In an effort to crack down on illicit gambling activities in Macau, the government has introduced a new bill that aims to target illegal gambling operators while ensuring that private games among friends and family remain exempt from prosecution.
The bill, titled the Gambling Law Enforcement and Regulation Act, seeks to provide authorities with increased powers to combat illegal gambling operations that have been plaguing the city for years. Under the new legislation, individuals caught participating in or organizing illicit gambling activities could face harsh penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
However, the bill also includes provisions that protect private games held in the homes of residents. According to the bill, as long as the games are not open to the public and do not involve large sums of money, participants will not be subject to prosecution.
Speaking about the new bill, Macau’s Secretary for Security, Wong Sio Chak, emphasized the government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal gambling activities while also respecting the rights of residents to engage in private gaming activities.
“We are aware of the concerns raised by residents regarding the potential impact of the new legislation on their private gaming activities. Rest assured, the government is committed to maintaining the balance between enforcing the law and respecting the rights of individuals to engage in legal gaming activities in the comfort of their homes,” Wong Sio Chak said.
The introduction of the Gambling Law Enforcement and Regulation Act comes amid growing concerns about the proliferation of illegal gambling activities in Macau, which has long been known as a gambling hub in Asia. The city’s reputation as a hotspot for illicit gambling has attracted criminal organizations from across the region, leading to an increase in organized crime and money laundering activities.
With the new bill, the government is hoping to send a strong message to illegal gambling operators that they will not tolerate their activities in Macau. At the same time, the government is seeking to reassure residents that their private gaming activities will not be targeted under the new legislation.
Overall, the new bill against illicit gambling in Macau represents a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to combat illegal gambling activities while protecting the rights of residents to engage in legal gaming activities in the city. By striking a balance between enforcement and respect for individuals’ rights, the government is sending a clear signal that it is serious about cracking down on illegal gambling activities in Macau.
