Macau's New Legislation Targets Public Illegal Gambling, Exempts Private Games

Key Takeaways:

• Macau's upcoming legislation will specifically target illegal gambling activities in public spaces, not private ones.
• The law will allow searches of residences but will only penalize money-involved gambling, with fines up to MOP5,000.
• Private activities like home mahjong or nonprofit games in clubhouses will not be affected.
• The government prefers administrative measures over criminalization for tackling unofficial currency exchanges.

Macau is setting the stage for a significant crackdown on illegal gambling, but with a unique twist that spares private gaming activities. In a recent gathering between the Legislative Assembly committee and government officials, it was clarified that the new legislation is poised to target only those gambling activities that occur in public settings. This move, aiming to preserve the social fabric of Macau's community while combating illegal gambling, delineates a clear boundary between public vice and private leisure.

The legislation, which interestingly permits residence searches, will categorize only those gambling activities involving monetary transactions as illegal. Offenders could face fines ranging from MOP1,500 to MOP5,000 ($187-$623). This delineation ensures that private gatherings, where friends and family might engage in mahjong or other games without financial stakes, remain untouched by the law. Furthermore, non-profit games held in clubhouses and public chess matches, as long as they do not involve monetary dealings, will also be exempt from scrutiny.

Chan Chak Mo, the committee head, shed light on the specifics of the law, mentioning that even organizing a Chinese chess game in a public park could fall afoul of the law if a fee is charged. This clarification comes as the bill gears up for its final reading in the Legislative Assembly, expected by August 15, marking the conclusion of the current legislative session.

The legislation also broached the contentious issue of unofficial currency exchanges, a topic of considerable debate. In Monday’s meeting, government officials leaned towards implementing administrative measures rather than pursuing criminalization. This approach is seen as more effective and less cumbersome than the legal route, which involves intricate processes of investigation and evidence gathering.

Already, more than 2,000 individuals associated with money exchange have been barred from entering casinos in 2023, showcasing the government's commitment to curbing this issue administratively. The choice for administrative measures—such as reporting to mainland authorities to restrict travel of "money exchange gangs" or banning them from entering Macau—highlights a strategic preference for efficiency and direct action over the lengthy legal processes.

As Macau continues to refine its stance on gambling, this legislation represents a nuanced approach to preserving cultural traditions and private gatherings while taking a firm stand against the public specter of illegal gambling. The focus on administrative measures for tackling unofficial currency exchanges further emphasizes a pragmatic approach to law enforcement and regulatory compliance in the city's bustling gambling landscape.