The Macao police have intensified their crackdown on proxy betting services catering to Mainland Chinese gamblers, which utilize livestreaming technology to facilitate baccarat bets in local casinos. These efforts have led to several arrests as officers target underground betting operations that offer a broadened spectrum of "electronic betting" services, as reported by Macao Daily News.
To bolster their response, police have increased casino patrols, focusing on detecting any suspicious behavior among patrons. On July 8, authorities apprehended a 41-year-old businessman, surnamed Sun, who was found with a concealed mobile phone tucked into the chest pocket of his t-shirt. The phone's front camera was directed at a baccarat machine's screen, streaming the game to clients in Mainland China using encrypted messaging services.
Just hours prior, another arrest occurred involving a 52-year-old man, surnamed Ruan, who had engaged in livestream proxy betting multiple times since arriving in Macao earlier that month. Casino security personnel described observing Ruan's peculiar seating posture, which prompted them to call the police. He was caught using a mobile phone, trying to conceal it beneath a casino-provided road sheet next to a baccarat machine screen.
Road sheets, often employed by baccarat players, allow for tracking the outcomes of previous games, offering insight into betting trends. Investigators revealed that gamblers had transferred stakes as large as $1,275 via WeChat Pay, providing both Sun and Ruan with specific betting instructions. They were reportedly promised a share of the profits and the casino loyalty points accrued from the wagers placed on behalf of the remote gamblers.
Despite the hopeful arrangements, neither group succeeded at the gaming tables, resulting in losses for both parties. During their arrests, both men were found to hold casino membership cards, revealing that Sun had amassed approximately $200 in loyalty points, while Ruan had earned just over $25.
Earlier arrests this summer have raised suspicion that these operations may be linked to organized crime. A spokesperson for the Judiciary Police noted, "Suspects have meticulously prepared the tools for their crime and modified their clothes in advance. They appear to be very familiar with the methods and procedures required."
