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Ever since Macau enforced its new “Law to Combat Crimes of Illegal Gambling” on October 29, 2024, the authorities have arrested 597 individuals suspected of being involved in illicit foreign exchange operations associated with gambling. This report was released by the Office of the Secretary for Security of the Macau government, citing the figures on Monday.
The arrests came after 387 investigations into “illegal money exchange.” Assets worth around HKD 71 million (US$9.1 million) were seized, including over HKD 56 million (US$7.2 million) in cash and over HKD 15 million (US$1.9 million) in gaming chips.
Criminalization of Forex Trading Outside Casinos
Notably, the exchanges are considered criminal acts regardless of whether they occur within or outside casino grounds. Offenders are liable for penalties that can extend to prison time for a maximum of five years. Moreover, the convicted parties can be issued casino entry bans for a period between two and ten years.
The law also permits suspects to be charged under more general provisions, including “criminal association,” which imposes additional legal penalties.
Increased Challenge with Growing Tourism
The Macau Office of the Secretary for Security statement highlighted that, in recent times, the increase in tourist arrivals has accompanied a surge in illicit money exchange near casinos. This trend has put greater pressure on law enforcement to adjust and enhance efforts against these crimes.
Through the deployment of intelligence-led raids, the improvement of prevention measures, enhancing police collaboration, and conducting intense crackdowns, Macau officials have made “substantial results” in curbing illicit money exchange activities since the enforcement of the law.
Police Report Sharp Rise in Gaming-Related Crimes
In line with these sentiments, Macau Judiciary Police Director Sit Chong Meng unveiled in July that gaming crimes increased 62.9 percent year on year over the first five months of 2025. Key contributors to this increase were cases relating to unlicensed money exchange related to gambling. This increase means that although authorities are continuing to make gains, the problem remains real and constantly changing.
Regional Coordination in Addressing Cross-Border Crime
In a separate development, Macau’s Unitary Police Service issued a joint operation between August 4 and September 6 covering police troops from Macau, Guangdong, and Hong Kong. The operation was focused on cross-boundary crimes, including “illegal money exchange” for gambling.
This concerted action resulted in inquiries into 62 cases and the arrest of 100 suspects. This shows how regional cooperation is essential to counter the sophisticated networks behind illegal foreign exchange operations linked to gaming.
Enhancing Law Enforcement for a Safer Gaming Environment
Police authorities note that criminalizing money laundering without a gambling license has been effective in protecting Macau’s gaming sector and offering a legal environment for players and operators as well.
Security Secretary Wong Sio Chak said in April that the new legal strategy has rationally discouraged illegal operations, solidifying the city’s resolve to uphold gaming integrity.
Defending the Future of Macau’s Gaming Sector
Macau has been intensifying the battle against illegal forex trading that’s associated with gambling, proving how committed the city is to having its gaming business clean and well-regulated. In under a year, the authorities have arrested dozens of people and confiscated considerable assets, a telling indication that they’re more than simply observing from the side but are actively on the move to eliminate any danger to the industry’s stability.
This sustained vigilance serves players, operators, and society as a whole by promoting a safe and open operating environment necessary for the long-term health of the industry.
Source: GGR Asia
