In an operation targeting illegal online sports betting, Macau’s Public Prosecutions Office has charged 59 individuals with criminal association and illegal gambling. According to the report of the Asia Gaming Brief, the crackdown involved a coordinated effort between authorities in Macau, Hong Kong, and mainland China, revealing the extensive reach of the illicit betting ring.  

The defendants are accused of orchestrating a large-scale, undercover betting operation focused on football and basketball games. According to the Public Prosecutions Office, the betting websites, hosted overseas, handled MOP1.08 billion (€123.4 million) in wagers since 2016. During the recent Euro 2024 football tournament alone, the operation managed MOP72 million (€8.2 million) in weekly bets.   The investigation led to the seizure of nearly MOP8.6 million (€982,980) in cash, highlighting the operation’s substantial financial transactions. Currently, two indicted individuals are in pre-trial detention, while the remaining 57 have been released on bail but are restricted from leaving Macau.

Arrest of 93 individuals  

Earlier this month, the collaborative operation by police forces from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau resulted to the arrest of 93 individuals. According to the report, the syndicate has been active since 2016. Police also discovered that the syndicate utilised overseas servers to host websites for betting on football and basketball games, offering attractive odds to lure gamblers.   

Continuing legal proceedings  

As the legal proceedings continue, the Macau authorities are working to ensure that those involved in this large-scale illegal betting operation are held accountable. The significant bust underscores the region’s commitment to combating illegal gambling activities and maintaining the integrity of the sports and gaming industries.   This major bust serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in tackling illegal online gambling, particularly those operations with cross-border implications. The cooperation between Macau, Hong Kong, and mainland China authorities highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing these sophisticated and far-reaching criminal activities. 

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