He added that in his more than 30 years in the industry, he had heard of at least a dozen similar incidents around the world. Skip to main content. Until we resolve the issues, subscribers need not log in to access ST Digital articles. But a log-in is still required for our PDFs. He said there were "multiple tactics" by which someone who had stolen chips could get them back into the system and reap financial value. Branded Content.{/INSERTKEYS}{/PARAGRAPH} He later met the security guard, surnamed Ho, at a park in neighbouring Taipa with the chips, the spokesman added. Surnamed Lee, the croupier had bagged the chips when the VIP room he was working in was largely empty at 7am, with no gamblers and only one other dealer present. Lee admitted guilt but refused to reveal the stolen chips' whereabouts, while Ho denied committing any crime. Police said the looted casino chips could only be exchanged for cash at gaming resorts owned by the same operator. Local media TDM reported that the croupier said he had large gambling debts and that the guard was his uncle. We have been experiencing some problems with subscriber log-ins and apologise for the inconvenience caused. {PARAGRAPH}{INSERTKEYS}Semi-autonomous Macau is the only part of China where casino gambling is legal and is a favourite haunt of mainland high rollers. Hotel and casino giant Wynn, headquartered in Las Vegas, is one of six licensed operators in Macau, which boasts revenues far surpassing its American counterpart. Casino heists and theft are rare, but not unheard of.