Stanley Ho Hung Sun (25 November 1921 – 26 May 2020) was a Hong Kong-born Macau entrepreneur widely known as the “King of Gambling.” He is best known for founding Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau (STDM), which won Macau’s exclusive casino concession in 1962 and held a virtual monopoly on the territory’s gambling market for four decades.
After fleeing Hong Kong during the Second World War, Ho began his career in Macau in the import-export trade before returning to Hong Kong and building a fortune in property and construction. In 1961–62, with partners including Henry Fok and Teddy Yip, he won the right to operate Macau’s casinos, creating the monopoly that made him one of Asia’s richest and most powerful businessmen. He founded the Hong Kong-listed conglomerate Shun Tak Holdings in 1972, with interests in shipping, property and hospitality.
In 2006, Ho’s casino empire was restructured under SJM Holdings, which listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2008. Ho remained chairman until June 2018, when he was appointed Chairman Emeritus. He died in Hong Kong on 26 May 2020 at age 98.
Career History
| Company | Role | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau (STDM) | Co-founder and Principal | 1962-01-01 – 2002-01-01 |
| SJM SA | Chairman and Executive Director | 2006-01-01 – 2018-01-01 |
| SJM Holdings Ltd | Founder of STDM / SJM casino lineage (deceased) | – present |
| SJM SA | Chairman Emeritus | – present |