Macau Cracks Down on Covert Proxy Betting with New Arrests

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This comes as a 43-year-old man was arrested last week and was accused of filming baccarat tables

Key Takeaways:
  • Authorities detained two suspects using covert livestreaming equipment in separate incidents.
  • New arrests highlight ongoing challenges in detecting proxy gambling activities.
  • Organized proxy betting remains elusive, with suspects employing low-tech methods to evade scrutiny.


Macau authorities have stepped up scrutiny of suspected proxy betting after detaining two mainland Chinese men in separate casino incidents over the weekend, according to Asia Gaming Brief. 

Judiciary Police said staff at two properties flagged unusual conduct early on July 5, leading officers to seize chips, slot-machine vouchers, modified clothing, mobile phones and earphones. 

One suspect allegedly used a concealed phone setup in his shirt to livestream baccarat play, while police said he claimed he was only “testing” the equipment.

Proxy-Betting Tactics Draw Fresh Attention

The cases build on an earlier arrest last week, when police detained a 43-year-old mainland man accused of filming baccarat tables for gamblers in mainland China and placing wagers on their behalf. Macau authorities said that suspect had been operating since mid-May, earning about HK$1,000 an hour. 

The newest arrests suggest the same low-tech, high-risk model remains in use: covert recording gear, messaging apps and remote instructions relayed through earphones. 

Police said the second man deleted communication records, making the scale of any commission unclear, and added that organized links remain under investigation.