Macau’s Financial Intelligence Office reported a significant decrease in suspicious transaction reports (STRs) submitted by gaming operators during the first half of 2025. The number of STRs originating from the gaming sector dropped by 14.9%, declining from 2,181 in the first half of 2024 to 1,856 in the same period of 2025.
This reduction contributed to an overall decrease in STRs across all sectors. The total number of STRs received fell by 12.6%, from 2,879 in H1 2024 to 2,515 in H1 2025. The significant decrease in reports from gaming operators was cited as the primary cause of this overall decline.
Despite the reduction, the gaming sector continued to dominate STR filings, accounting for 73.8% of the total in H1 2025. Although this represents a slight decrease compared to the 75.8% share observed in H1 2024, it underscores the ongoing focus on the industry.
Conversely, the proportional share of STRs from financial institutions and insurance companies saw a marginal increase. These entities contributed 500 reports (19.9%) in H1 2025, compared to 556 reports (19.3%) in the same period of the previous year. Other reporting institutions also experienced a slight rise in their contribution, representing 6.3% of total filings in H1 2025, up from 4.9% the year before.
The decrease in reported suspicious activity did not alleviate scrutiny of the region’s gaming industry. This continued focus was highlighted by a recent arrest of a casino dealer and two associates for allegedly defrauding a casino of HK$123,000 (US$15,700). The Financial Intelligence Office, however, did not provide further details on the specific nature or resolutions of the reported transactions.
