China once again demonstrated its dual-track approach to gaming this week, because continued expansion and sophistication of the regulated casino sector in Macau, combined with an increasingly aggressive campaign against illegal online gambling and cross-border fraud networks across Southeast Asia.
The growth signal came from The Londoner Macao, where Sands China Ltd., led by Chairman and CEO Grant Chum, launched a new high-limit baccarat zone inside the Londoner Grand Casino. The expansion opened in May 2026 and represents another step in the company's strategy to attract premium players to the Cotai market.
The new gaming area features eight smart baccarat tables equipped with advanced gaming and monitoring technology. Minimum bets range from HK$3,000 to HK$5,000 (approximately US$383 to US$638) on Banker and Player wagers, significantly above the limits typically found on the property's main gaming floor, where minimum bets generally range between HK$1,000 and HK$2,000. The new section also offers side bets including Lucky 6, Small Lucky 6, Big Lucky 6, Lucky 7, Super Lucky 7, Tie, and Pair wagers.
The expansion is located within the former Pacifica Casino, which reopened in September 2024 as the Londoner Grand Casino, one of Sands China’s flagship assets in Macau. The company continues to strengthen its premium-market positioning through an integrated offering that combines gaming, hospitality, retail, dining and MICE facilities, supported by a portfolio that includes approximately 780 retail outlets and more than 1.6 million square feet of meeting, convention and entertainment space.
While Macau continues to expand its regulated gaming offering, Beijing is simultaneously hardening its stance against gambling operations outside the authorized framework. During a meeting held on June 16, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing to maintain pressure on illegal online gambling, telecommunications fraud, narcotics trafficking and other forms of cross-border criminal activity.
Chinese President Xi Jinping
Min Aung Hlaing responded by pledging deeper cooperation with China to combat these operations and strengthen border security. The request follows a series of joint enforcement actions coordinated by China’s Ministry of Public Security, which in recent years has targeted gambling and fraud compounds operating in Myanmar.
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing
One of the most significant cases culminated in 2025 with the prosecution of 21 members of a criminal organization accused of moving more than RMB20 billion (approximately US$2.8 billion) through illegal gambling, telecommunications fraud and related criminal activities. Authorities linked the network to large-scale scam compounds, human trafficking operations and multiple crimes affecting Chinese citizens.
While Macau continues receiving investment to enhance the premium gaming experience and attract high-value tourism, China is maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal online gambling and criminal gambling networks operating beyond the boundaries of its regulated system.
