For half a year, revenue from China’s lottery system has been steadily declining, prompting authorities to take action against fraudulent activities. Data from the Ministry of Finance reveals that in November, overall lottery revenue experienced a significant 10.2% plunge compared to the previous year, reaching a low of 30.6 billion yuan (approximately $4.6 billion USD).
Domestic media reports indicate that while welfare lottery revenue fell by 6.6%, sports lottery revenue suffered a more substantial 14.4% decline. This downturn is likely attributed to a confluence of factors, including the halt of online sales and a generally weak economy.
Adding to the turmoil, China Daily reports that Chinese police recently dismantled a large-scale international lottery scheme. Authorities arrested a staggering 470 individuals suspected of operating illegitimate online lotteries, defrauding over 1,000 victims of an estimated 200 million yuan (a significant $32 million USD).
This operation spanned multiple countries, with Chinese and Lao law enforcement agencies collaborating to dismantle three criminal hubs and confiscate over 500 mobile phones, 400 computers, and 4 vehicles in Laos. The sheer volume of suspects necessitated extraordinary measures. With the majority originating from Fujian province, the Ministry of Public Security commissioned four aircraft solely to transport 300 suspects back to Fujian for prosecution. The remaining 170 individuals will be under the jurisdiction of the Xishuangbanna police.
This enforcement action represents only a fraction of the problem. The Ministry of Public Security disclosed that Chinese authorities have already successfully addressed a remarkable 16,708 comparable cases, resulting in the apprehension of 5,825 suspects and the dismantling of 927 criminal organizations.
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