Macau’s Judiciary Police (PJ) recently released the gaming crime data for 2023, offering insights into the city’s gaming-related activities. The statistics reveal a notable surge in gaming-related crimes compared to 2022 but a substantial decline from the figures reported in 2019.
Overall Gaming Crime Trends:
In 2023, Macau witnessed a significant spike in gaming-related crimes, with a total of 2,717 cases reported. This marked an alarming increase of 181.6% compared to the previous year but represented a noteworthy 50% decrease from the figures recorded in 2019.
Special Investigations and Complaints:
The report outlines 1,107 special investigations and complaints related to gaming cases in 2023, showing a substantial rise of 736 cases compared to 2022. Among these, 1,604 streamline investigations on gaming cases were conducted, signifying an increase of 1,024 cases from the previous year. Interestingly, the number of “requested” investigations on gaming cases saw a decline of eight cases compared to 2022.
Breakdown of Gaming-Related Cases:
Examining the composition of the 2,717 gaming-related cases, a breakdown reveals various facets, including 257 cases of gaming-related fraud. This figure represents a considerable increase of 171 cases compared to 2022 but indicates a significant drop of 199 cases from the peak in 2019. Notably, there were no reported fraud cases involving online gambling in 2023.
Online Gambling and Fraud:
A noteworthy finding from the report is the absence of fraud cases involving online gambling in 2023. This contrasts with the overall surge in gaming-related crimes, raising questions about the impact of online platforms on the prevalence of fraud.
Law Enforcement Measures and Industry Collaboration:
PJ Commissioner Sit Chong Meng highlighted the positive strides in combating gaming-related crimes. He mentioned a significant decrease in serious betting cases in 2023 and emphasized the collaborative efforts between the Judiciary Police, Public Security Police, and Macau’s concessionaires. The joint action led to the apprehension of 11,000 money exchange gang members, with 2,048 subsequently barred from entering the city’s casinos by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).
The 2023 gaming crime data provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and successes in Macau’s gaming landscape. While the surge in gaming-related crimes raises concerns, the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders appear to be making strides in curbing illegal activities. Understanding the nuances of the data is crucial for policymakers, law enforcement, and industry players as they navigate the evolving dynamics of Macau’s gaming environment.