The amount represents a year-on-year increase of 40 percent, with persons involved disguising the activities behind chess and cards apps, and there are still sites that work in the traditional way despite the crackdown.

Citizens have been warned to avoid applications that promote prizes with large amounts of cash and expensive gifts, because they are generally illicit casinos.

China is waging a battle against said businesses and the most recent operations left 11 arrested in Macau yesterday, including magnate Alvin Chau Cheok Wa.

Many of the detainees confessed to having gaming platforms located abroad and analysts predict that they will be tried under Chinese law.

Casino stocks in Macau, known as the Las Vegas of Asia, plummeted as a result of the crusade.

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