Macau raid: Police crack down on illegal mahjong

Jade Denosta July 11, 2024

SiGMA news

Police authorities have successfully dismantled an illegal mahjong operation in Macau, leading to the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of gambling equipment.

Earlier this week the Public Security Police (PSP) received a report about suspicious activities at a shop on Avenida Marginal do Lam Mau. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered two mahjong tables and gambling equipment in the attic. Investigations led to the arrest of four individuals, three females and a male, including the female operator, who is in her sixties. The suspects, aged between 50 and 60 years, were found on the mezzanine floor of the shop and were about to engage in illegal gambling activities. The investigation revealed that the illegal mahjong stall had been operating since March, with the female owner charging MOP80 (€9.19) per table for hourly rent and profiting from each game. It was estimated that the owner had been making monthly illegal profits of up to MOP500 (€57.42).

A step towards clearer gaming legislation

The suspects have been transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office for further investigation. Macau’s gaming legislation states that commercial mahjong businesses can only be operated by the city’s six gaming concessionaires. The bust of the illegal mahjong operation is part of Macau’s ongoing efforts to combat illicit gambling activities. Recent cases have included the crackdown on a cross-border crime and illegal gambling syndicate, casino fraud, and a bribery case in the gaming sector. The Legislative Assembly committee has highlighted ambiguities in the clauses regarding illegal mahjong operations and has requested clearer definitions to prevent careless breaches of the law by the public. As the authorities continue to uphold the law and ensure fair play in the gaming industry, the recent crackdown serves as a reminder of the strict regulations that govern gambling activities in Macau.