Macau’s gaming regulator has initiated 22 administrative infraction proceedings against casino concessionaires since the city implemented a revised gaming law in 2022. The figures were disclosed in a legislative reply from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), outlining how authorities have applied the administrative enforcement framework introduced under the updated law.

Administrative Enforcement Under the Revised Gaming Law

The information appeared in a written response from DICJ Director Ng Wai Han to a question raised by Legislative Assembly member José Maria Pereira Coutinho. The inquiry sought clarification on how enforcement mechanisms operate under the amended legislation and whether regulators have used the administrative penalty system effectively.

According to the bureau, five of the 22 cases resulted in sanctions. Ten cases were closed after investigators concluded there was insufficient evidence to support enforcement action. The remaining seven cases are still under investigation.

The regulator did not disclose details about the alleged violations or the total value of penalties imposed.

Macau updated its gaming legislation in 2022 following a concession retendering process that resulted in six casino operators receiving licenses valid through 2032. The amended framework introduced a formal system of administrative penalties for violations related to casino operations.

Under the revised law, regulators can impose fines of up to MOP5 million and may apply additional sanctions when serious violations occur. These measures can include temporary closures of casino areas.

Authorities explained that the cases opened since 2022 relate to potential breaches by concessionaires operating under this legal structure.

The enforcement data emerged after questions were raised regarding how frequently authorities had imposed sanctions over the previous two decades. Coutinho noted that between the implementation of Macau’s original gaming law in 2001 and the introduction of the revised legislation in 2022, only one publicly recorded fine had been issued.

That penalty, imposed in 2013 by the Office for Personal Data Protection, amounted to MOP20,000 and related to unauthorized transfers of customer data.

“The regulatory delay raises serious questions about the effective deterrence of administrative infractions during a long crucial period for the sector’s development,” Pereira Coutinho wrote.

The legislator also referenced penalties imposed on companies linked to Macau concessionaires in other jurisdictions. These included a US$130.1 million settlement reached with U.S. authorities in 2024 over alleged transactions involving unlicensed fund transfer businesses. Additional fines in Singapore have also been issued for compliance violations, including cases involving minors entering casinos.

Oversight Systems And Compliance Monitoring

In its reply, the regulator outlined the oversight measures currently applied to the gaming industry. Authorities stated that concessionaires must comply with various reporting obligations and regulatory requirements established under Macau law.

“Concessionaires are obliged to comply with the duties and other applicable legislation established by the Macau SAR,” Ng stated, as reported by Macau Business. “Should a concessionaire be found to violate any legal provision, the DICJ will immediately follow up.”

The bureau explained that the law requires industry participants to notify regulators when there are indications of criminal activity or breaches of gaming-related rules.

“The law clearly requires industry participants to notify the bureau when there are indications of crimes or conduct that violates gaming-related legislation,” the regulator said in the reply.

Oversight also includes independent audits conducted by external accounting firms approved by both the gaming regulator and the Financial Services Bureau. These auditors must report any findings that could affect the interests of casino operators or the Macau Special Administrative Region, including signs of criminal conduct or money laundering risks.

In addition to external reviews, the regulator monitors casino operations in real time. Authorities stated that they also perform financial audits and compliance assessments covering gaming activities and operational procedures at concessionaires.

The regulator works alongside other government agencies, including the Monetary Authority of Macau and the Financial Intelligence Office, as part of broader efforts to detect and prevent illegal activity in the gaming sector.

Official data cited by authorities shows a decline in the number of suspicious transaction reports submitted by Macau casinos in 2025.

According to figures from the Financial Intelligence Office (GIF), the six casino operators submitted a total of 3,603 suspicious transaction reports during the year. That figure represents a decrease of 6.1 percent compared with the previous year.

Authorities indicated that reporting obligations form a key part of Macau’s anti-money laundering framework. Professional accountants working with gaming companies must report suspected criminal activity or money laundering risks to both the gaming regulator and the Financial Services Bureau.

The DICJ said it will continue reviewing regulatory mechanisms and monitoring developments within the industry.

Officials stated that these efforts aim to maintain regulatory oversight and align with Macau’s strategy of strengthening its position as a global tourism and leisure destination.