The number of gaming-related crimes that took place in Macau in the first three months of 2025 reached 1,737, representing an increase of 716 cases or 70.1% compared to the same period last year according to information from the Secretary for Security.
Regarding the significant rise in gambling-related figures, Secretary for Security Chan Tsz King explained that the primary reason was the criminalization of money exchange gangs in October last year, which introduced the new offense of “illegal money exchange for gambling purposes”. Police subsequently adjusted their statistical methods for gambling-related crimes under the new regulations, resulting in some cases previously not classified as gambling offenses now being included.
The first three quarters of this year saw 306 cases of fraud involving money exchange gangs, a decrease of 188 cases compared to the same period last year. that the actual number of cases has shown a significant decline.
Regarding other gambling-related offenses, Chan pointed out that cases involving extortion and deprivation of personal liberty, which have a greater impact on public security, as well as cases of unlawful appropriation that had previously surged, all recorded decreases in the first three quarters of this year.
However, with the increase in tourists and some individuals being careless with their belongings, there has been an upward trend in theft cases in gaming areas. A total of 139 gaming-related theft cases were opened in the first three quarters. As of the end of October, over 80% of these cases have been solved, and suspects have been identified in the remaining cases.
Regarding the closure of satellite casinos, Chan noted that the police have strengthened intelligence gathering and risk assessment to prevent potential impacts on Macau’s public security. No suspicious signs have been detected so far.
Separately, data released by the Office of the Secretary for Security indicates that overall criminal offenses across Macau totaled 10,058 cases in the first three quarters of this year. This represents a decrease of 773 cases compared to the 10,831 cases recorded during the same period last year, marking a 7.1% decline. This demonstrates that overall public security situation remains stable, he said.
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