The Second Standing Committee of Macau’s Legislative Assembly (AL) has concluded discussions on a bill aimed at tightening regulations and increasing penalties for illegal gambling activities. According to a Macau Daily Times report, the committee has signed off on an opinion regarding the proposed Law on Combating Illegal Gambling Crimes, which will soon be presented for detailed deliberation and voting by the full AL after its session resumes mid-month. 

This legislation is designed to implement tougher measures against unauthorised gambling operations. One of the key provisions includes extending the maximum detention period for offenders involved in illegal gambling. Additionally, law enforcement will be granted new powers to carry out nighttime searches of suspected residences. The bill also introduces an undercover system to facilitate the investigation of illicit gambling operations. 

Criminalising illegal currency exchange operations 

An element of the new bill is its focus on cracking down on unauthorised currency exchange operations linked to gambling. The legislation criminalises operating unlicenced currency exchange businesses in amusement parks and affiliated facilities. The law is also expected to target street-level exchanges that are linked to illegal gambling activities. This measure is seen as critical to combatting money laundering and fraud, particularly among mainland Chinese gamblers who attempt to bypass capital controls. 

In recent months, Macau authorities have intensified efforts to dismantle illegal money exchanges, which have been connected to broader criminal activities. The new law is expected to support these efforts by making such exchanges a criminal offence, thereby addressing a key concern of illegal gambling facilitation. 

Organised crime vs. social interactions 

While the proposed law sets stringent penalties for organised illegal gambling and currency exchange activities, it distinguishes between personal and organised actions. Lending money to friends for gambling purposes will not be penalised under the new rules unless it constitutes part of an organised operation. The aim is to focus on dismantling organised crime networks rather than regulating personal, informal transactions. 

Final voting expected soon 

The AL is expected to resume discussions on the bill later this month, and a final vote will take place shortly after. Once approved, the law will come into effect the day after the government’s formal announcement, marking a step forward in Macau’s efforts to clamp down on illegal gambling activities and related crimes.