An illegal gambling amnesty has been announced by China’s Ministry of Public Security. Any individuals who wish to confess that they have been involved in illegal gambling operations in China are being encouraged to come forward to avoid serious punishment.
A crackdown on illegal gambling
This comes as China attempts to crackdown on gambling in the country. The most recent announcement was made jointly by China’s Ministry of Public Security, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate and the Supreme People’s Court.
Any individuals that may face charges or facilitating or organising illegal gambling under China’s criminal laws could be eligible for this amnesty. Additionally, customers of these operations can come forward to avoid serious punishment.
30 April deadline set
A deadline of 30 April 2021 has been set for those involved in criminal operations in China to come forward. Of course, there will still be a punishment for those involved, but it will be lighter than it would be if they not come forward at all.
Those who cooperate as fully as possible could be exempt from any kind of punishment, but this will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Additionally, individuals in China are being encouraged to report any illegal gambling crimes to the police. The government is offering protection from any threats which typically put people off coming forward.
Helping to deter overseas gambling
While this amnesty aims to deter those gambling via illegal sites in China, it is also working to prevent players from using overseas providers. A pilot programme is being run in three provinces to restrict those who enjoy travelling overseas to gamble large sums. This includes both travel and financial transactions.
According to reports, around 35,000 individuals have been punished through this initiative. With the deadline looming for illegal gamblers to come forward – China is not holding back when it comes to stamping out this activity.
