The alleged mastermind behind a plot to cheat Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands casino out of $1.4m can’t properly defend himself against his charges because he’s dead, according to the man’s lawyer.

On Monday, a district court in Singapore was scheduled to hear defense arguments from attorneys representing 53-year-old Laotian businessman Sengmanivong Soum, the alleged leader of a 14-member gang that conspired to cheat the Las Vegas Sands casino.

Instead, Sengmanivong’s attorney Shashi Nathan informed the court that his client had suffered a fatal heart attack in late April. The Straits Times reported that the attorney submitted a photo of the death certificate while insisting he was trying to convince Laotian authorities to forward an official copy of the document.

In May 2013, Sengmanivong and his 13 Thai cohorts were accused of attempting to cheat the casino’s baccarat tables via advance knowledge of the order that cards would come of the dealer’s shoe. Sengmanivong faced an additional charge of helping to arrange the theft of a card shoe containing unused playing cards from the casino’s Paiza VIP salon on the day their scam commenced.

The alleged mastermind behind a plot to cheat Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands casino out of $1.4m can’t properly defend himself against his charges because he’s dead, according to the man’s lawyer.

On Monday, a district court in Singapore was scheduled to hear defense arguments from attorneys representing 53-year-old Laotian businessman Sengmanivong Soum, the alleged leader of a 14-member gang that conspired to cheat the Las Vegas Sands casino.

Instead, Sengmanivong’s attorney Shashi Nathan informed the court that his client had suffered a fatal heart attack in late April. The Straits Times reported that the attorney submitted a photo of the death certificate while insisting he was trying to convince Laotian authorities to forward an official copy of the document.

In May 2013, Sengmanivong and his 13 Thai cohorts were accused of attempting to cheat the casino’s baccarat tables via advance knowledge of the order that cards would come of the dealer’s shoe. Sengmanivong faced an additional charge of helping to arrange the theft of a card shoe containing unused playing cards from the casino’s Paiza VIP salon on the day their scam commenced.

UK-listed online gambling operator Sportech says it started 2016 off on the right foot while confirming that Her Majesty’s tax bloodhounds have no intention of giving up their VAT chase any time soon.

On Tuesday, Sportech released a trading update covering the year through May 16, with results in line with management expectations thanks to technological upgrades and the signing of some new customers.

On the latter front, Sportech Racing & Digital division inked a new wagering technology deal with the Macau Jockey Club, joining recent regional signings in Malaysia and Vietnam and the opening of Sportech’s new office in Singapore, which the company claims has “started to deliver results.” Sportech also delivered 400 new wagering terminals to Australian betting operator Tabcorp.

In the UK, Sportech broke new ground by doing business at this year’s Cheltenham Festival for the first time. Stateside, Sportech launched pari-mutuel wagering operations at two new tracks – Lone Star Park in Texas and Remington Park in Oklahoma – operated by the Chickasaw Nation’s Global Gaming Solutions.

UK-listed online gambling operator Sportech says it started 2016 off on the right foot while confirming that Her Majesty’s tax bloodhounds have no intention of giving up their VAT chase any time soon.

On Tuesday, Sportech released a trading update covering the year through May 16, with results in line with management expectations thanks to technological upgrades and the signing of some new customers.

On the latter front, Sportech Racing & Digital division inked a new wagering technology deal with the Macau Jockey Club, joining recent regional signings in Malaysia and Vietnam and the opening of Sportech’s new office in Singapore, which the company claims has “started to deliver results.” Sportech also delivered 400 new wagering terminals to Australian betting operator Tabcorp.

In the UK, Sportech broke new ground by doing business at this year’s Cheltenham Festival for the first time. Stateside, Sportech launched pari-mutuel wagering operations at two new tracks – Lone Star Park in Texas and Remington Park in Oklahoma – operated by the Chickasaw Nation’s Global Gaming Solutions.

North America’s largest thoroughbred racing company plans to inject some badly needed excitement into a stagnant industry by promoting the world’s priciest horse race next January.

Last week, the Stronach Group announced plans to hold the Pegasus World Cup at its Gulfstream Park track in Florida on Jan. 28, 2017. The 1+1/8 mile race will be limited to 12 horses, whose owners must pony up $1m apiece for the right to compete.

Aside from vying for the world’s largest purse – the Dubai World Cup’s purse is a paltry $10m – owners will share equally in 100% of the net income from the race’s pari-mutuel handle, as well as from media rights and sponsorships.

Once their $1m check has cleared, owners will have the right to lease, contract or share a starter with whomever they choose, or even sell their starting berth outright. As a further incentive, the original dozen entrants will have first crack at berths in future Pegasus World Cup events.