Alipay, UnionPay deny links to North Korean casino

A casino in North Korea’s capital Pyongyang has no ties to Chinese online payment platforms, at least, not according to the platforms.

Earlier this month, South Korean media outlet NK News reported that the Casino Pyongyang at the Yanggakdo Hotel was offering guests online money transferring services via China’s Alipay, UnionPay and WeChat Pay platforms.

North Koreans have no access to websites beyond the nation’s borders but the casino is reportedly offering free WiFi to its guests, allegedly to ensure its gambling guests don’t cash out too soon. NK News quoted a tour guide with the China-based Young Pioneers Tours saying the services appeared intended to offer “options for high-rollers to gain access to money while gambling.”

NK News published a photo of a desk display at the casino that clearly shows Alipay and UnionPay logos. The report noted that facilitating international financial transactions with any firm connected with the North Korean regime could represent a violation of sanctions imposed by both the United Nations and the United States.