The Macau Public Prosecutions Office has formally charged 59 individuals in connection with an alleged online sports betting ring. Two of the defendants are currently under pre-trial detention, while the remaining suspects have been granted bail. These individuals, however, are restricted from leaving the city as part of their bail conditions.
93 arrested in major sports-betting sting across Macau, Hong Kong, and Guangdong
In a significant crackdown on illegal betting activities, authorities arrested a total of 93 individuals on 2 July across Macau, Hong Kong, and Guangdong. The operation led to the seizure of MOP88.4 million (£8.5m/€196.2m/US$11m) in cash. Additionally, police froze bank accounts holding MOP22.1 million.
Massive cash seized in a coordinated raid
The combined efforts of law enforcement have dealt a heavy blow to the illegal sports-betting syndicates operating across these regions. This operation marks one of the largest in recent history.
Authorities in Macau have dismantled several websites, operating from outside the region, that illicitly took bets on football and basketball games. These sites reportedly generated an astonishing MOP72 million per week during the recent UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.
Massive earnings from illegal betting
Officials estimate that the illegal operation has amassed more than MOP1.08 billion since its inception in 2016. The scale of the betting activity highlights the growing concern surrounding unregulated sports wagering.
Key figures
| Period | Weekly Earnings (MOP) | Total Earnings (MOP) |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA Euro 2024 | 72 million | – |
| Since 2016 | – | 1.08 billion |
The crackdown by Macau authorities is a significant step towards curbing illegal sports betting activities, ensuring a more regulated and fair betting environment.
Online gambling ban in China extends to Macau
Online gambling remains prohibited across China, encompassing Macau, a Special Administrative Region (SAR) revered as the world’s premier casino hub. Violators face severe consequences, including imprisonment for up to three years.
