In the glittering realm of casinos, where luck often dictates the flow of fortune, a tale unfolded that transcended traditional notions of chance. Tan Kian Yi, a 35-year-old Malaysian, found himself entangled in a high-stakes game that went beyond the usual ebb and flow of luck. This is the story of a foreign syndicate that ingeniously exploited a formula to record cards dealt, reaping a staggering total of S$433,730 (US$324,100) over eight days at the prestigious Marina Bay Sands casino in Singapore.
The Syndicate’s Genesis
1. The Fateful Encounter
Tan’s journey began with a chance meeting with Hung Yu-Wen and Chou Yu-Lun, a couple from Taiwan, in the Philippines. The couple recognized Tan’s interest in card counting, a skill acquired from a class on advantage play in Taipei back in 2019.
2. A Formula Takes Shape
Intrigued by Tan’s skills, Hung proposed a collaboration and revealed a formula developed by her mysterious “teacher.” This formula was designed to tilt the odds in the syndicate’s favor during baccarat games.
The Unveiling of the Formula
3. The Trip to Singapore
Tan and the couple embarked on a journey to Singapore in October 2022. Staying at the Marina Bay Sands hotel, they observed the 7UP Baccarat game, laying the groundwork for their ambitious plan.
4. The Excel Sheet Revelation
In a casino in Manila, Hung unveiled the formula, housed in an Excel sheet. Tan was entrusted with memorizing codes representing card values and suits. The process involved transmitting information on dealt cards to operate the formula, predicting the game’s outcomes.
The Syndicate’s Operation
5. Recruitment of Chai Hee Keong
Tan, keen to expand the syndicate, brought in his friend Chai Hee Keong. In a generous agreement, Hung promised both Tan and Chai 20% of the syndicate’s winnings.
6. Coordinated Roles
The syndicate, now in Singapore, meticulously assigned roles such as marksman, sorcerer, tank, and auxiliary. Tan played the dual roles of a marksman and a tank, actively participating in the execution of the formula.
7. Winning Streak
Over several days in December 2022, the syndicate executed their plan, accumulating substantial winnings. However, their success drew the attention of casino employees, prompting an investigation.
The Unraveling
8. Suspicion Arises
Between December 16 and December 23, 2022, casino employees grew suspicious and initiated a review of CCTV footage, marking the beginning of the end for the syndicate.
9. Lone Arrest
On December 24, 2022, one member was arrested at the casino. Fearing exposure, the remaining members, including Tan, decided to leave Singapore hastily.
10. Escape and Arrest
Tan and four others left via the Woodlands Checkpoint on December 25, 2022. However, the escape was short-lived, as Tan was arrested at the Kuala Lumpur airport on February 3, 2023, attempting to travel to Taiwan.
Here are what netizens think:
- So a casino can win and people cannot win? What logic is that? They didn’t cheat they just come up with a formula but then is a game of chance so why can’t he win?
- Just closed down casino. Casino can using formula to win punter and punter cannot using formula to win at casino ? What’s logic is this…
- I really don’t understand, they found a way, technically not an illegal way to beat the system, all you do is to make sure they lose and call police on people using excel… If like that also illegal, might as well ban excel.
- It’s a fair game. Who ever is smarter, should win.
- The Judge should throw the book at the prosecution and acquitted them all with costs. They win hands down fair and square, they had a wonderful system that beats the casino and has my respect!