On Monday, a high-stakes player at Singapore’s prestigious Marina Bay Sands casino found himself sentenced to a 28-week stint in prison. The convict, Daniel Koh Tze Zhou, confessed to participating in a deceptive roulette scheme with two casino dealers, winning substantial sums in the process.
Daniel Koh Tze Zhou is no ordinary gambler. With a fondness for the numbers 32, 15, and 19 on the roulette wheel, he found good fortuity with these grouped numbers. His consistent play did not escape the attention of MBS dealer Soh Xuan Rong, who saw an opportunity in Koh’s affinity for his lucky numbers.
Consequently, Koh pleaded guilty to two violations of Singapore’s Casino Control Act pertaining to his roulette scheme. From 192 wheel spins in June 2021, he emerged triumphant with winnings amounting to S$3,545 or US $2,600.
His partner-in-crime, dealer Soh Xuan Rong, also received a 28-week prison sentence on the same day. The court proceedings revealed that Soh suggested manipulating the game to Koh to increase the chances of the ball landing in favor of his lucky numbers.
While a dealer cannot intentionally drop a ball on a specific number, one can somewhat control the area the ball lands in, hence providing the player with a statistical edge over time. As Koh continued to bet on his usual numbers, the duo believed their scheme would remain under the radar. Soh proposed pooling their money for the games, ensuring her share in the winnings. However, Koh proposed a more lucrative deal, promising to pay Soh $70 each time she managed a landing on his lucky numbers.
Their secret operation was eventfully profitable but didn’t remain hidden for long. During a routine inspection, the eagle-eyed surveillance department of Marina Bay Sands detected the unusual activity. The prosecutors, viewing Koh as the mastermind, called for 30 to 40 weeks imprisonment for both Koh and Soh. In contrast, Koh’s lawyer argued that Soh, being the casino employee, was the original plotter who manipulated the game and defrauded the casino along with other players.
Nevertheless, the remorseful Soh’s lawyer sought a reduced jail term as she had made full restitution. The third conspirator, dealer Ting Zhi Ping Marcus, awaits his sentence.
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