Macau police arrested a 36-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman on 25 July for running a proxy betting operation using modified clothing with a hidden smartphone compartment to livestream casino tables to mainland Chinese gamblers and place bets on their behalf. The arrests took place around 21:00 in a casino in the central district.
According to investigators, the man arrived at the venue at 19:30, met the woman, received the modified clothing with a concealed pocket, and placed a phone inside to stream the tables. The woman monitored the stream nearby and relayed instructions from remote clients. Both received payment for their participation. Police seized two sets of modified clothing, phones, earphones and charging equipment.
The number of players, total wagers and payments to the pair are still under investigation. The case has been referred to prosecutors under charges of illegal online gambling organisation.
This is not the first incident in recent weeks. Macau's Secretary for Security Chan Tsz King said in early October that proxy betting remains 'under control' — most cases are isolated, and police work closely with casino operators.
For arbitrage players, the scheme shows how far gamblers from restricted jurisdictions will go to access live tables. Proxy betting in Macau is a persistent niche despite tighter enforcement.
