Stanley Ho: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Stanley Ho’s Profile Summary

Company	SJM Holdings
Position	Founder and former chairman of SJM Holdings, the company responsible for managing multiple casinos in Macau. He retired from this position in 2018 and was named Chairman Emeritus of the company
Source of wealth	Casino monopoly in Macau, real estate investments, shipping and entertainment businesses.
Also known as	Stanley Ho was also known for his investments in real estate and philanthropy.
Years of life	25.11.1921 - 26.05.2020
Education	University of Hong Kong – Attended but did not complete due to World War II
Citizenship	Macau, Hong Kong
Residence	Hong Kong
Family	Stanley Ho had 17 children from four women whom he referred to as his wives. His notable children include business figures like Pansy Ho, Daisy Ho, and Lawrence Ho
Website, Social Media	https://www.sjmholdings.com/

Biography

Stanley Ho, born in 1921, was a prominent Hong Kong and Macau businessman, widely recognized as the "King of Gambling" for his role in shaping Macau's modern gaming industry. Ho began his career as a trader during World War II and later secured Macau’s casino monopoly in 1962 through his company, Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau (STDM). Over the decades, he expanded his influence, establishing SJM Holdings, which dominated Macau's casino market until it was liberalized in 2002. Beyond gambling, Ho diversified his business empire, investing in real estate, shipping, and entertainment. He also played a significant role in Macau’s infrastructure development, contributing to projects like the Macau Jockey Club and high-speed ferries between Hong Kong and Macau. Known for his vibrant personality and connections with political and business elites, Ho remained a central figure in Macau’s economy for decades, stepping down from most of his leadership roles in his later years. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 98

How did Stanley Ho make money?

Stanley Ho makes money in the following areas:

Casino monopoly in Macau, real estate investments, shipping and entertainment businesses.
What is Stanley Ho net worth?

As of 2026, Stanley Ho’s net worth is estimated to be $7 B.

What is Stanley Ho also known as?

In addition to being the "King of Gambling," Stanley Ho was deeply involved in real estate development, owning numerous properties across Macau, Hong Kong, and even in overseas locations like Portugal. His ventures extended beyond gaming, as he invested heavily in infrastructure, including transportation and tourism. Ho was also a major philanthropist, supporting educational institutions and healthcare projects through his charitable foundations, such as the Stanley Ho Medical Development Foundation. His contributions to society earned him multiple honors and recognition across Asia.

Prominent achievements

Stanley Ho is recognized as the "King of Gambling" for monopolizing Macau's gaming industry for decades. His wealth peaked at approximately $7 billion. He was honored with multiple awards, including being named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), and his companies employed nearly a quarter of Macau’s workforce. He was instrumental in transforming Macau into the world’s largest gambling hub, surpassing Las Vegas in revenue

What are Stanley Ho’s key insights?

Stanley Ho believed in seizing opportunities and was known for his strategic vision. His philosophy centered around diversification and innovation, as evidenced by his expansion from casinos into real estate, shipping, and infrastructure development. Ho also emphasized personal connections and relationships, leveraging his network to maintain influence across different sectors. He was a firm believer in Macau's potential as a global gaming hub and worked tirelessly to elevate it to that status.

Personal life

Stanley Ho's family is large and complex. His first wife, Clementina Leitão, bore him four children, including Angela and Deborah. His second wife, Lucina Laam King-ying, had five children, including Pansy Ho and Lawrence Ho, both of whom are prominent in the business world. His third wife, Ina Chan, had three children, including Florinda, Laurinda, and Orlando. His fourth wife, Angela Leong, gave birth to his youngest children, including Sabrina, Arnaldo, and Alice

Useful insights

Fundamental principles of investing

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Benjamin Graham - "The Intelligent Investor"
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