Crime Inside Macau Casinos Decreases in 2020 Due to COVID-19

Compared to non-pandemic years, Macau casinos in 2020 had a much less populated atmosphere due to the decrease in the number of visitors. As a result, reports of criminal activities within the premises have also been significantly lower.

Credit goes to the Macau Security Office for being proactive: Last year, its police officers conducted a simulation drill involving an armed robber in Galaxy Macau. In the end, the fugitive was arrested.

Despite Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) dropping 81.4 percent and visitor numbers decreasing by 87 percent in the area, there is one benefit to this situation: there is less crime. According to the Macau Security Office, the enclave has seen a marked reduction in casino-related criminal activity, with violent crime decreasing by 67 percent this year and non-violent crime reducing by 54 percent. 2,555 criminal complaints have been filed by the Macau Public Prosecutions Office so far in 2020, substantially fewer than at the same point last year. This could be due to proactive measures taken by the Macau Security Office; last year, its police officers conducted a simulation drill involving an armed robber in Galaxy Macau, which resulted in the suspect’s arrest.

The Macau Security Office conducted an overhaul of their security this year, which came with drastic improvements. Pickpocketing cases, for instance, dropped from 148 reportings in 2019 to only 23 – an 84% decrease. Similarly, gaming-related scams decreased to 60 reports, and loan sharking allegations dropped a tremendous 88% to 57 filings. Aside from other declines such as in kidnappings and drug trafficking, there was, however, a significant 64% increase in child sex abuse cases, which rose to 18 reported cases. These findings indicate that the Macau Security Office’s efforts in 2020 resulted in drastic improvements in security.

Security Overhaul

The Macau government is undertaking a large-scale crackdown on its gaming regulations, as the current casino operators’ concessions are slated to expire in June of 2022. The six primary licensors – Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts, Melco Resorts, Galaxy Entertainment, and SJM Holdings – are expected to receive new permits, but may have to adhere to stricter regulations. Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng announced this month that the government will be paying added attention to financial transparency – a response to the $150 billion in gaming-related capital that is believed to have exited the People’s Republic illicitly last year. With this in mind, Ho is insisting that casinos “strengthen due diligence” when it comes to their customers’ transactions and “report substantial transactions” to a higher degree.

Macau Crackdown

Despite the decrease of crimes in Macau casinos this year, there has been a rise in illegal online gambling networks attempting to attract high-stake gamblers typically seen there. According to the Security Office, 125 internet gaming websites located outside of China have been targeting known Macau gamblers. This month, the Police Department stated that 97 of the falsely advertised platforms have been deactivated due to their illicit activities. Seeing as how online gambling is strictly prohibited in China and Macau, the city’s Chief Executive, Ho confirmed that his main mission is to promote responsible gambling and combat illegal betting.