Illegal gambling bill passed amid concerns

The bill to amend laws regulating illegal gaming practices in Macau passed at its first reading during the recent Legislative Assembly plenary session.

The government justified the new amendments as necessary to modernize the law, as the current provisions are over 25 years old.

Although in general agreement with the idea of updating the law, several lawmakers expressed concerns that the new bill’s scope might go a little too far.

The bill also includes some provisions that, in lawmakers’ opinions, are difficult, if not impossible, to implement.

Initially seeking to objectively clarify, criminalize and prevent “side betting” and other tricks of the gaming industry – such as “multipliers” and “online gaming” – the bill seems to have, in some lawmakers’ opinion, broadened its scope.

It forbids locals from participating in online sports betting and other activities, even if these do not take place, in part or in full, within Macau’s borders.

The bill’s amended provisions seem so strict to lawmakers that they were forced to question activities such as the traditional Mahjong or the Chinese Chess (Xiangqi) games, traditionally played by local people in parks and gardens.

Some said the idea of banning all online activities and sports betting might cause problems as Macau fights to become a major sports event host. It is known that there are markets in sports betting for major sports events, such as team sports and boxing.

Responding to these many concerns, Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong seemed able to answer only a few questions.

He centered on the proposed possibility of police “night-time raids” to investigate some of the crimes noted in the bill, as well as the use of “undercover agents.”

Despite many doubts, lawmakers approved the bill after its first reading, leaving further discussion to the Second Standing Committee, which has received the bill and is preparing to further analyze it.