Macau gambling crimes rise 31% in 2024 amid tourism rebound

Macau recorded a 31% increase in gambling-related crimes in 2024 compared to the previous year, as the recovery of tourism and gaming industries led to heightened security challenges, authorities said on Thursday.

The city’s total gambling-related crimes reached 1,456 cases, a notable rise from 2023. However, this figure represents a 32% decrease compared to 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the sector.

Security officials reported that theft accounted for 22.9% of gambling crimes, while loan sharking made up 17.3%. Unauthorised money exchange activities contributed 6.1% of recorded offenses. The rise has been linked to increased visitor numbers and stricter enforcement against illicit financial operations.

“With the further increase in tourists to Macau and the recovery of the tourism and gambling industries, the number of factors destabilising social security increased in 2024,” said Wong Sio Chak, Macau’s Secretary for Security.

“Combined with the criminalisation of illegal money changers, it has inevitably led to an increase in the number of gambling crimes,” he added.

Beyond the gambling sector, Macau registered 14,298 total crimes in 2024, marking a 6% year-on-year increase. Compared to 2019, the overall crime rate saw a marginal 0.8% rise. Authorities identified fraud and cybercrime as key drivers behind the broader crime trend.

Despite the uptick in gambling offenses, organized crime activity remained stable following the implementation of new gaming regulations, Wong noted.

Authorities have intensified efforts to regulate Macau’s gambling sector, including the criminalisation of illegal money changers, which contributed to a higher number of reported offenses.