Macau Authorities, Casinos Discuss Intensifying Crackdown vs Illegal Gambling Under New Law

Authorities in Macau and the city’s six casino concessionaires are currently in talks on law enforcement under the new illegal gambling law.

The law, which came into effect at the start of November, targeted illegal money exchange activities and expanded investigative powers to combat related crimes.

READ: Macau GGR Sets New Post-Pandemic Record at US$2.6 Billion in October 2024

Macau’s new illegal gaming law has led to increased enforcement actions.

Among these incidents include the arrest of a 40-year-old man for suspected illegal currency exchange linked to gambling.

He was found in a private room, where he presented a QR code and exchanged HKD21,000 in gaming chips after a payment was confirmed. Investigations revealed the suspect profited HKD80 per HKD10,000 exchanged.

READ: Macau November 2024 GGR Projected to Drop 13.5% Due to Grand Prix, Seasonal Trends

In the operation, authorities seized HKD25,900 in chips, HKD500 in cash, and the mobile phone used.

Inside Asia Gaming reported that the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) and Judiciary Police (PJ) held meetings with concessionaires to bolster collaboration against illegal activities, including money-exchange gangs.

Sweeps, such as one held in Cotai on November 1, 2024, found no illegal exchanges but underscored law enforcement’s growing presence. A total of 146 individuals were stopped and checked in the operation.

This law criminalizes money exchange for gambling, with penalties including prison terms. It also empowers undercover operations, enhancing regulatory oversight.

Read related article: Macau’s Illegal Gaming Law Takes Effect