Macau Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Gambling Network

The Judiciary Police of Macau uncovered an illegal gambling syndicate that utilized mobile phones and advanced communication devices to stream live VIP room gambling sessions. Authorities believe that the operation’s high-tech equipment points to links to a mainland Chinese criminal syndicate that recruited participants for “under-the-table gambling” through WeChat groups.

The Group Ran a Well-Developed Operation

The Judiciary Police suspect the illegal gambling ring ran at least 11 gambling operations since August 2024, with on-table bets totaling around HKD790,000 ($101,420).  However, the hidden under-the-table wagers reportedly reached a staggering HKD5.36 million ($688,314), showcasing the operation’s enormous scope and substantial profitability.

A 5 February coordinated raid at a VIP room in Cotai resulted in the arrest of three mainland residents aged between 29 and 35. One was reportedly a high-ranking member of a criminal syndicate. Authorities confiscated sophisticated equipment, including mobile phones and miniature earpieces. They also seized HKD344,000 ($44,160)  in casino chips and HKD600,000 ($77,030) in cash.

The detained suspects reportedly refuse to cooperate with investigators, complicating the case. The Judiciary Police reported that the group used live-streaming technology to broadcast gambling sessions to mainland viewers. Such tactics allowed the network to bypass regulatory oversight and amass substantial illegal profits.

Gambling-Related Crime Remains a Pressing Issue

Macau authorities emphasized that such black market operations present a grave threat to the region’s gaming industry and often accompany other illegal activities like money laundering and human trafficking. As the Public Prosecutor’s Office takes charge of this newest case, the police are actively pursuing other individuals involved in the gambling ring while tracing illicit financial flows to dismantle the whole operation.

Despite authorities’ best efforts, gambling-related crime has been on the rise in Macau. In a related case, China’s Supreme People’s Court sentenced Ng X Pan to six years in prison for operating an organized gambling enterprise in Macau.

The suspect reportedly operated an illicit gambling operation since 2005, personally recruiting players and organizing private tours to remote locations to evade authorities.

The recent crackdown demonstrates the Macau government’s commitment to the integrity of its regulated gambling industry and sends a strong message against illegal gambling operations. Authorities have pledged to strengthen their efforts to combat gambling-related crimes and maintain the region’s reputation as a regulated and secure gambling destination.