Live Dealer Casinos in China

Gambling in mainland China is heavily restricted, but that hasn’t stopped millions of Chinese players from looking for safe and legal ways to enjoy slot machines, table games, and live casino entertainment. 

With strict laws limiting access to any local casino, most players now turn to online casinos offering live dealer experiences, international licenses, and a full mix of digital slots and table games like baccarat, roulette, and blackjack. 

At the same time, China’s proximity to Macau — the world’s largest casino hub — provides an alternative way to play for those who prefer the traditional feel of a brick-and-mortar casino.

Between offshore gambling platforms and Macau’s massive resorts inspired by Las Vegas, players today have more options than ever before, as long as they understand the laws, limitations, and differences between online and offline casino environments before they begin to play.

What Is a Live Dealer in China?

A live dealer refers to a real human dealer who operates a physical table game (baccarat, roulette, blackjack) while players join remotely via HD video stream. 

A live dealer game simulates the feel of a land-based casino — players can place bets, chat with the dealer, and see every action on the table. This offers the social experience missing in RNG-based slots or automated games.

Some casinos operate live dealer studios from:

• The Philippines
• Cambodia
• Vietnam
• Eastern Europe
• Macau-style studios

These platforms mimic the atmosphere of a real casino, making them extremely popular among players in China. 

How Live Dealer Casino Games Work

Live dealer games rely on HD streaming technology, real tables, human dealers, and authentic cards and wheels to recreate the atmosphere of a true land-based casino. 

The main difference is that players join the table games remotely from home, enjoying the convenience of online access while still interacting with a live professional. Many bettors even play at multiple live dealer casinos at once—something that simply isn’t possible inside a physical casino. 

Brick and Mortar Casino Options in China 

While players often search for a physical casino, the reality is that the mainland does not allow commercial casino operations. The only legal betting products inside China’s borders are: 

• China Welfare Lottery
• China Sports Lottery

Illegal slot machines, mahjong dens, and small local casino rooms do exist, but they carry severe criminal penalties. Article 303 of China’s Criminal Law states that organizing gambling or operating a gambling house can lead to imprisonment and major fines. Because of this, most residents travel to Macau or use online platforms instead.

Land-Based Casinos Near China: Legal Options for Chinese Players

The closest legal land-based local casinos for players in China are located in Macau, a Special Administrative Region with its own laws.

Macau is the only place under Chinese sovereignty where casinos are fully legal, making it the primary destination for players who prefer a real casino experience over online platforms. 

The region’s massive land-based casinos feature thousands of slot machines, expansive table games floors, VIP baccarat salons, and nonstop action across games like roulette or sic bo, and a wide range of electronic games and stadium-style terminals. 

The Venetian Macau

Often referred to as the Chinese version of Vegas, The Venetian Macau mirrors the scale and spectacle of major Vegas resorts, complete with massive gaming halls, indoor gondola rides, and more than 3,000 hotel rooms.

Its sprawling casino floor features over 1,700 slot machines, dozens of baccarat tables, high-limit table games, a strong lineup of progressive jackpot slots, and multiple live performance arenas that make it one of the most iconic destinations for players from China visiting Macau. 

Grand Lisboa 

Grand Lisboa is famous for its striking lotus-shaped tower and its nonstop casino action, attracting both tourists and seasoned players.

Inside, the gaming floor offers fast-paced games like baccarat, high-limit tables, exciting wheel-spin jackpots, and a full range of live table games, making it one of Macau’s most recognizable and energetic casino destinations.

City of Dreams 

City of Dreams delivers a premium casino experience that blends modern luxury with nonstop gaming excitement. Its stylish interiors house a wide selection of beautifully designed games, from state-of-the-art electronic tables to immersive digital terminals that appeal to both casual visitors and seasoned players.

The property is also known for its strong VIP presence, offering exclusive high-limit table games, private baccarat rooms, and a polished atmosphere that rivals major casino destinations in Vegas. Whether guests prefer to play slot machines, watch live entertainment, or enjoy world-class dining, City of Dreams remains one of Macau’s most sophisticated and diverse gaming hubs. 

Online Live Dealer Casinos Accepting Players from Mainland China

Online casinos have become the primary option for players in China because the mainland does not allow privately operated casinos. While some illegal local casino rooms exist, particularly in Guangdong, these underground venues are dangerous and tied to criminal networks. 

Most players instead choose online gaming platforms with foreign licenses. These sites allow users to play slots and table games, and interact with a live dealer, streamed from studios in the Philippines, Europe, or Macau-style environments. Good platforms also support Renminbi, e-wallets, and fast withdrawals. 

Offshore casinos are outside Chinese jurisdiction, so players generally prefer platforms licensed in the Philippines, Isle of Man, Malta, or the UK. These jurisdictions regulate online gambling strictly and require safe payouts and transparent games.

Modern online platforms accepting players from China typically offer: 

• Real-time live dealer rooms
• Mobile-optimized slot games 
• Table games like baccarat, roulette, sic bo
• RNG games and specialty titles
• Chinese-themed slot machines

Many platforms also provide Vegas-style jackpot games, a variation of slot themes, animated fortune reels, and Asian-inspired visuals. 

Frequently Asked Questions