The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau in Macau disclosed in a written response to the Legislative Assembly that since the implementation of the new gaming law in 2022, it has initiated 22 administrative legal proceedings against casino licensees. Among these, 5 cases have been penalized, 10 cases were archived due to insufficient evidence, and the remaining 7 cases are still under investigation. This data formally addresses the legislators' concerns about the regulatory delays, as there was only one penalty issued in the previous 20 years. Simply put, the new law has given teeth to the enforcement, and serious actions are now being taken. Want to keep up with the latest developments in Macau's gaming regulations? Follow the PASA official website for ongoing updates.
22 cases: 5 penalized, 10 not filed
In response to a written inquiry from legislator Gao Tianci, the Gaming Inspection Bureau revealed that since the new gaming legal system took effect, it has carried out 22 administrative legal proceedings against licensees. Of these, 5 have been penalized, 10 were archived due to lack of sufficient evidence of illegal activities, and the remaining 7 are still under investigation. The bureau did not disclose specific illegal activities or penalty amounts. The new law clearly allows for a maximum fine of 5 million Macau patacas for non-compliant licensees, with severe cases possibly facing additional sanctions such as suspension of casino operations.
Comparison of old and new regulations: Only one fine in 20 years questioned
Gao Tianci pointed out that from the implementation of the old gaming law in 2001 to the amendment period in 2022, there was only one publicly recorded fine—in 2013, the Personal Data Office imposed a fine of 20,000 Macau patacas on a licensee for improper transfer of customer data. This regulatory lag has raised questions about the effective deterrence of administrative violations during the long-term development of the industry. He also mentioned penalties imposed on Macau licensee-related enterprises in other jurisdictions, including a $130.1 million settlement with U.S. authorities in 2024 and fines issued in Singapore for minors entering casinos.
Multidimensional regulatory system: From external audits to suspicious transaction reports
In its response, the Gaming Inspection Bureau detailed the current regulatory measures. Licensees must comply with various reporting obligations and legal requirements, and the bureau will immediately follow up upon detection of any violations. The regulatory system includes independent audits conducted by accounting firms approved by the Gaming Inspection Bureau and the Finance Bureau, where auditors must report any findings that affect the interests of the licensee or Macau, including signs of crime or money laundering risks. Additionally, the bureau conducts real-time monitoring, financial audits, and compliance assessments, and cooperates with the Monetary Authority, Financial Intelligence Office, and other cross-departmental bodies. Data from the Financial Intelligence Office shows that in 2025, six licensees submitted 3,603 suspicious transaction reports, a decrease of 6.1% from the previous year.
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