Macau Blocks Over 36,000 Illegal Gambling Websites in 2024

Macau security authorities blocked over 36,000 illegal gambling websites in the first half of 2024, according to the latest report from the Office of the Secretary for Security.

Macau’s security authorities have blocked more than 36,000 illegal gambling websites in the first half of 2024, according to the latest report from the Office of the Secretary for Security.

The report indicates that many of these sites were disguising themselves as legitimate Macau gaming operators, endangering public safety and harming the reputation of the city’s gaming industry.

The Judiciary Police have been working closely with the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau to tackle these illegal sites. Since 2022, a tri-party joint action mechanism has been active, involving the city’s casino operators to address websites misusing their brands.

The report, covered by GGRAsia, did not specify which casino brands were exploited by the blocked sites.

The report also highlighted “Operation Break Peak,” a significant operation conducted in late June that dismantled a cross-border syndicate involved in illegal online gambling. This operation, in collaboration with police from Hong Kong and Guangdong, targeted a sports betting ring with criminal proceeds exceeding MOP1 billion (about US$124.6 million).

In response to these challenges, the Macau government has proposed new measures to combat illegal online gambling. A bill currently under discussion in the Legislative Assembly suggests prison sentences ranging from one to eight years for those found guilty of operating, promoting, or organizing unauthorized online gambling or mutual betting in Macau.

Read related article:  Macau Moves to Criminalize Illegal Money Exchange Gangs in Casinos Amid Rising Crime