Macau lawmakers have confirmed that playing mahjong is not illegal when it is played without any profit-making purpose.
According to the Macau local media outlet TDM, the Second Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly (AL) continued to discuss the bill on combating illegal gambling crimes.
Regarding the question of whether playing mahjong at home constitutes illegal gambling, lawmaker Chan Chak Mo stated that the illegal gambling mentioned in the bill refers specifically to activities undertaken for profit. He provided an example of playing mahjong either in a restaurant or at home, emphasizing that if there is no rake or dividends involved, it does not constitute a profit-making activity and therefore does not fall under illegal gambling.
The committee president also stated after the meeting that illegal gambling involves the operation, promotion, and organization of online lucky betting or mutual betting for profit without legal approval. The penalty for such activities can be up to eight years in prison.
Additionally, concerning the issue of liability for online gambling or related advertisements, Chan highlighted that any gambling operations not approved by law are considered illegal and are subject to penalties outlined in the bill.
Regarding gambling-related crimes such as borrowing money or coercing others to gamble, Chan mentioned that the penalties proposed in the bill, such as those for forcing others to gamble, could result in sentences ranging from 2 to 8 years in jail.
