Macau records 1,107 cases of gaming crime in 2023

A significant rise in gaming-related criminal charges was reported by Macau’s Office of the Secretary for Security on Wednesday, hitting 1,107 cases, up 736 cases or 198% from 2022.

Numerous infractions were included in this data, including 198 stealing cases, 151 cases of unjust enrichment, 119 cases of profiteering, 33 cases of incarceration, and 257 cases of gaming-related fraud. All of these incidents had grown dramatically from the previous year. Even with the increase, there were 1,050 fewer gaming infractions overall in 2023 than there were in 2019.

Official data indicates that 183 people of Macau, 884 Chinese nationals living on the mainland, 78 residents of Hong Kong, three Taiwanese, and sixteen foreigners were among the accused in gaming-related charges in 2023.

The Secretary of Security, Wong Sio Chak, attributed the rise in crimes linked to gambling in 2023 to both a rise in tourists and a recovery in the casino industry. He emphasized that the crime rate is much lower than it was in 2019 as a consequence of the police’s vigorous preventive efforts.

In 2023, 11,870 “Money Exchange Gang Members” were caught by Macau police, an increase of 8,365 or 239% over 2022. Furthermore, they denied entry to gaming establishments and reported 2,048 occurrences to the DICJ.

Wong highlighted how money exchange gang numbers have skyrocketed and how their activities have become more frequent as the gaming industry bounces back. He promised that more would be done by the police to keep these gangs out of the market.

“The police will continue to enhance the prevention and combat of illegal money-changing activities and their derivative crimes to improve the law and order environment and ensure the healthy development of the gaming industry in Macau,” he said.

Original story by: IAG