Macau police arrest two over alleged proxy betting at Cotai casino
The suspects allegedly used mobile phones and a Bluetooth earpiece to facilitate remote betting from inside the casino.
Macau.- Two mainland Chinese men have been detained in Macau after allegedly livestreaming baccarat games from a Cotai casino and taking betting instructions from an overseas gambler. The Judiciary Police received a report about the alleged proxy betting activity at around 1am on September 20, about two hours after the pair entered the casino, according to local reports.
The suspects, both surnamed Zhou, are aged 38 and 36. Investigators found that the 38-year-old had met the alleged bettor in mainland China in June. After learning that Zhou planned to visit Macau, the bettor transferred RMB18,000 (US$2,688) to him and paid a further RMB300 (US$44) for helping place bets remotely.
At the casino, the men allegedly used mobile phones to record baccarat games. The 38-year-old used a Bluetooth earpiece to receive betting instructions and place wagers, while the second suspect allegedly helped distribute chips and acted as a lookout. Police seized HK$6,000 (US$764) in cash, HK$19,250 (US$2,454) in casino cash vouchers, two mobile phones, a casino membership card and a set of Bluetooth earphones during the operation.
The Judiciary Police believe the 38-year-old had been involved in the activity since June and had earned about HK$2,600 (US$331) from it. Both men were referred to the Public Prosecutions Office on suspicion of illegally operating online games of chance.
