Criminal cases related to gambling increased in Macau in 2024, compared to the previous year. Prosecutor General Tong Hio Fong made this announcement at the launch of the 2024 Public Prosecutor’s annual report. Authorities opened 15,840 new cases within the judicial year, including 437 cases related to illegal gambling.
Macau Witnesses Sharp Rise in Gambling-related Criminal Prosecutions: At a Glance
- Prosecutor General Tong Hio Fong attributed the rise in criminal proceedings to the recently implemented Law No. 20/2024, which targets illegal currency exchanges through gambling.
- Authorities filed 15,840 criminal cases, which is slightly lower than the previous year. However, gambling-related cases increased sharply to 760, representing a 134% YoY increase.
- The Public Prosecutor’s office closed 14,722 cases in 2024, a 15.22% increase since the previous year. Of these, 3,671 cases were prosecuted, 10,622 cases were archived, and 373 cases were consolidated.
Public Prosecutor’s Annual Report Shows Gambling-related Cases on the Rise in Macau
According to the 2024 Statistics of the Criminal Proceedings Office of MP, 15,840 cases were filed in 2024 on 4,264 counts of charges. This marks a 12.05% increase since 2023, when the Public Prosecutor’s office opened 13,931 cases. The number of closed cases also increased by 15.25% from 12,476 in 2023 to 14,722 in 2024. These statistics highlight a clear trend representing an increase in prosecutions in 2024.
In his speech during the opening of Macau’s judicial year, Prosecutor General Tong Hio Fong explained that the rise in criminal proceedings during the judicial year 2024-25 was primarily the result of Law No. 20/2024. The law to combat illicit gambling crimes has provisions for targeting illicit currency exchange involving gambling operations.
Macau’s relationship with online gambling regulations is similar to that of Hong Kong, as online gambling operators thrived in the grey area. However, the Hong Kong administration recently came into the headlines for planning to legalise basketball betting. Macau’s Law No. 20.2024, however, made all forms of online gambling illegal.
The Prosecutor General attributed the increase in gambling-related crimes to “money-changing gangs”. Despite the authorities cracking down heavily on organised financial criminal enterprises, their operations continue to flourish. Criminals now use modern technology to function discreetly, making enforcement more challenging.
Public Prosecutor’s Annual Report Highlights Key Challenges
Macau’s law to combat illicit gambling crimes criminalises unlicensed currency exchange linked to gambling. Tong explained to the press that 410 of the gambling-related penalties filed in 2024 had a direct connection to illegal currency exchange in online gaming.
The authorities are focusing on enforcement in cases of gambling-related financial transactions. This is part of a broader effort to crack down on illegal financial networks and underground enterprises that have used the remote gambling sector to prosper. Tong explained that the increase in prosecutions signals the authority’s robust enforcement efforts.
Macau’s gaming industry has witnessed several reforms in the past few years. Notable changes include stricter anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) laws, as well as additional supervision of gaming operators. The city is promoting a cleaner and sustainable gaming environment, aligning with the CCP government’s vision for the autonomous region’s prosperity.
During the press briefing, Tong commended the enforcement officers and staff for their commitment and perseverance despite heavy workloads. He stressed that their dedication reflected the resilience of Macau’s judicial system. The Prosecutor General further emphasised the need for robust enforcement and education among the younger population to ensure compliance.