Key points:
- Macau passes new illegal gaming law, criminalising illegal currency exchange and penalising side and parallel betting
- The law applies to illegal gambling activities inside and outside casinos
- The legal update introduces stricter regulations for online gaming, money loans for gambling and lottery exploitation
Macau's Legislative Assembly (AL) has unanimously approved a new illegal gaming law, marking a notable development in the region's gambling regulations.
The law, which passed its final reading, introduces stricter measures to combat illegal gambling activities both inside and outside casinos.
Specific provisions have been introduced to target parallel and side betting, reflecting a focus on curbing these illegal practices.
Online gaming activities remain largely unchanged from prior regulations, but the law has been updated to reflect recent industry developments.
One of the major updates is the criminalisation of illegal currency exchanges for gambling, whether these occur inside or outside of casinos. This amendment aims to tighten control over money-related crimes without targeting casino patrons directly.
Stricter rules have also been implemented to regulate loans used for gambling purposes.
Finally, the law also addresses the exploitation of lotteries, including foreign lotteries, with potential penalties of up to two years' imprisonment.
Although the new law was widely accepted with little opposition, lawmaker Ron Lam raised concerns over the sale of the Hong Kong Lottery – Mark 6 – in Macau. He urged the Government to clarify its position on this matter, citing potential legal ambiguities.
In response, Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong emphasised that the law targets commercial exploitation of lotteries rather than casual transactions between individuals.
