Macao police have recently intensified their efforts against illegal proxy gambling services, apprehending multiple individuals who use livestreaming technology to assist Mainland Chinese gamblers in placing bets on baccarat games at local casinos.
According to reports from Macao Daily News, undercover betting operations in mainland China have expanded their offerings, including what is referred to in gambling communities as "electronic betting." In response, law enforcement officials have amplified their patrols in casinos, searching for any signs of illicit activities among gamblers.
On July 8, authorities arrested a 41-year-old man, identified only by the surname Sun, who was found with a concealed mobile phone hidden in the chest pocket of his shirt. Police noted that the front camera of this phone was directed at a baccarat machine's screen, allowing him to livestream the game to bettors in Mainland China using an encrypted messaging application.
This arrest followed shortly after another suspect was taken into custody on similar charges. This 52-year-old man, surnamed Ruan, was also utilizing a specialized setup for proxy gambling, with tactical clothing modifications and advanced technology. He had conducted three livestream betting sessions prior to his arrest after showing suspicious behavior, prompting casino security to alert law enforcement. Ruan was attempting to obscure a mobile phone with a casino-issued road sheet while sitting at a baccarat machine.
In baccarat, these road sheets function as tools for recording the outcomes of previous hands, helping players track trends in the game. It is alleged that gamblers remotely transmitted bets of up to $1,275 through WeChat Pay, promising the two men they could retain half of the winnings and claim any loyalty points earned.
Despite their efforts, both proxy operators experienced losses on every hand they played. Upon their arrest, both men were found in possession of casino membership cards, indicating previous participation in gaming activities. Data linked to Sun showed he had accumulated around $200 in loyalty points, while Ruan had earned just over $25.
Authorities have noted that earlier this summer, similar arrests were made, raising suspicions that these individuals may be connected to a larger organized crime network. A spokesperson for the Judiciary Police emphasized, "Suspects have meticulously prepared the tools for their crime and modified their clothes in advance, showing a clear familiarity with their methods and procedures."
