Macau Gambling-Related Crime Rises 12.3% in 2026

Macau recorded 1,951 gambling-related criminal cases during the first nine months of the year, a 12.3% increase compared with the same period in 2025. Authorities attributed the rise primarily to an increase in fraud involving games of chance and illegal currency exchange linked to gambling.

The figures were published by the Office of the Secretary for Security, headed by Chan Tsz King. Despite the increase in gaming-related offenses, overall crime in Macau fell by 0.9%, with nearly 10,000 cases registered between January and September.

Officials linked the broader decline to fewer general fraud offenses and computer-related crimes, highlighting a contrast between the overall crime trend and offenses associated with gambling.

Fraud and Illegal Currency Exchange Drive Increase

Between January and September, authorities recorded 558 fraud cases connected to games of fortune or chance, up 21.3% year-on-year.

Illegal currency exchange offenses also increased, reaching 404 cases, an 11.9% rise compared with the corresponding period in 2025. The growth in these two categories was identified as a key factor behind the overall increase in gambling-related crime.

Macau introduced legislation in October 2024 making illegal currency exchange for gambling purposes a criminal offense. The law covers unauthorized money-changing activities associated with casino gambling.

The latest figures cover offenses related to games of fortune or chance and reflect the 1,951 cases reported by Macau law enforcement agencies during the nine-month period.

Some Gaming-Related Offenses Record Declines

Not all categories of gaming-related crime increased. Illegal gaming loans fell by 12.6% compared with the first nine months of 2025, while kidnapping cases dropped by 57.1%.

Authorities also highlighted an enforcement operation conducted at the end of July, during which 15 people, including Macau casino security personnel, were detained on suspicion of criminal association, extortion and coercion.

The official statement did not disclose additional details about the investigation or identify the casinos associated with the detained security staff.

In a separate enforcement effort, Macau’s Judiciary Police worked with the casino industry through a joint action mechanism to block more than 77,000 illegal gambling portals.

Overall Crime Declines by 0.9%

Macau recorded nearly 10,000 criminal offenses between January and September, representing a 0.9% reduction from the same period a year earlier.

General fraud cases decreased by 8.5%, while computer-related offenses fell by 29.8%, contributing to the overall decline.

The Office of the Secretary for Security also pointed to increased public awareness of fraud prevention, linking it to the reduction in telecommunications and internet-related scams.