Macau gaming regulator reports 22 investigations into casino operator violations

 mar26

Macau’s gaming regulator has opened 22 administrative infraction cases against casino operators since the city’s revised gaming law came into force in 2022.

The figures are according to a written reply from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) to legislator José Maria Pereira Coutinho. In response to the legislative inquiry, the regulator said the cases were launched to investigate suspected violations by concessionaires under the updated legal framework governing casino gaming operations.

Of the 22 cases, five resulted in penalties, 10 were closed due to insufficient evidence, and seven remain under investigation, the bureau stated. However, the DICJ did not disclose the types of violations involved or the total amount of fines imposed.

The figures were disclosed after Legislator Coutinho asked the government to clarify how the administrative penalty system introduced under the revised gaming law has been implemented and whether enforcement mechanisms are being effectively applied.

Macau amended its gaming legislation in 2022, introducing a clearer administrative sanctions regime for casino concessionaires. The system allows authorities to impose fines of up to MOP5 million ($620,000) and additional penalties such as the temporary closure of gaming areas in cases of serious violations.

According to the DICJ, the regulatory framework requires concessionaires and other industry participants—including management companies, gaming promoters, shareholders, directors, and key employees—to undergo strict suitability checks and comply with reporting obligations when signs of criminal activity or legal violations arise.

‘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.

The regulator also emphasized that concessionaires and management companies must undergo continuous audits by independent external entities approved by both the DICJ and the Financial Services Bureau. These auditors are required to report any findings that could seriously harm the interests of concessionaires or the Macau SAR, including potential criminal activities or money laundering.

In addition to external audits, the DICJ said it conducts real-time monitoring of casino operations, gaming activities, and compliance with gaming laws, as well as financial audits and compliance reviews of concessionaires.

Authorities said the regulator will continue working with other government bodies, including the Monetary Authority of Macau and the Financial Intelligence Office, to strengthen oversight and prevent illegal activities linked to the gaming sector.

https://agbrief.com/news/macau/15/03/2026/macau-gaming-regulator-reports-22-investigations-into-casino-operator-violations/?utm_source=Asia+Gaming+Brief&utm_campaign=9927185a3b-AGB%3A+%2302345+Monday%2C+16th+March%2C+2026&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_51950b5d21-9927185a3b-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&ct=t%28AGB%3A+%2302345+Monday%2C+16th+March%2C+2026%29&goal=0_51950b5d21-9927185a3b-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=9927185a3b&mc_eid=31e20475e6

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