The Judiciary Police in Macao have arrested numerous suspects in relation to a widespread casino chip scam that rocked the Galaxy Macao Casino last year.
At the centre of the allegations is the circulation of around 500 fake chips being discovered at the venue, with it believed there were close to double that number across the region.
Arresting a number of suspects in the case represents a significant development for the police force, as they look to uncover everyone involved in the attempted fraudulent activity.
Prior to being foiled, it is reported that the fraud could have cost casinos in the region around HKD1.62 million. Security and attentiveness to the case was heightened when a casino dealer in the region suggested that they noticed differences in a batch of chips that had been distributed to their table.
A total of five people have been arrested in relation to the case, however, the investigation is ongoing as the region’s authorities look to scope out everyone involved in the fraud.
It comes as the region reports solid numbers for the start of the year, as daily engagement and revenue both slowly elevate.
The numbers epitomise reports that the region is set for a period of growth amid expectations that 2024 is set to be a significant one for gaming in Macao.
Enhancing these prospects are improvements in the overall quality of service in Macau’s gaming sector, which was praised by the Global Service Index (GSI).
The service quality indicator of the Macao gaming industry detailed levels have peaked since they began being tracked in 2013.
Utilising the insight and data gathered from a multitude of mystery shoppers being sent round and engaging with casinos in the region, the research also revealed that, generally speaking, dealers were smiling more and emitting happier expressions during games.
Interestingly, the report also detailed that the comfortability of the dealer encourages play as more players join the table and partake in table games.
Overall dealer ratings grew in alignment with an increasing number of players adding to the atmosphere on the table as their tolerance and productivity rating was also bolstered.