Forty-five people have been sentenced to prison for running a machine gambling operation in China’s Zhejiang Province that netted profits of 50 million yuan (US$8.2 million).
Chen Guang Jia, a shareholder and chief financial officer of a company called Guangzhou Jinyi Animation Technology, received the longest sentence, eight years, according to a Xinhua report on a decision by Wenling People’s Court. He also was fined 3 million yuan.
Forty-four accomplices received jail time ranging from 14 to 90 months and fined up to 2 million yuan. Thirty-two others were given a reprieve.
All were accused of providing the machines to amusement arcades mostly in Wenling City.
Casinos and casino-style gambling is illegal in China.