The Second Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly (AL) has requested for the Macau Government to “better define the scope of illegal gambling prohibitions” when it comes to playing mahjong “so that the public does not inadvertently break the law.”
The discussion has been reported by TDM, a Macau media agency.
As part of the discussion, Lawmaker Chan Chak Mo, President of the Second Standing Committee, has pointed out that some clubhouses and restaurants do offer free spaces for their patrons to play mahjong as a pasttime. “Is this considered illegal gambling?” The lawmaker asked, saying that a clearer definition is needed to address this. According to the new clause, anyone caught operating illegal gambling activities, including mahjong, can face imprisonment.
Another point to address is the proposed clause that allows residential premises to be searched between 9pm and 7am, in relation to illegal online and offline gambling operations or mutual betting, which the current Criminal Procedure Ordinance prohibits.
Lawmakers questioned this exception for illegal gambling while more serious crimes such as money laundering, terrorism and national security threats remained exempted. In response to the query, the Government representative said "it will consider this and remains open to amending the Criminal Procedure Ordinance or introducing similar provisions for other crimes."
Macau has seen its fair share of gambling-related crimes this year, especially casino fraud and fake chips.
Macau’s gaming revenue still remains one of its main economic contributors, despite diversification plans into non-gaming/gambling sectors.
