BEIJING, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- China has launched a campaign to crack down on gambling in rural areas ahead of the Spring Festival holidays, according to a circular released Wednesday.

The campaign will focus on mafia-style gangs involved in gambling-related activities, according to the document jointly issued by three law-enforcement departments, including the Ministry of Public Security.

The circular says that gambling-related crimes remain severe in rural areas and are threatening social stability.

"Gambling is drawing in people who have received demolition compensation and the left-behind family members of migrant workers," the document said.

Local authorities were asked to mobilize the public to report gambling activities, and to strengthen investigation into online gambling.

It also called for better cultural services for rural residents.

Organizing gambling for profit and gambling professionally are crimes on the Chinese mainland.