Good Morning. A matter of perspective. Gaming-related crime in Macau rose 70.1% in the first three quarters of 2025 due to updated reporting methods linked to the new Anti-Illegal Gambling Crime Law, although overall public security remains stable, with a 7.1% decline in total criminal cases. Meanwhile, the Philippine government has urged critics to provide concrete evidence for allegations of conflict of interest against PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco, following reports that a construction firm owned by his family secured over $120.14 million in government contracts since his appointment, while Tengco denies any wrongdoing and claims he fully divested his interests in the company when he took office.
What you need to know
- Macau’s gaming-related crime surged 70% in early 2025, mainly due to reclassification following the illegal gambling law overhaul.
- Philippine authorities said they will rely on evidence and due process in reviewing allegations involving PAGCOR chief Alejandro H. Tengco.
On the radar
- Galaxy Macau concert cancelled as organiser cites force majeure.
- Macau’s real GDP to grow 2–5% in 2026: Economics Association.
- Thai Nationals stranded at the Poipet Border.
- Thailand’s tourism sector faces crisis with declining visitor numbers.
AGB Intelligence
MACAU
Spike in gaming crimes in Macau attributed to revised statistical methods
Gaming-related crime in Macau surged by 70.1% in the first three quarters of 2025, with police recording 1,737 cases compared to 1,021 in the same period of 2024, mainly due to changes in reporting methods following the introduction of the Anti-Illegal Gambling Crime Law in October 2024. This law criminalized illegal currency exchanges for gambling, expanding the scope of gaming-related crime statistics. Despite this increase, Secretary for Security Chan Tsz King emphasized that public security remains stable, with total criminal cases decreasing by 7.1% year-on-year, including a notable decline in serious violent crimes.
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