PJ arrests two in crackdown on illegal casino live-streaming

[Photo: Yuki Lei]

Macau law strictly prohibits the recording of images or audio in any part of casino facilities, as well as the use of mobile phones or other communication devices at gaming tables and within three meters of them – a rule that led the Judiciary Police (PJ) to arrest two mainland men on Sunday for allegedly live-streaming casino gambling.

Police yesterday announced two cases involving illegal online gambling operations, with a total of two unemployed men arrested for conducting so-called “online betting” activities at casinos in the Cotai area and the central district. In both cases, the suspects wore modified clothing featuring a small hole on the front aligned with a concealed compartment at the back, where a mobile phone was secured.

The phone’s camera was positioned through the hole to livestream baccarat tables, while Bluetooth earpieces and miniature in-ear devices were used to receive betting instructions from clients in mainland China, enabling remote wagers.

According to police, one suspect denied the charges, claiming his actions were only a “test,” despite evidence showing he had carefully prepared the modified equipment and was familiar with the operation. Since entering Macau on June 28, he had placed around 15 bets for a single client, totaling approximately HKD8,000 in wagers and generating HKD1,350 in winnings.

The second suspect, however, had deleted all live-streaming-related data prior to his arrest, preventing authorities from identifying the number of clients or exact betting volume, though he was reported to have won more than HKD30,000.

Seized items from the first suspect included HKD19,350 in cash coupons, two mobile phones, and a Bluetooth headset set; from the second, police confiscated HKD78,000 in casino chips, one modified garment, two mobile phones, a set of in-ear monitors, and straps with Velcro fasteners used to secure the mobile device inside clothing.

The two cases have been handed over to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) for further proceedings, with the suspects facing charges of illegally operating online gambling or online betting businesses.