Macau authorities and the city's six casino concessionaires are in talks on enforcing the new illegal gambling 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.
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.
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.
About Macau’s Illegal Gambling Law
Macau's enhanced illegal gambling laws, officially known as the "Law on Illegal Gambling Activities," were enacted on October 29, 2024. These new laws aim to strengthen the fight against illegal gambling activities, particularly focusing on stricter penalties, expanding the definition of illegal gambling, and enhancing investigative powers.
The passage of the new law comes at a time when Macau's gaming industry is facing increasing pressure from both domestic and international regulators. The government is keen to ensure that the industry operates in a fair and transparent manner, and the new law is seen as an important step in achieving this goal.
The law imposes harsher penalties for a variety of illegal gambling-related offenses, including illegal lending for gambling, operating illegal currency exchange for gambling, and unauthorized credit for gambling. Additionally, the law expands the definition of illegal gambling to include unauthorized online gambling, mutual betting, and unauthorized games of chance.
The law also grants authorities increased powers to investigate and prosecute illegal gambling activities. These powers include the ability to conduct night-time searches and undercover operations, one of which being the operation in Cotai last November 1.
Implementation and Early Impact:
While the law is relatively new, authorities and industry stakeholders have already taken steps to implement it. Key developments include joint efforts, increased surveillance, and public awareness.
The law also grants authorities increased powers to investigate and prosecute illegal gambling activities. These powers include the ability to conduct night-time searches and undercover operations.
The passage of the new law comes at a time when Macau's gaming industry is facing increasing pressure from both domestic and international regulators. The government is keen to ensure that the industry operates in a fair and transparent manner, and the new law is seen as an important step in achieving this goal.
The Judiciary Police, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), and representatives from six gaming companies have convened to discuss strategies for implementing the new law. Joint patrols have been conducted in casinos to monitor for illegal activities, particularly unauthorized currency exchange.
Meanwhile, efforts are being made to educate the public about the new law and its implications.
It's important to note that the full impact of the new law will take time to assess. However, the early signs indicate a concerted effort by authorities to combat illegal gambling and maintain Macau's reputation as a regulated gaming hub
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