Macau gaming-related crime surges by 61.8% in 1H24

Macau’s security authorities have reported a sharp increase in gaming-related crimes during the first half of 2024, as visitor numbers and the gaming industry continue to recover.

The Office of the Secretary for Security revealed that 683 cases linked to the gaming sector were investigated, representing a 61.8 percent rise compared to the same period in 2023. However, the number of cases remains nearly 30 percent lower than the figures from the first half of 2019, before the pandemic.

Fraud cases made up the largest portion of gaming-related crimes, accounting for 23.3 percent of all incidents. A total of 159 fraud cases were reported, reflecting a 67 percent year-on-year increase. Loan sharking also surged, with 122 cases—a nearly threefold rise compared to the same period last year.

At a press conference on Monday, Macau’s Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak stated that the increase in gaming-related crimes is linked to the continued rise in visitor numbers and the recovery of the gaming industry. Wong noted that despite the year-on-year increase, the total number of gaming-related crimes in the first half of 2024 remains significantly lower than in 2019.

Over 2,000 money exchangers deported

In response to the rise in illicit currency exchange activities, the police apprehended 2,215 individuals involved in such operations during the first half of 2024. Among them, 2,072 non-residents were deported and banned from re-entry. Additionally, the police referred 1,540 individuals to the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) for enforcement of entry bans.

Wong emphasized that law enforcement agencies are conducting regular patrols of casinos and surrounding areas, targeting illicit money exchange activities to maintain public order.

Fraud related to illicit money exchanges remains a significant concern, with 351 cases reported in the first half of the year—an increase of over 260 cases compared to both 2023 and 2019.

Wong also highlighted efforts made in collaboration with mainland Chinese authorities to combat illegal currency exchange gangs. Following a directive from China’s Ministry of Public Security in May, multiple underground money exchange operations and related criminal organizations were dismantled in provinces such as Jilin, Jiangxi, and Guangdong.

These joint efforts led to the arrest of 101 suspects and the seizure of assets totaling approximately RMB1.47 billion ($207 million). 

Although the ongoing crackdown on illicit money exchange may impact Macau’s gaming industry, the impact has been minimal so far.