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Stanley Ho, the Legend of Macau Gambling

Gambling magnate Stanley Ho with a glass of champagne in his hands

Stanley Ho Hung Sun, a renowned figure in the world of gambling in Hong Kong and Macau, became a legendary figure during his lifetime. Even now, when he is over ninety, he attracts the attention of journalists and the public. For forty years, this man held the reins of Macau's gambling industry, possessing a government monopoly on this type of activity, which allowed him to amass a vast fortune.

Stanley Ho has a fortune of several billion dollars and is the richest resident of Macau, as well as one of the wealthiest people in Asia. His areas of interest include not only gambling but also tourism, entertainment, real estate, banking, air transport, and the merchant navy, among others.

Throughout his eventful life, he was repeatedly attributed to the Asian mafia. However, Stanley not only evaded similar charges but also managed to earn a reputation as a respected member of society, and the government regularly awards him titles and medals.

The importance of Stanley Ho to Macau lies in his employment of approximately a quarter of the local population, and his businesses account for up to thirty percent of the revenue. One of his statements, even if not directly related to the business, can lead to significant fluctuations in the financial market. Not surprisingly, the local authorities are so kind to him.

Early Biography of Stanley Ho

The future billionaire was born in Hong Kong in 1921. He is the ninth of thirteen children in the influential Ho family. But he didn't have a cloudless destiny as a child of wealthy parents. When Stanley was in college (where he wasn't brilliant), his father went bankrupt. This was followed by a series of family tragedies: the suicide of a brother, the father left them, and so on.

Ho, who stayed with his mother and two sisters, realized that there was no one to rely on for help. He hit the books and got a scholarship that allowed him to study at the University of Hong Kong. However, World War II prevented Stanley from pursuing higher education.

Ho began working as a clerk in a Japanese company engaged in the import and export of various commodities. Even then, he began to exhibit the qualities of an actual shark in business, and he possessed an excellent knowledge of four languages. At the age of twenty-two, Stanley Ho became a partner in the company.

But do not think that Stanley's career path was crystal clear. They say that initially he got rich by smuggling, he took part in the war of Macau against China.

In 1943, he founded a fuel company and later started a construction business in Hong Kong, which has been highly successful in this field.

Lisboa Casino in Macau

Stanley Ho and Gambling

By the early sixties, Stanley had a considerable fortune and was already involved in the gambling business as a co-owner of several casinos in the Philippines. But the political game forced him to withdraw from the market in this country.

Furthermore, teaming up with several millionaires from Hong Kong and Macau, Ho won a public tender that entitled only their company to open a casino in Macau. At the same time, he got around the mighty clan of Fu, which owned the majority of gambling establishments in the region.

Further progress on the Empire of Stanley Ho in the gambling market can be easily explained. Lack of competition, ample capital, and impressive business experience enabled him to establish a chain of luxury casinos, the finest in Lisboa. We'll discuss it in a separate article on Casinoz.

Ho later founded the Asian lottery SLOT and opened an online casino, DrHo888.com. Stanley also owns numerous bookmakers.

Night view of Grand Lisboa Casino

Modern History

In 2003, Stanley Ho faced new competitors in the Macau gaming industry. The government abolished the monopoly on this business, which included Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn. They built incredible casinos in Macau, overshadowing Stanley's casinos. Ho opened Casino Grand Lisboa, which is also very popular among players from Asian countries.

In 2009, Stanley almost died, barely surviving a heart attack, after which he was bedridden for about a year. He began transferring control of his businesses to family members. This process was connected with scandals, and Ho even made a statement that relatives are trying to take away his business. It is not surprising, considering that Stanley had seventeen children by four different women.

Whatever it was, even after that, Stanley Ho, who was over ninety years old, continued to hold essential positions in various companies and organizations.

Last Days of Stanley Ho

Stanley Ho's final years were marked by a significant decline in his health and a complex family dynamic surrounding his vast business empire. In July 2009, he suffered a fall at his home that necessitated brain surgery. This incident marked a turning point, as he spent seven months in the hospital and was rarely seen in public afterward, typically appearing in a wheelchair. This period also led to a significant shift in the control of his financial interests, as he began to devolve his grip on his empire to his various wives and children, culminating in a public family dispute over his assets in 2011, which was eventually settled.

Despite returning home in March 2010, his health continued to deteriorate. He was reportedly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and also suffered kidney failure, which required long-term dialysis treatment. These ailments weakened him considerably, affecting his ability to speak clearly and swallow food, leading to repeated lung infections. He relied on tube feeding in his final years. His last known public appearance was in 2009, at the 10th anniversary celebrations of Macau's handover, where he met then-President Hu Jintao.

In the days leading up to his death, news of his worsening condition circulated, and doctors reportedly called his family to prepare them for the inevitable. Although he showed brief signs of improvement when visited by loved ones, his body became too weak to sustain further life-saving measures. Stanley Ho passed away peacefully on May 26, 2020, at the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, at the age of 98, due to organ dysfunction, geriatric disease, and viral infections. His three surviving wives and many of his children were by his bedside. His passing marked the end of an era for Macau and the Asian business world.

Frequently asked Questions

🎰 What was Stanley Ho known for?

Stanley Ho was a prominent Hong Kong and Macau businessman, widely recognized as the "King of Gambling" for his significant role in shaping Macau's modern gaming industry. He held a casino monopoly in Macau for four decades through his company, Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau (STDM), and later founded SJM Holdings, which dominated the casino market. Beyond his gaming interests, he diversified his business empire, investing in real estate, shipping, banking, air transport, and entertainment. He was also known for his extensive philanthropic endeavors, supporting education, arts, culture, and healthcare projects.

✅ How did Stanley Ho build his empire?

Stanley Ho began his career as a trader during World War II, making his first fortune smuggling luxury goods and food across the Chinese border from Macau. He then established a kerosene company and a construction company with his profits. His breakthrough came in 1962 when he secured Macau's casino monopoly. He expanded his influence by establishing SJM Holdings and diversified into various sectors, including real estate, shipping, and entertainment. He also played a significant role in Macau's infrastructure development, contributing to projects like the Macau Jockey Club and high-speed ferries between Hong Kong and Macau. Even after his gambling monopoly expired in 2002, his companies continued to prosper, and his businesses employed a significant portion of Macau's workforce.

💲 What was Stanley Ho's approach to business?

Stanley Ho was known for his strategic vision and keen eye for business opportunities. He believed in seizing opportunities and emphasized diversification and innovation, as evidenced by his expansion from casinos into real estate, shipping, and infrastructure development. He also valued personal connections and relationships, leveraging his network to maintain influence across different sectors. He was a firm believer in Macau's potential as a global gaming hub and worked tirelessly to elevate its status. Despite being known as the "King of Gambling," he famously stated that he did not gamble himself.

🖼 What was Stanley Ho's involvement in philanthropy and culture?

Stanley Ho was a significant philanthropist, contributing to numerous causes across society. He supported educational institutions and healthcare projects through foundations such as the Dr. Stanley Ho Medical Development Foundation. He was also a dedicated patron of the arts and culture, regularly supporting events like the Hong Kong Arts Festival and the Macau Arts Festival. He sponsored international cultural events, brought renowned dancing groups to perform in Hong Kong and Macau, and was a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Dance. He also made significant donations for the return of Chinese cultural relics, such as bronze animal heads from the Yuanmingyuan, to China. His philanthropic efforts extended to disaster relief and support for orphans.

👶 What was Stanley Ho's family life like?

Stanley Ho had a large and complex family. He had 17 children with four women whom he referred to as his wives. Notable among his children are business figures like Pansy Ho, Daisy Ho, and Lawrence Ho, who have continued to be prominent in the business world. His family was also involved in a public legal battle over his fortune in his later years, which was eventually settled. Despite his demanding business career, he enjoyed hobbies such as ballroom dancing and was a former Hong Kong tennis champion.

Denis Anipchenko
Denis Anipchenko
Editor-in-chief and online gambling expert

Denis is a true professional with many years of experience in the gambling industry. His career started back in the late nineties when he worked as a croupier, pit boss, manager and casino manager. This unique experience allowed him to deeply understand the world of gambling from the inside. Since the late noughties Denis has dedicated himself to writing articles and analyses about gambling, and since the early tens he has become a key figure in the Casinoz team. Here he not only writes and edits content, but also creates reviews, shares his expertise and helps readers understand the intricacies of gambling. Denis combines practical experience and in-depth knowledge, making him one of the most respected experts in the industry. His writings are always up-to-date, proven and useful information for anyone interested in the casino world.

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