New Law Sparks Spike in Investigations, But Authorities See It as a Sign of Stronger Enforcement
Macau has recorded a significant 60% year-on-year increase in gambling-related criminal investigations during the first quarter of 2025, reaching a total of 567 cases, according to data reported by Macao Daily and confirmed by Security Secretary Wong Sio Chak.
The sharp rise follows the implementation of the Law on Combating Unlawful Gambling Crimes, which came into effect in October 2024. While the figures may raise alarm, authorities argue the increase reflects more robust enforcement and broader legal definitions rather than a spike in underlying criminal activity.
Illegal Currency Exchange Emerges as Key Offence
A notable factor in the rising statistics is the newly established offence of illegal currency exchange related to gambling, which was introduced as part of the October 2024 legislation. This offence alone accounted for 132 cases in Q1 2025 — nearly a quarter of all gambling-related investigations.
This development marks a shift in enforcement strategy, aiming to disrupt the underground financial networks that have long supported illicit gambling operations. The offence has been aggressively pursued in conjunction with cross-border policing efforts, particularly between Macau and Guangdong, which helped dismantle multiple criminal syndicates during the period.
Fraud Still the Top Offence, But Other Crimes Down
Despite the focus on illegal exchange, fraud remains the leading gambling-related offence, making up 152 cases (26%) of the total. Other reported crimes include:
Usury (51 cases)
Theft (46 cases)
Misappropriation (38 cases)
Unauthorised casino entry (21 cases)
Interestingly, most major categories, aside from fraud and currency offences, actually declined year-on-year, suggesting that the rise in figures is tied more to the new law than an overall deterioration in crime levels.
Majority of Suspects and Victims Are Non-Residents
Of the 679 individuals linked to these crimes, only 119 were Macau residents. Similarly, more than 80% of the 333 victims were also non-residents — underlining Macau’s continued role as a cross-border gambling hub with a high tourist volume.
Authorities were quick to note that this trend reflects no significant localisation of gambling crime and pledged to keep close watch on potential future shifts.
Broader Definitions, Better Reporting
Security Secretary Wong explained that updated reporting guidelines have widened the net of what qualifies as a gambling-related crime. This administrative shift, combined with increased cooperation with mainland Chinese police, has helped expose and prosecute more complex, previously under-reported operations.
The Q1 results serve as an early test of the new legal framework’s effectiveness and its potential to transform how gambling crime is tracked and mitigated in Macau’s unique legal and economic environment.
