Ex-Macau lawmaker jailed 12½ years in national security case
The six operators, including Sands, MGM & Wynn affiliates, got new concessions in 2022.
The hit
Macau’s former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam San was sentenced on Friday to 12½ years in prison, according to Casino.org, in the territory’s first publicly known national security prosecution. Judges convicted him of subversion, two counts of establishing links with outside organisations to endanger national security, & breach of secrecy, the latter tied to leaking confidential details on casino gaming licence renewals.
Why it matters
The case touches Macau’s gaming industry, which handed new concessions to its six existing operators, including businesses tied to Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts & Wynn Resorts, in 2022, with the deals taking effect in January 2023. Au’s secrecy conviction stems from information he leaked in 2021 after a closed-door committee meeting on that renewal process.
The record
| Sentence | 12½ years (Macau Court of First Instance) |
|---|---|
| Secrecy offence | 9 months (court) |
| Subversion offence | 11 years 3 months (court) |
| Arrested | July 2025 |
| Leak allegedly occurred | 2021, after a closed-door concessions committee meeting |
| New casino concessions awarded | 2022, to 6 operators, effective January 2023 |
What happens next
Watch for any appeal from Au’s defence team & further comment from Human Rights Watch, which says the trial was marred by due-process violations.
Sources: Macau Pro-Democracy Lawmaker Jailed in Case Involving Casino Licensing Secrets
Named in this story? Reply to newsdesk@infobets.com & we publish it.
18+. Betting involves risk. If gambling is a problem for you or someone close to you, help is available.
Work with BH Group. Paid ads that get iGaming & crypto brands players & users, in the GEOs you choose. Get a plan
Discussion
Ask a question, add useful context or share a source. Keep it relevant & respectful.
Add a comment
Comments are reviewed before publication.