The Macau Security Agency has presented statistics showing that popular gaming destinations recorded 158 crimes related to gaming operations in the first quarter of 2023. Game-related crime rates in the region are about 24% higher than in the same period last year, when 127 incidents related to the game sector occurred.
However, reports say the city's crime record has declined since the pre-pandemic period. In fact, according to the statistics presented, the current number of game-related crimes has decreased by about 64% over the past four years compared to 2019.
Increasing crime related to games:
But that figure has increased over the last year. Authorities are reportedly considering reopening gambling facilities post-Covid as a major reason for the increase in crime cases related to gaming activities. Authorities believe the easing of cross-border policy as of January 8, 2023 has led to "a sharp rise in the number of visitors to Macau and a gradual recovery in the [city] gaming industry."
This increase in visitor numbers has also increased the likelihood of criminal activity, with a total of 40 gaming-related fraud cases in the first quarter of 2023, up 17.6% from the first quarter of 2022. In addition, there were five gambling-related cases of usury, down 50% from the same period last year.
During the observed period, offences involving gaming facilities or gambling operations also included 28 people off limits to the resort, 28 game-related thefts and 19 "illegal diversion," the sources said. These cases reportedly increased from the previous year's quarter, ranging from 25% to 210% respectively during the first quarter of 2022.
Currency exchange fraud:
Authorities reportedly worked with six concessionaires to "strengthen the number of inspections conducted by the police" in and around gambling facilities. The Security Secretary's office also reported that authorities had specifically monitored the outbreak of illegal currency exchange involving some mainland Chinese groups that "operate" in the gaming sector.
According to reports, the office found 3,655 people involved in these activities in the first three months of 2023. Although the number was 79 percent higher year-on-year, authorities reportedly said there had been "no significant increase in related crimes."
Crime rates based on market growth:
According to reports, the Secretariat said, "Most people are from mainland China, reflecting more professional tendencies and group activities. [The increase in case numbers] is thought to be strictly related to mitigation of the epidemic situation, facilitation of cross-border policies and recovery of the gaming sector."
Macau recorded a total of 3,006 criminal incidents in the first quarter of 2023, up 17% year-on-year, sources said. The city's opening up after the pandemic has brought several benefits, but the number of people illegally trying to take advantage of the growing industry has increased in the three months starting in January 2023, respectively. Authorities pointed out that game-related fraud may have been expected as Macau continues to grow, and that it may have worked with operators to prevent or sanction it. 슬롯머신
