for the required mediation or take part in the legal process. Judge Laura Stein criticized his repeated disregard of court orders and approved Ma’s request for compensation. The court will decide the exact amount later.

The end of this tricky case wraps up a wild story of gambling across borders, big money losses, and claims of criminal connections — all happening in Australia’s controlled casino world.