Suspicious transactions in Macau drop nearly 15% in H1 2025
The sector filed 1,856 reports between January and June, compared to 2,181 during the same period in 2024.
Key points:
– Gaming STRs declined 14.9%, from 2,181 in H1 2024 to 1,856 in H1 2025
– Gaming sector still accounted for 73.8% of all STRs filed
– Total STRs dropped to 2,515 in H1 2025, down from 2,879 a year earlier
Suspicious transaction reports (STRs) submitted by Macau gaming operators fell 14.9% in the first half of 2025, according to official data released by the Financial Intelligence Office of the Unitary Police Service.
The overall number of STRs received across all sectors also declined, falling to 2,515 in H1 2025, indicating a 12.6% decrease from 2,879 a year prior. Authorities attributed this drop largely to reduced reporting from gaming operators, which are still the ones to dominate national STR figures.
Gaming companies were responsible for 73.8% of all STRs filed in H1 2025, which shows a slight decrease from 75.8% in H1 2024.
Reports from financial institutions and insurance firms rose marginally in proportional share, contributing 500 reports (19.9%) in 2025 versus 556 (19.3%) last year. Other institutions accounted for 6.3% of total filings, up from 4.9%.
Good to know: A Macau casino dealer and two accomplices were arrested for allegedly running a scam that cost the venue HK$123,000 (US$15,700)
While the volume of reports has decreased, the region’s gaming sector remains under scrutiny as it leads the nation in flagged suspicious transactions.
The Financial Intelligence Office did not release further details on the nature or outcomes of the reported transactions.
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