Death of China’s King of Gambling Gives Empire Reins to Daughter
- Pansy Ho expected to take the helm of $15 billion dynasty
- Ho is favored successor in family of 16 kids from four wives
About an hour after the death of Stanley Ho, the billionaire who built the Chinese territory of Macau into the world’s biggest gambling hub, his large clan gathered in front of the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital to break the news. They were also there to send a clear message of unity.
The 98-year-old tycoon fathered 16 recognized children with four women he considered wives. Outside the hospital in front of cameras and journalists, it was Pansy Ho -- the 57-year-old eldest daughter of his second wife -- who was given the honor of announcing his passing as they flanked her.