Macau’s casino regulator has begun conducting surprise inspections at junket-controlled gaming rooms at the city’s casinos in the light of recent allegations by Mainland media that illicit activities might be carried out at the facilities.
In a Friday statement, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) said that several so-called “lightning” inspections had already taken place at junket locations inside casinos.
The regulator further explained that its recently launched operation looks to ensure that the city’s gaming industry is developing in a proper, healthy manner, and that it also serves as a deterrent against illegal activities taking place on the territory of the Chinese special administrative region, which is the only place in China where casino gambling is legal.
It could be suggested that the lightning inspections were prompted by allegations by Mainland China that major junket operator Suncity Group was involved in the operation of online casinos and proxy betting services in Southeast Asia. Both practices are illegal on the territory of Macau and Mainland China.
Suncity is adamant that it has no involvement whatsoever in illicit activities, but told DICJ that it would make sure to adopt Macau’s gaming law in other jurisdictions where it is operational in a bid to prevent being accused of wrongdoing in future.
The Evolution of Gaming-Related Crime
Aside from its surprising inspections at gaming premises run by licensed junkets, DICJ also held on Friday a meeting with representatives of the Judiciary Police. The purpose of the meeting was for the two agencies to exchange information about the current situation related to possible illicit gambling activities taking place in Macau.
According to local news outlet the Macau Daily Times, the police and gaming regulators paid special attention to illegal online gambling and the evolution of gambling-related crimes.
While online casino gaming and sports betting are strictly prohibited in most Southeast Asian countries, the region has turned into a boon for both activities, particularly for sports gambling. Despite efforts that, among other things, include raids and confiscation of illegal gambling assets, illegal activities have proved tough to eradicate completely.
Macau’s gaming regulator urged junket operators to abide by all existing rules and regulations, and warned violators that any breaches of the law would get them in regulatory trouble. The DICJ said that such violators could have their suitability to operate in the city reviewed and could even have their authorization revoked.
Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong, joined the gaming regulator’s initiative and issued a reminder last week that Macau’s casino operators – that is its three concessionaires and three sub-concessionnaires – as well as all licensed junkets to make sure that their products and services are fully compliant with local laws in order to be able to continue to provide them.
Macau’s casinos posted a 5.9% annual increase in gaming revenue in June to $2.95 billion. Despite the increase, analysts are still concerned over the ongoing US-China trade war and some believe that it would imminently impact the city’s gaming industry.
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