China, which has warned that it will not let neighbouring countries poach its players, might have set its first example.
Stocks of South Korea casino companies Paradise Co and Grand Korea Leisure fell 11.9 and 14.23 per cent last week after 14 of their marketing employees were arrested in China for allegedly trying to woo gamblers.
Direct marketing is not allowed in China, which is why Macau casinos use junket operators to lure VIP mainland gamblers. The employees will face charges of violating foreign currency laws, according to the South Korean Embassy.
South Korea, like the Philippines and Australia, has been trying to attract Chinese VIP players.
Source: Fantini’s Gaming Report