Macau Gaming Crime Cases Rise 63% In 2025

Macau recorded more gaming-related crime cases in 2025, mainly after authorities added unlicensed money exchange for gambling to the illegal gambling crime framework.

Good to Know

• Macau recorded 2,373 gaming-related crimes in 2025.
• Unlicensed money exchange cases rose to 471 from 89.
• Illegal lending for gambling and kidnapping both declined.

Illegal Money Exchange Drives Case Increase

Macau authorities opened 2,373 gaming-related crime cases in 2025, up 63% from 1,456 cases in 2024, according to the Office of the Secretary for Security.

The increase did not come from one crime type alone. A legal change played a major role. The “Law to Combat Crimes of Illegal Gambling” came into effect on October 29, 2024, and gave police a clearer legal basis to act against unlicensed money exchange tied to gambling.

“The increase was mainly due to the criminalisation of unlicensed money exchange for gambling purposes under the ‘Law to Combat Crimes of Illegal Gambling’, as well as adjustments to the statistical data on gambling-related crimes made by the authorities,” the office stated.

Unlicensed money exchange cases climbed to 471 in 2025, compared with 89 a year earlier. Fraud also doubled to 667 cases from 333, with authorities linking many of those cases to illegal currency exchange activity around casinos.

Some violent or confrontational offences rose too. Robbery cases increased to 14 from four, while assault, intimidation and similar offences climbed 59.6%.

However, Macau officials said the most serious gambling-linked crime types stayed limited. Illegal lending for gambling fell 23% to 194 cases, while kidnapping dropped 40.4% to 28 cases.

“Regarding crimes that previously severely affected public safety, namely illegal lending for gambling and kidnapping, 194 and 28 cases were recorded, representing a decrease of 23.0 percent and 40.4 percent, respectively, compared to 2024,” the office added.

Organised syndicate cases and illegal gambling cases, including under-the-table betting, also fell by more than 50%.

Across all crime categories, Macau police opened 13,458 criminal investigations in 2025, down 5.9% year on year. The office said serious violent crime, fraud and cybercrime moved lower overall, pointing to police prevention work and stronger public awareness.

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