Gambling Related Crimes

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In summary, three connections have been identified; an ‘instrumental link’ where crime facilitates gambling (such as stealing to pay off gambling debt), a ‘co-symptomatic’ relationship whereby a mediating factor may increase the probability of both offending and gambling (such as alcohol or substance use) and, finally, a ‘coincidental’ connection where crime and gambling are not directly related but merely participated in by the same people (Lahn and Grabosky 2003, p.

The latest crime statistics, released yesterday, show that police authorities filed 3,502 criminal reports in the first quarter of 2017.

Organized crime groups often run illegal gambling operations. These groups often use the money made from illegal gambling to fund other criminal activities, like the trafficking of humans, drugs. Crimes are also called victimless crimes and there is no complainant or victim. Victimless crimes are prostitution, illegal gambling, and illegal drug use. Further related statistics. Perceived relation between gambling and criminal activity in the UK 2008-2015. Gambling Commission, What crimes do you yourself associate with gambling?. Statista. In May 2011, Ligambi and 14 other members and associates of the crime family were indicted by the FBI on racketeering charges related to illegal gambling operations, video poker gambling machines and loan sharking.

This figure represents an increase of 169 cases (5.1 percent) compared to the same period last year. Gambling-related crimes have also increased, involving the arrest of 445 people compared to 424 within the same period last year.

Secretary for Security, Wong Sio Chak, said during a press conference yesterday that 219 cases of fraudulent business were reported, a 28.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

In particular, phone scams increased from 9 to 22 cases. Until this point, phone scams have led to MOP 24.99 million in losses.

Scammers were mainly perpetrated by criminals pretending to represent governmental departments, according to Wong.

These scams were primarily based in Southeast Asia, and Africa where people changed their numbers and pretended to be from local government authorities.

Property crimes saw a slight decrease of 1.3 percent, corresponding to a total of 1,890 cases.

Robbery and theft have decreased remarkably by 37.9 percent and 7 percent respectively.

Blackmail and usury saw a relatively significant decrease of 42.3 percent and 16 percent, respectively.

Regarding so-called “crimes against society,” a total of 288 cases were reported, representing an increase of 54.8 percent.

In particular, arson increased by a whopping 650 percent. Though the first quarter of 2016 saw only two arson crimes, this year already counts 15.

Cases of reselling fake currencies increased to a total of 95 from last year’s figure of 50, a growth of 90 percent involving a total amount of MOP 8.8 million.

Regarding violent crimes, there were 191 cases registered in total, representing a 5.5 percent increase.

Some 105 of these cases were related to illegal imprisonment, which alone represents 18 percent of the total number of violent crimes.

According to the authorities, murder, kidnap and aggravated assault continue to see low numbers, with only one case in this category recorded in the first quarter.

Also in the first quarter of this year, 1,822 people were arrested and forwarded to prosecution, an increase of 207 people, or 12.8 percent, compared to the same period last year.

Regarding juvenile delinquency, 14 cases were reported, 2 fewer than last year; 15 individuals involved in these cases were minors, 13 fewer than last year.

According to the data, human smuggling and overstaying in the city slightly decreased.

The police force recorded 1,291 cases related to violation of transportation regulations, a slight increase from the 1,277 cases registered last year.

As many as 723 cases involved taxis overcharging customers, while 359 cases related to drivers refusing to take passengers.

Gambling

The two figures represent 56 percent and 27.8 percent respectively of the total number of transportation infractions.

Ban of Hong Kong visitors not motivated by politics

The Secretary for Security, Wong Sio Chak, clarified that preventing specific Hong Kong visitors from entering the city was not because of political reasons.

Wong further explained that barring these people entry to Macau at the border gate was the result of police procedure in accordance with the law.

“The police force makes decisions based on evaluations of possible threats to the city’s security posed by visitors,” Wong indicated, adding that Macau is not alone, as “all regions around the world behave like this.” Wong further claimed that in comparable jurisdictions, individual evaluations are carried out in order to eliminate threats to the internal security.

In Wong’s words, the Macau police “has the right to refuse entry to all those who are unwelcome and [may] harm the society. Every region is very strict in terms of border controls.”

Regarding the exact number of people who have been banned from entering Macau, Wong said that “the number will not be disclosed for confidentiality” but he guaranteed that “it [the number of bans] is in line with international practices.”

Last updated: 08/5/2019
Author: Addictions.com Medical Review

Reading Time: 3minutes

Even without the physical triggers so commonly associated with drug addiction, gambling disorders can wreak just as much havoc in a person’s life. While drug addiction works as a substance-based disorder, gambling addictions have more to do with a lack of impulse control.

Gambling addiction often affects people who also struggle with alcohol abuse.

Ultimately, it’s the loss of control that defines addictive behavior regardless of the substance or activity involved. Gambling addiction statistics present this “loss of control” factor in a stark and alarming light.

Gambling addiction statistics show how problem gambling can up-end a person’s life in more ways than one. Not unlike other types of addiction, people most susceptible to gambling also suffer from other disorders of which they may or may not be aware.

Probably the most glaring revelation to be had from gambling addiction statistics lies in the consequences that result when gambling disorders go untreated.

1. Gambling Trends

As with all types of data, certain trends or patterns of behavior start to surface within a given population. Gambling addiction statistics are no different. Some of the more prevalent gambling trends show:

  • The likelihood of developing a gambling addiction increases 23-fold for people affected by alcohol use disorders
  • Over 80 percent of American adults gamble on a yearly basis
  • Three to five gamblers out of every hundred struggles with a gambling problem
  • As many as 750,000 young people, ages 14 to 21 have a gambling addiction

2. Gambling & Criminal Activity

As far as gambling and criminal activity goes, gambling addiction statistics reveal a direct correlation between the severity of a gambling addiction and the likelihood of committing crimes. Rates of gambling addiction for criminal offenders far exceed rates found among non-offenders. On average, an estimated 50 percent of those affected by gambling problems commit crimes in order to support their addiction.

3. College Gambling

Gambling addiction statistics show people between the ages 20 and 30 have the highest rates of problem gambling.

  • 75 percent of college students report having gambled during the past year
  • The risk of developing a gambling addiction more than doubles for young adults in college settings
  • An estimated six percent of American college students struggle with gambling problems

4. Gambling & PTSD Trends

People affected by post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD live with high levels of stress and anxiety on a daily basis. Gambling addiction statistics show high rates of gambling addiction among PTSD sufferers.

  • PTSD symptoms affect anywhere from 12.5 to 29 percent of problem gamblers
  • 34 percent of those who seek treatment for gambling addiction exhibit symptoms of PTSD
Crimes

5. Gambling & Mental Illness

As addictions, in general, alter brain chemical functions in destructive ways, people struggling with gambling addiction have a higher likelihood of developing mental disorders. Gambling addiction statistics show a high incidence of certain types of mental illness, some of which include:

  • Depression disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Substance abuse disorders
  • Anti-social personality disorder

As with any other type of addiction, a gambling addiction can only get worse when left untreated.