Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau criminalizes illicit money exchange operations

Monday 14th of October 2024

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Good morning. Tightening the noose. Macau has criminalized illicit money exchange practices, particularly targeting "money exchange gangs," with offenders facing up to five years in prison for operating unapproved currency exchange businesses for gambling. The legislation aims to address various illegal gambling activities, including onli n e gambling and unlicensed lending, through undercover investigations and night searches. Meanwhile, in a major operation, the Philippines has arrested Chinese nat io nal Lyu Dong, a key figure behind illegal POGOs in the country. Moving further to Australia, September gaming results in Queensland showed an increase of 7.7 percent compared to the previous year.

What you need to know

Macau has criminalized illicit money exchanges for gambling, imposing up to 5 years in jail for those operating unapproved businesses.
Philippines authorities arrested Lyu Dong, a key POGO criminal figure, following an extensive surveillance operation targeting scam hubs.
Gaming results in the Australian state of Queensland showed an increase of 7.7 percent during September compared to the previous year.

On the radar

SJM’s Kam Pek Market food stalls to open before 2025 CNY.
Philippine Senator warns local government units: no tolerance for POGOs.
Sam Hou Fai was elected as Macau's next Chief Executive.
Philippine authorities nab 38 foreign nationals in suspected Cebu POGO operation.
Underground Poker den was raided in Pattaya, and nine foreigners were arrested.

AGB Intelligence

MACAU

Macau bans unauthorized currency exchanges in casinos

Macau has officially criminalized illicit money exchange practices, specifically targeting "money exchange gangs," with violators facing up to five years in prison for running unapproved currency exchange operations for gambling. The bill bans unauthorized currency exchanges in casinos, placing the burden on illegal operators to demonstrate that their exchanges are not for gambling.

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