China is the most populated country in the world. As of 2023, it is home to 1.43 billion people—roughly 17.7% of the world’s population. Among this astonishing number of people are plenty who enjoy gambling.
Whether playing the lottery or betting on a game of mahjong, a famous Chinese game that originated in the mid-1800s, gambling provides tremendous thrills and a chance to win money. Despite this, gambling in China is significantly more complicated than simply placing a wager. In fact, almost all forms of gambling are strictly prohibited throughout Mainland China.
Let’s delve into the Chinese laws surrounding gambling and examine what options are open to citizens looking to enjoy the popular pastime.
Mainland China
Almost all forms of gambling in Mainland China have been illegal since 1949, when the current communist party took control of the country. While many have hoped that these laws would be updated in the same way the UK is currently doing, this doesn’t seem likely any time soon—if ever.
The Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China (2006 revision) is the official regulation prohibiting gambling in Mainland China. The law is very specific and prohibits both professional and recreational gambling under penalty of a fine or imprisonment.
Further, the law also sets out specific clauses against anybody found operating a gambling establishment (such as a casino). Those found guilty of this are subjected to more severe punishments comprising higher fines and longer prison sentences.
Because of these laws, players in the country have no access to gambling options like those freely available in many other countries. This doesn’t mean, however, that they are wholly destitute, as some forms of gambling are legal. To see what is legal and what is not, let’s investigate the different forms of gambling that are available.
Casinos (Land-Based and Online)
Casinos, both physical and online, are the most popular way for players worldwide to gamble. They attract millions of gamblers and generate eyewatering revenues.
In China, the law makes it clear that physical casinos are prohibited. However, it does not stipulate that players cannot log onto online casinos to browse the database of games and begin playing. For this reason, many think online gambling is permitted.
The truth is that even online gambling is wholly prohibited, and anyone caught playing online is subject to the same punishment as those caught physically gambling.
While many online sites operating in other countries try to attract Chinese players, these players stand significant risk even attempting to play. Meanwhile, the government works actively to block these websites.
Lotteries
The lottery is the one form of gambling permitted in the country, but it is limited to two state-run games.
Launched in 1987, the Welfare Lottery helps raise funds to support causes in the country, including widows, the homeless, and people with disabilities. Meanwhile, the Sports Lottery, which simulates sports betting, has let players predict the outcome of upcoming sporting events since its launch in 1994.
Sports Betting
Aside from the Sports Lottery, any other form of sports betting is prohibited. Bookmakers are not allowed to operate in the region, and citizens of the country are actively blocked from accessing international sports betting websites.
The Sports Lottery does make up for this by allowing betting on several sports matches. Football (or soccer) is the most popular, and gamblers in the country have access to wagers on any international football league. The only exception to this is that the lottery prohibits bets on Chinese teams and clubs.
Hong Kong
While Hong Kong is generally recognized as a part of China, it is specified as a Special Administrative Region. This is because the region was under British rule until July 1997. At this time, it was officially handed over to China.
As a result of this change in power, the region still operates under some of its existing laws—although plenty of laws have been adopted from Mainland China. As a result, certain loopholes allow gambling under specific circumstances.
Physical casinos offering slots and other casino games are outlawed, as are bookmakers that allow sports betting and other types of wagers. However, those licensed and regulated by the government are the exception.
Horse racing, betting on football matches, and lotteries are accessible at these regulated establishments. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is responsible for regulating these betting houses, and it considers any provider not authorized by this club to be illegal and punishable under the law.
When it comes to online gambling, however, there is little provision in the law that bans it outright. Thanks to loopholes in the wording of the regulation, Hong Kong residents can access online casinos on the condition they meet specific criteria.
The two prevailing conditions are that the online casino cannot be accessed while the player is at a legal gambling establishment (one of the Hong Kong Jockey Club outlets). Secondly, the online casino cannot be operated from within the region—as this is expressly forbidden.
Macau
Like Hong Kong, Macau is designated as a Special Administrative Region, having previously been under Portuguese rule until 1999. As such, it also follows dual law—that from Mainland China and existing laws.
The region is the only place in China (and any of its territories) where casinos are entirely legal. As such, it is a haven for gamblers, attracting millions of players from other parts of China and around the world to its incredible casinos.
Among these casinos are popular gambling brands that can be found in other gambling hotspots like Las Vegas, including the Venetian, Wynn Palace, and MGM. Sports betting is also legal in the region, with many popular casinos offering extensive sportsbook options.
When it comes to online gambling, Macau operates within a distinctive grey area. The region has no laws explicitly prohibiting online casinos. However, it also doesn’t have any provisions that allow them either. The accepted rule in China when this happens is that the object or activity in question is prohibited.
Despite this, the players from the region have access to several reputable online casinos. Although this number has dwindled slightly as operators stopped accepting players, fearing retribution from the government, the online gambling industry is still alive and flourishing.
