DICJ Considers Legalising Online Gambling in Macau

The Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) has confirmed that they are studying the possibility of legalising online gambling, but raised concerns over its potential use for money laundering.

DICJ director Adriano Ho confirmed the study was ongoing in a written answer to the legislator Jose Pereira Coutinho, who inquired about using online gaming opportunity to increase tax revenue while the travel restrictions remain in place.

The DICJ director said that legalising online gambling could increase gaming revenues but that there were concerns it could be a risk for money laundering and problem gambling. Ho said the government had to conduct “careful studies, which are still on-going.”

He mentioned the DICJ was open to proposals from society and legislators on how to develop the sector and was optimistic about a decrease in complaints related to illegal gambling websites and mobile applications following increased prevention and awareness efforts.