Executives from Macao’s six main casinos convened an emergency meeting last week with the Macau Gaming Supervision and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) amid a surge in illegal proxy betting. This meeting aimed to formulate a unified strategy as authorities continue to apprehend Mainland Chinese gamblers who livestream baccarat games for remote bettors.
The discussion, characterized by an "in-depth exchange" of insights, focused on the casinos' individual countermeasures as well as future mechanisms for data-sharing, according to the Macao Shimbun, a local Japanese-language newspaper.
The urgency of this gathering is underscored by a significant rise in arrests related to proxy betting, which have jumped into double digits over a mere two-week period.
In the latest crackdown, two Chinese men were apprehended wearing similar grey-black t-shirts equipped with small holes and Velcro pads, which they allegedly used as makeshift mounts for mobile phones. Police state that both individuals are affiliated with a gambling syndicate based in Mainland China.
First responders seized electronic devices, chest straps, and gambling chips from these suspected proxy gamblers during a recent operation at a Macao casino. Many of those arrested, including the two men, are reportedly unemployed residents from the Mainland.
Details are sparse regarding how these proxy services recruit individuals to operate in Macao. Typically, suspects indicate that they were given cash by gamblers in Mainland China before traveling to the special administrative region. Once there, these proxy bettors would set up accounts at major casinos and place bets at electronic baccarat tables.
Using mobile phones or covert cameras sewn into their clothing, they livestream these games, receiving betting instructions through Bluetooth earbuds from gamblers located in Mainland China.
Police investigations reveal a pattern at crime scenes, with casino employees observing suspicious behaviors. Proxy bettors often sit in unnatural positions near baccarat tables, and some have even attempted to conceal their cameras with newspapers or betting slips. Upon being detected, some have reportedly tried to destroy evidence.
In addition to their illegal activities, proxy bettors retain any loyalty points accrued during their betting, sometimes totaling hundreds of dollars.
During the recent meeting, casino executives reported that they have initiated specialized training programs for employees to improve identification of potential proxy bettors. Collaboration was emphasized, with a commitment to deepen joint efforts in counteracting the ongoing proxy betting issue.
Participants included the heads of various casino departments, particularly those overseeing security. The DICJ also alerted attendees about the emerging hardware and software tools that proxy betting rings are utilizing for livestreaming casino gaming.
To counter these advancements, casino leaders are enhancing monitoring systems, increasing security patrols, and implementing a whistleblower reward program. Earlier this month, police and casino chiefs conducted a training session focused on these issues.
Despite a recent decline in gross gaming revenue, tourist arrivals have shown a rebound throughout much of the year. Data from the Macao Statistics and Census Office indicates that in the first half of 2026, inbound tourist numbers increased by 9% year-on-year, with visitors from Mainland China rising by 11%, accounting for nearly three-quarters of total visitors.
Nonetheless, June marked a 3.1% year-on-year decline in incoming tourists. Nonetheless, police report that efforts to curb casino-related crime, including proxy betting and illegal currency exchange, are yielding results. Official figures published on July 16 highlight a 1.1% decrease in crime in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
