Summary
- After Macau strengthened regulations against illegal gambling last October, there was a noticeable rise in gambling-related offenses.
- In the first half of 2025, more than 1,100 gambling-related crimes came to light, representing a staggering 67% increase compared to the previous year.
- Authorities have apprehended 1,348 individuals suspected of participating in gambling-related crimes.
In the first half of 2025, Macau saw a significant rise in cases linked to gambling-related criminal investigations.
The SAR's new gambling regulations result in an uptick in recorded crimes
Last October, the Special Administrative Region of China took a decisive stand against illegal gambling with new regulations. These anti-gambling laws broadened the definition of gaming-related offenses, prompting Macau's authorities to intensify their crackdown on such activities. They ramped up raids and police operations targeting cross-border gambling syndicates and criminal networks. Local media reported a staggering 70% rise in gambling-related crimes during the first half of 2025. Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak confirmed these figures at a recent press conference, revealing that the number of cases hit 1,139, marking a significant 66.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024. In this intensified campaign, law enforcement detained 1,348 individuals for gambling-related crimes, of which about 15% were locals, while a vast majority of 85% were foreigners. Chak emphasized that the surge in crime numbers was directly linked to the new laws which now extend to illegal money transfers. Within this time frame, 240 cases of illicit currency exchange for gaming were recorded, identified as the primary driver of the rise in gambling-related offenses. Authorities are committed to maintaining vigilance over gambling activities and are determined to dismantle any illegal operations that emerge. Macau has also seen a rise in visitors recently, which, according to the Secretary for Security, heightens the risk of gambling-related crimes. Fraud cases topped the list during the latest period, with 297 incidents making up 26% of all crimes. Meanwhile, 240 cases related to illegal currency exchanges accounted for 21.1%, and 101 incidents of loan sharking were recorded.
