Macau saw a spike in gaming-related crime in the first quarter of 2025. The increase has been linked to new legislation criminalizing money exchange operations.
The central government is stepping up its fight against illegal money exchange businesses in Macao, aiming to clean up the city’s gambling scene and protect social stability. This crackdown targets underground gambling, money laundering, loan sharking, and scams that have fueled crimes like fraud, theft, and illegal immigration, seriously impacting Macao’s community safety.
Officials are determined to dismantle the entire illegal money exchange network nationwide. Measures include tighter border controls and enhanced collaboration with Macao police to stamp out these shadowy operations. The crackdown follows alarming crime statistics: Macao saw an 18% increase in crime in early 2024, largely driven by scams and fraud related to illicit gambling activities.
Experts highlight that illegal money exchanges in Macao have evolved beyond just gambling. They now act like underground banks, facilitating corruption and illegal money flows, which threatens China’s financial security. New laws criminalizing unlicensed currency exchange have been passed, with offenders facing up to five years in prison and potential bans from Macao casinos for up to a decade.
Casino operators are also involved in this effort. Recent directives empower Macao’s Monetary Authority and Gaming Inspection Bureau to regulate currency trading counters inside casinos, setting technical standards and locations to curb unlicensed money-changing practices. This multi-pronged approach aims to protect the integrity of Macao’s casino industry and ensure a safer, fairer gaming environment for all players.
This crackdown signals a major shift in Macao’s fight against illegal gambling and money exchange, reinforcing the city’s commitment to a transparent and secure casino market. For online casino affiliates, this means a cleaner, more trustworthy environment for players, boosting confidence and long-term growth in the Macao gaming sector.