In 2024, China’s Ministry of Public Security stepped up its efforts to combat unlawful online gambling, taking down more than 4,500 illegal betting sites. Investigators looked into 73,000 cases of cross-border gambling, focusing on schemes to get Chinese nationals to wager abroad.
In addition, law enforcement arrested almost 11,000 people and dismantled 45 significant international gambling networks. Beijing has not wavered in its efforts to shut down foreign casinos and internet gambling sites that cater to Chinese citizens.
International Cooperation and Financial Disruptions
After a three-year investigation, Chongqing officials discovered the DC Group, a huge syndicate. The firm, which was based in the Philippines, hired Chinese people to work in its gaming network as managers and marketers.
Authorities also interfered with subterranean money networks connected to illicit gaming. The investigation focused on payment channels that handled transactions for unlawful betting, such as illegal investment schemes, livestream-based gaming, and unlicensed lotteries.
China reinforced its blacklist of foreign gambling destinations frequently visited by its citizens. Additionally, authorities conducted two large-scale repatriation efforts in April and November 2024, bringing back over 1,200 Chinese nationals from Cambodia for alleged involvement in fraud and gambling-related activities.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized ongoing collaboration with neighboring countries to curb online gambling and telecom fraud.
The Ministry of Public Security stated: “Various departments across the country will strengthen publicity and education, conduct in-depth publicity through various means to reveal the harmful nature of gambling, and follow up and expose the latest means of cross-boundary gambling crimes in a timely manner, so as to vigorously enhance the public’s awareness and ability to recognize, reject and oppose gambling.”
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