Macau’s New Gambling Law: A Closer Look at the Legislation

Posted on: October 18, 2024, 12:33h
Last updated: October 18, 2024, 12:33h

In a significant move towards tightening gambling regulations, Macau’s legislature recently passed the ‘Law to Combat Illegal Gambling Crimes.’ This new legislation, aimed at curtailing illegal gambling activities in the bustling gambling hub, has already sparked both support and controversy among residents and law makers alike.

Stricter Controls on Illegal Gambling

The newly enacted law introduces a robust framework to combat various forms of illegal gambling. Notably, it prohibits unlicensed money exchanges and loansharking within casino premises, as well as the promotion of unauthorized online gambling. These provisions are seen as critical steps to ensure that gambling operations in Macau comply with local laws and ethical standards.

However, the law does not stop there. Alarmingly for many locals and aficionados of other forms of gaming, it also places a ban on the well-known Mark Six lottery—a beloved gambling option that has been prevalent in Macau for decades.

The Mark Six Controversy

Mark Six, a popular lottery game operated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, requires players to select six numbers from a pool of 1 to 49. While officially unsanctioned by the Macau gaming regulator, the DICJ, the sale of Mark Six tickets had for years flown under the radar, mostly conducted by small retailers and corner shops. With the passage of the new law, any sale of these lottery tickets in Macau is now a criminal offense, punishable by up to two years in prison.

This recent move has raised questions and concerns among lawmakers and businesses alike. Lawmaker Ron Lam advocated for the exclusion of Mark Six from the new restrictions, arguing that small retailers who sell the tickets aren’t participating in organized criminal activities but rather engaging in long-standing communal practices. He highlights that these sales have minimal social impact and suggests that stringent penalties may not be justified.

Immediate Enforcement Action

Almost immediately following the bill’s approval, local law enforcement swung into action. The Public Security Police Force announced the arrest of a couple in their fifties for selling Mark Six tickets from their small grocery store in northern Macau. Authorities reported that the pair had managed to earn approximately MOP 1,960 (around USD 245) from these illicit sales since February. They were caught during an undercover operation in which the female suspect was seen selling tickets on the street—a clear violation of the new law.

The Bigger Picture: Lottery Revenues in Macau

Despite the swift response to clamp down on Mark Six, it’s important to note that lotteries, including Mark Six, play a minor role in Macau’s overall gaming revenues. Local lotteries operated by DICJ, such as Pacapio and various instant and sports lotteries, account for less than 1% of total gaming revenue in the area. The strong focus on regulating Mark Six may indicate a larger strategy aimed at fortifying the integrity of Macau’s gambling landscape, despite its minimal contribution to overall earnings.

Ongoing Debate and Future Implications

The enforcement of the new law and its implications for traditional practices has ignited debate among lawmakers. Critics of the ban argue that long-established activities—such as the resale of Mark Six tickets—should not be criminalized due to their low impact on public welfare. In response to these concerns, Secretary for Administration and Justice Cheong Weng Chon reiterated that enforcement against illegal ticket sales has been ongoing for years, disputing claims that authorities had previously ignored the practice.

As Macau continues to evolve as a global gaming hub, the tension between regulation and tradition in the gambling industry raises critical questions about the future of gambling in the region. The transition to stricter controls emphasizes the need for a balance that protects the public while recognizing the cultural significance of longstanding practices.

In this rapidly changing landscape, the implications of the ‘Law to Combat Illegal Gambling Crimes’ will be closely watched as stakeholders from all sides grapple with its unintended consequences and its long-term effects on Macau’s gambling culture.