Gambling-related crimes in Macau soar in the first half of 2025

• Following the implementation of enhanced regulations against illegal gambling in Macau last October, an uptick in gambling-related offenses was recorded
• More than 1,100 gambling-related criminal cases were recoded in the first half of 2025, marking a 67% year-over-year increase
• Law enforcement detained 1,348 people suspected of being involved in gambling-related crimes

Macau recorded a notable increase in the number of gambling-related criminal investigation cases during the first half of 2025.

The SAR's new gambling regulations result in an uptick in recorded crimes

Last year in October, the Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China implemented new regulations, fighting against illegal gambling.

The new anti-gambling laws effectively expanded the scope of offenses that may be characterized as gaming-related.

Not unexpectedly, authorities in Macau stepped up their efforts against such crimes, organizing raids and police operations that targeted cross-border organized gambling syndicates and criminal organizations.

As announced by local media outlets, the number of gambling-related crimes soared by nearly 70% in the first half of 2025.

Confirmation of this data came from the country's Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak, who announced the results during a recent media conference.

Overall, in the first half of this year, gambling-related criminal cases reached 1,139.

The latest figure, when compared to the 2024 period, points to a significant 66.8% year-over-year increase.

In the first half of 2025, law enforcement detained 1,348 individuals for gambling-related crimes.

Nearly 15% of the suspects were local residents, while the remaining 85% were foreigners, the newly released data reveals.

Chak confirmed that the increase in the number of gambling-related crimes was the result of the expanded scope of the new anti-illegal gambling law which now covers illicit money transfers.

During the recent period, law enforcement recorded 240 criminal cases related to illegal money exchanges for gaming purposes.

Such crimes were recognized as the main reason for the overall increase in the number of gambling crimes.

According to Chak, law enforcement will continue to monitor gambling activities and dismantle any illicit operation.

Recently, Macau has recorded an increase in the number of visitors and this, according to the Secretary for Security, increases the risks for gambling-related and other crimes.

The number of cases related to fraud was the highest during the latest period.

In the first half of this year, 297 fraud crimes were recorded, representing 26% of all crimes.

On the other hand, police opened 240 cases related to illicit currency exchange, representing 21.1%, while 101 cases related to loan sharking were recorded.

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