Macau’s Judiciary Police launches awareness campaign, urges citizens to reject illegal sports betting ahead of World Cup
by Pierce Chan
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In response to the upcoming football World Cup, Macau’s Judiciary Police (PJ) has launched a “Prevention of Illegal Football Gambling” awareness campaign. The initiative aims to enhance public understanding of the illegality and associated risks of illegal sports betting.
The Community Policing and Public Relations Division of the Judiciary Police, in collaboration with the Organized Crime Investigation Division, conducted a targeted crime prevention awareness campaign from 2 to 8 June covering various entertainment and public activity venues across multiple districts in Macau, including bars, recreational areas and open-air sports grounds.
During the campaign, PJ officers alongside crime prevention volunteer teams visited local communities. Through on-site visits, real-time explanations and the distribution of promotional leaflets, they explained to citizens and merchants the dangers and legal liabilities of participating in illegal football gambling. They emphasized that placing bets through illegal bookmakers is also a criminal offense.
The PJ said that criminals often use various methods to entice citizens into illegal gambling. Through this campaign, the bureau said it aims to introduce common tactics to the public, helping them recognize risks and avoid falling into legal traps. At the same time, it called on business owners to heighten their vigilance, monitor their premises for any suspicious activities and jointly prevent illegal gambling behaviors.
The PJ specifically reminded young people that criminals frequently use rhetoric such as “match predictions” and “quick profits” on social media or instant messaging apps to lure them into illegal gambling.
In addition to community outreach, the PJ also organized specialized crime prevention seminars for various local associations. These seminars introduced other crimes derived from illegal gambling – including loan sharking, related violent crimes and fraud – and explained the relevant legal regulations to deepen the public’s understanding of the harms of these offenses.
The PJ stated that it hopes to leverage community strength to further consolidate the community crime prevention network, bringing crime prevention information to more sectors of society.