Betting Regulations in China

China has some of the strictest gambling laws in the world. Despite its long cultural history of wagering, betting regulations remain heavily restricted, especially in mainland China. The Chinese government enforces strict regulations to control gambling activities, prevent illegal gambling, and reduce excessive gambling among Chinese citizens. 

While the People’s Republic does not permit most forms of gambling on its mainland, it authorizes state-run lotteries, closely monitors gambling operations in special administrative regions, and issues severe penalties for unauthorized gambling. 

Understanding the legal framework of gambling laws in China is essential for travelers, offshore betting operators, and Chinese players who want to avoid violating Chinese law.

History and Cultural Background of Gambling in China

Gambling in China is ancient. The earliest forms of gambling can be traced back to the Xia and Shang Dynasties, and games such as Keno, early card games, and other casino games were believed to originate from Chinese society. 

Over time, however, rulers imposed strict gambling laws in China to limit wagering, and this long-standing attitude toward controlling gambling continues today. Modern gambling regulations evolved to limit unmanaged betting, which is why today the welfare lottery remains the most controlled and widely promoted form of legal wagering. 

Macau, once a Portuguese colony, legalized casino gambling in the 1850s. After becoming a special administrative region, Macau maintained its casino-friendly policies and grew into a global gambling hub. 

This early regional approach to legalizing gambling in Macau contrasted sharply with the strict prohibitions maintained in mainland China, which upheld strict laws on several forms of gambling, allowing only sports and welfare lotteries. 

Gambling Activities and the Gambling Industry in China

The gambling industry in mainland China is limited to government-authorized activities. According to gaming law, commercial gambling operators cannot legally operate casinos, betting platforms, or gaming machines. Any recreational Chinese gambling outside the state-run lottery system is considered illegal.

In Macau, the gambling industry is booming, supported by land-based casinos, luxury resorts, and global gaming brands. In Hong Kong, the industry revolves around the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Gambling Laws in China

China’s legal framework on gambling is defined by strict laws that prohibit most forms of gambling operations. Under Article 303 of the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China, anyone organizing unauthorized gambling, running illegal gambling houses, or engaging in professional and recreational gambling for profit faces imprisonment, fines, or both.

Chinese authorities enforce gaming law aggressively. Illegal gambling, offshore betting, online gambling activities, and unlicensed betting shops are routinely targeted. Operating online casinos, online poker applications, or facilitating sports betting is considered unauthorized and carries severe penalties under criminal law. 

The Chinese government also cracks down aggressively on sports betting networks, especially during major football matches and international tournaments. 

Online Gambling Regulations in China

Online gambling is illegal across mainland China. Chinese authorities regularly block foreign online casino sites, shut down online gambling networks, and penalize operators and bettors alike. Online gaming involving real-money wagering is considered illegal gambling, even when operated offshore.

Despite the ban, many Chinese players seek offshore sites due to better odds and the opportunity to win money than state lotteries. This has led to constant government crackdowns on online gambling activities.

Many offshore platforms attempt to target Chinese players with online sports betting options, but these services remain illegal and are routinely blocked by Chinese authorities. Even though many players seek offshore platforms, government campaigns encourage citizens to support the welfare lottery instead of illegal websites.

Macau and Hong Kong do not operate licensed online casinos. Even though their land-based gambling industries are legal, no government agency provides online casino licensing. 

Legal Gambling Operations in China

Only two government-authorized gambling activities are legal in mainland China:

1. China Welfare Lottery
2. China Sports Lottery

These state-run lotteries generate funds for social welfare and sports development. Lottery tickets are regulated, and all welfare and sports lotteries operate under strict oversight from government agencies.

The welfare lottery plays a major role in fundraising for social programs, and millions of Chinese citizens participate in the welfare lottery each year.

No land-based casinos, gaming machines, or commercial gambling facilities are permitted in mainland China. Any recreational gambling outside these lotteries falls under illegal gambling unless conducted in a special administrative region. 

Gambling Legal Status Across Chinese Regions

Mainland China

Gambling in mainland China is almost entirely prohibited, except for the welfare and sports lotteries. Mainland China gambling laws forbid casino games, online casinos, sports betting outside the official sports lottery, football betting through private bookmakers, and commercial gambling.

In mainland China, the sports lottery remains one of the only legal ways for residents to participate in regulated wagering activities. 

Macau

Macau is the only region under Chinese administration where gambling is fully legal. It is known worldwide as the Gambling Capital of the World and generates more gaming revenue than Las Vegas. Macau offers horse racing, sports betting, other games, and luxury land-based casinos operated by major gambling operators.  

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has legalized but tightly controlled gambling activities. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is the only authorized operator permitted to offer horse racing, football matches betting, and lotteries. Social gambling among Hong Kong residents is allowed if it does not involve professional gambling operators.

China Gambling: Largest Gambling Cities

Macau

Macau has more than 50 casinos, including large integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip. Macau has surpassed Las Vegas in revenue and remains the world’s leading casino destination. 

Hong Kong

Though not a city of casinos, Hong Kong supports a strong betting culture through the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Gambling Operators and Enforcement

Gambling operators must comply with strict regulations. In China, only state-run operators can manage legal forms of gambling. Unauthorized operators face severe penalties or imprisonment. Chinese law also prohibits opening casinos overseas, specifically to attract mainland gamblers.

Government agencies monitor:

• Illegal sports betting
• Online gambling
• Offshore platforms for betting 
• Unauthorized gambling activities
• Cross-border gambling targeting mainland residents

Gambling in China: What Types of Gambling Are Legal?

Legal in mainland China:

• Welfare Lottery
• Sports Lottery (including China Sports Lottery)

The welfare lottery is widely seen as the primary legal channel for charitable contributions through regulated wagering. The sports lottery, on the other hand, is particularly popular among Chinese players who want to participate in regulated football and basketball wagering. 

Legal only in Macau:

• Casino gambling
• Horse racing
• Betting on various sports
• Greyhound racing (historically)

Legal in Hong Kong:

• Horse racing (Hong Kong Jockey Club)
• Football betting
• Mark Six lottery

Not legal in mainland China:

• Online gambling
• Online casinos
• Online poker applications
• Offshore betting
• Commercial casinos
• Unauthorized gambling activities
• Betting shops
• Online gambling not approved by the state 

Gaming Law and Restrictions for Chinese Players

China enforces strict gaming laws for minors. These rules are intended to reduce the number of minors spending excessive hours playing games and to prevent unhealthy gaming habits.

This includes limiting online gaming hours, requiring real-name verification, and restricting time spent playing games to combat gaming addiction and problem gambling.

Gambling Addiction: Prevention and Responsible Gambling Practices

The People’s Republic of China emphasizes responsible gambling measures to reduce problem gambling. The Chinese government collaborates with the World Health Organization and local support services to reduce addiction and help problem gamblers access resources. 

Responsible gambling practices promoted in China include: 

• Limits on state-run lottery tickets and participation 
• Public awareness campaigns about the different forms of gambling 
• Counseling services for gaming addiction
• Strong online gaming restrictions to discourage unhealthy gaming habits among minors

These initiatives show China’s continued push toward regulating both offline and online gaming to protect vulnerable Chinese citizens. 

Gambling in Mainland China: FAQs