Online bingo is strictly prohibited in Macao under recently enacted legislation that establishes comprehensive criminal penalties for unauthorized online gambling operations (1). Macao enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of interactive gaming, with the sole exception of sports lottery betting on football and basketball through exclusive concessions (1). Law No. 20/2024, effective October 28, 2024, explicitly criminalizes the operation, promotion, or organization of online bingo and all other forms of online gaming, regardless of where the systems, devices, or servers are physically located.
Individuals caught operating or promoting online bingo platforms face severe criminal penalties, including prison sentences ranging from one to eight years under Article 7 of Law No. 20/2024 (1). Even negligent involvement in unauthorized online gambling activities carries legal consequences, demonstrating Macao's commitment to eliminating illegal internet gaming (2). The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), Macao's primary gaming regulatory authority, has intensified enforcement efforts including nighttime residential searches and extended pre-trial detention powers to combat online bingo operators and illegal gambling activities.
"Individuals who operate, promote, or organise online gaming without appropriate legal authorisation – regardless of whether the systems, devices, or servers are located in Macau – face prison sentences ranging from one to eight years, with negligent involvement in such activities also subject to legal penalties."
Macao residents attempting to access international online bingo platforms operate in legal uncertainty, as the law does not clearly define whether passive participation in offshore gambling constitutes an offense (2). The government has explicitly stated that legalizing online gaming is not part of its legislative agenda, maintaining the current prohibition indefinitely (1). Until Macao potentially reverses this policy, online bingo remains completely illegal, with the territory prioritizing land-based casino operations under strict regulatory oversight while shutting down all internet-based gambling activities through criminal enforcement.
Source:
https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/gaming-law-2024/macau-sar-china
https://iclg.com/practice-areas/gambling-laws-and-regulations/macau
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
