Macau's Illegal Gambling Law Receives Final Legislative Approval
Macau's new "Illegal Gambling Law" has received its final approval from the Macau Legislative Assembly, passing with minimal opposition during a vote held on October 16. The law is set to come into effect the day after its official announcement, marking another significant regulatory step for Macau's gaming sector.
The Macau Legislative Assembly holding a legislative session. (Source: Macau Government)
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The passage of this law follows a series of other gaming-related legislation enacted over the last two years. These have included laws concerning junkets, the general gaming law, and the legal regime of gaming credit.
Related: Stricter Gambling Regulations in Macau the Target of New LegislationAfter an initial vote on the bill in December of 2023, the Illegal Gambling Law underwent eight separate meetings of the Second Standing Committee before it was finally brought before the Legislative Assembly for the decisive vote. The bill passed smoothly with little resistance, though a few members did express concerns about certain aspects of the law.
One key issue raised was Article 8 of the bill, which pertains to "Illegal lotteries." This clause includes restrictions on the sale of Mark Six lottery tickets and stipulates a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment for those found guilty of illegally selling the tickets.
Assemblymember Ron Lam U Tou raised concerns over whether the increased penalty for the illegal sale of Mark Six lottery tickets was necessary. He argued that the sale of these tickets does not have a major societal impact, and that purchasing lottery tickets has long been a part of Macau's culture.
Responding to Lam's concerns, Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon explained that the sale of lottery tickets is still a form of betting and requires regulation. He pointed out that the resale of Mark Six lottery tickets by small merchants in Macau is illegal and must be subject to legal oversight.
Cheong emphasized that lotteries, unlike casinos, offer a level of convenience that makes them more accessible to the general public. He stressed that selling lottery tickets without a proper license from the Special Administrative Region (SAR) government could have wider social implications, particularly for younger people who are vulnerable to gambling.
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The new Illegal Gambling Law also introduces several other significant criminal provisions, including a strict ban on "betting under the table." This illegal practice, which has gained attention through recent high-profile trials involving Suncity Group and Tak Chun Group, will now carry a maximum prison sentence of eight years.
The government has been clear that past instances of betting under the table have severely undermined the development of the gaming industry in Macau. As a result, there is a strong need to reinforce the legal framework and explicitly prohibit these practices to preserve the integrity of the industry.
In addition to addressing illegal betting practices, the law enhances the powers of law enforcement officials when investigating gambling-related crimes. The law includes new provisions that allow for more flexible methods of evidence collection, including "night-time evidence collection" and "undercover investigations." These measures are designed to improve the effectiveness of criminal investigations and ensure that authorities have the tools they need to combat illegal gambling activities.
Another critical element of the law is the criminalization of so-called "money exchange gangs." This refers to groups that operate illegal currency exchanges for the purpose of gambling. Under the new legislation, anyone involved in such activities will be considered to have committed a criminal offense and could face a prison sentence of up to five years. The introduction of this provision aims to curb a practice that has long been associated with illegal gambling operations in the region.
The enactment of the Illegal Gambling Law is part of a broader effort by the Macau government to regulate the gaming industry more tightly. With the law now passed, both lawmakers and law enforcement agencies are expected to focus on its enforcement in the coming months.
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