The Chinese people are known for having a proclivity for gambling in all its forms, but unfortunately, this type of entertainment is restricted in China. Those who reside in this country are not allowed to sign up for an account at an online casino, poker room, or bookmaker and gamble. The laws are prohibitive nationwide and with a few exceptions, there are severe sanctions for those who are caught breaking the law.
Finding shortcuts and operators that can circumvent the Great Firewall of China is just as difficult and given the inherent risks, many people choose not to take the chance.
Online gambling is forbidden in mainland China
There are many countries worldwide that are against online gambling, but few are so radical and so willing to punish those who break the rules. In mainland China, it is strictly forbidden to get involved in any form of gambling both online and offline. There are no gambling operators headquartered in China because the local government doesn’t issue a license. In fact, it goes a step further and it blocks the access of its citizens to websites operated by foreign companies. This is where the Great Firewall of China comes into play, but there are always people who find loopholes and are willing to take their chances.
In spite of the strict measures taken by the government and the sanctions against those playing casino games and betting on sports, there is a significant online gambling market in China. International gambling operators like the website playUK.com rarely erect barricades themselves and will accept players from this country. Chinese law is strict but some vices are tolerated and there are even a few exceptions to the rule. Lottery fans are a lucky bunch because they can play legally at one of the many outlets ran by the state agency. This is a significant market, comparable to the one in the US, but it only appeals to some of the local gamblers.
Gambling in Special Administrative Regions
Hong Kong and Macau are the two regions with special rules, but they have a different approach to gambling. In Macau, there are plenty of land-based casinos many of them similar to their Las Vegas counterparts, with luxurious interiors and plenty of games on display. Hong Kong has a special approach to gambling and there are some types of games that can be enjoyed here. All of them are closely monitored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club which is a government-sponsored organization.
Online, there are no laws that clearly prohibit or accept gambling, so the market is more or less in the gray area. This means that players will need to take a leap of faith after making a thorough research, but they don’t enjoy the peace of mind appreciated by their counterparts from other countries. International operators are excited about the prospect of providing gaming services to the huge Chinese market. It is unlikely that China will open up to gambling anytime soon, so the wait can be quite long.