Alex Vasile has an iGaming background with over five years working in Support and Account / VIP management. He is also an experienced writer covering topics related to gambling legislation and jurisdictions, casino bonuses and wagering requirements and casino games rules.
, | Updated: October 31, 2025
China is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. In 2021, it was ranked the world’s wealthiest country, with a GDP of $17.734 trillion. According to official data, the People’s Republic of China accounts for 18.45% of the global economy. The population is relatively affluent, creating favorable conditions for the growth of the gambling industry.
Since the Communist Party took power in 1949, gambling has been illegal in China. The two state-run lotteries are the only legal forms of gambling in China. However, Hong Kong and Macau are special administrative regions, meaning they have a high degree of autonomy and can craft their own laws. That being said, various forms of gambling are legal and regulated in Macau and Hong Kong. For this reason, many Chinese casino enthusiasts travel to these regions to enjoy their favorite gambling activities.
Casino Sites in China
Online gambling is illegal under Chinese law, and the government has invested considerable effort in cracking down on unauthorized operators. However, many online casinos licensed in foreign jurisdictions accept players from China. Some of these platforms even offer Chinese-language interfaces and support the country’s official currency, the Chinese Yuan (CNY).
Nevertheless, accessing foreign online casinos can be challenging because Internet service providers often block such websites. As a result, many Chinese players use proxy servers to reach gambling sites. Players from China should exercise caution when choosing a casino, as not all platforms are trustworthy. If you are looking for a reliable option, take a look at our list of the top online casinos that welcome players from China.
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18+ and of legal age to gamble. First deposit only. $20 Min deposit. Max bonus 1 BTC or currency equivalent. First deposit free spins are added as a set of 50 per day for 2 days, amounting to 100 free spins in total. The first 50 free spins are added immediately after a successful activation of the bonus. The next 50 free spins are added in 24 hours. Winnings obtained with the help of free spins have a x40 wagering requirement. All deposit bonuses must be wagered at least 40 times before the player can withdraw the winnings received through them. General Bonus Terms & Conditions must be observed.
18+ New Customers only. Min deposit $20. Max bonus $5000. EXCLUSIVE: Up to 25% Rakeback on each bet! Instant, Weekly, and Monthly Rakeback. No wagering requirements. No upper limits on the Rakeback amount. The Rakeback percentage depends on the Rakeback reward level.
18+ New customers only. 110% up to 1BTC 1st deposit bonus. 55% up to 1BTC 2nd deposit bonus. 50% up to 2BTC 3rd deposit bonus. 40x D+B wagering required. Each bonus is valid for 30 days.
18+ New Customers Only. €15 min deposit. 40x wagering applies. €5 max bet. 14 days expiration time.
Best Casino Bonuses in China
China-friendly casinos strive to make players feel at home. That is why they feature not only Vegas-style casino games but also traditional Chinese games such as Mahjong and Pai Gow. There is also an abundance of slots inspired by Chinese culture. In addition, web-based casinos host a range of promotions for new registrants and existing casino enthusiasts.
No Deposit Bonus
First Deposit Bonus
Bonuses for Returning Players
Loyalty Scheme
No Deposit Bonus
Some operators offer no-deposit bonuses to players who have just created an account. The best aspect of this promotion is that players can claim it without depositing funds into their accounts. This allows them to test the online casino without spending any of their bankroll. No-deposit bonuses give casino fans the chance to play their favorite games and win real cash. However, to withdraw any profits, you must meet the wagering requirement. A cap on the maximum withdrawable winnings generated from a no-deposit bonus may also apply.
First Deposit Bonus
When you fund your account for the first time, you can claim a welcome bonus that matches your deposit by a specific percentage up to a maximum amount. Some operators also include free spins as part of their welcome packages. Keep in mind that sign-up bonuses come with wagering requirements. In addition, the amount players can wager while a bonus is active is usually capped. Different game types contribute varying percentages toward the wagering requirement.
Bonuses for Returning Players
Many casino operators go above and beyond to keep their existing players. As a regular casino fan, you will often receive generous reload bonuses that extend both your gameplay and bankroll. These promotions typically include a matched deposit bonus and free spins, and they are subject to wagering requirements.
Another incentive that some online casinos provide to regular players is the cashback bonus. These offers have become quite popular among casino enthusiasts because they reimburse a portion of players’ losses and usually come with low or no wagering requirements.
Loyalty Scheme
Loyalty schemes are designed to reward the most active casino fans and encourage them to return for more gambling action. Finding an online casino that offers a VIP program is easy. The loyalty schemes and their terms vary across different web-based casinos; however, point-based loyalty systems are the most common.
Casino enthusiasts earn comp points every time they play their favorite games for real money, and some games contribute more points than others. After accumulating a certain number of comp points, you can exchange them for real or bonus cash. Loyalty schemes usually feature multiple VIP tiers, and your status depends on the total number of comp points you have earned so far.
The Criminal Law of China bans all forms of online and land-based gambling. Under Article 303, players caught violating the law can be fined and imprisoned for up to three years. Nevertheless, playing games solely for entertainment is legal. Furthermore, the two state-run lotteries, and more precisely the Welfare Lottery and the Sports Lottery, are considered legal in China. The Sports Lottery allows Chinese residents to wager on various international football matches and leagues.
Money generated from the two lotteries supports China’s welfare system and the country’s sports industry. The lotteries are authorized by the State Council to issue lottery tickets, while the Ministry of Finance regulates and supervises the lottery industry in China. The Welfare Lottery is directly regulated by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, whereas the General Administration of Sport oversees the Sports Lottery. The Chinese lottery market has been thriving; sales from the Welfare and Sports lotteries were estimated at CNY373.29 billion in 2021.
Amendments to the Criminal Law introduced in 2021 stipulate that anyone who organizes Chinese residents to go abroad to participate in gambling activities and receives a commission for doing so is violating the law. Under Article 303 of the Criminal Law, it is illegal to gather three or more people to gamble and collect a commission of CNY5,000 or more.
In 2021, China announced an amnesty that allows individuals who confess their involvement in illegal gambling activities to avoid penalties.
Gambling in Macau
Gambling in Hong Kong
Gambling in Macau
Macau is a special administrative region that operates under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle. In other words, it has a separate governing system, which explains why gambling is legal in Macau but not in mainland China. Moreover, Macau is also known as the “Monte Carlo of the East”. The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) regulates the entire gambling industry in Macau. Nowadays, gambling accounts for 80% of the government’s revenue.
Macau legalized gambling in 1849 in an attempt to generate revenue. Until 2002, the gambling industry in Macau was subject to a monopoly, initially held by the Tai Heng Company and later transferred to Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau (STDM).
Today, Macau allows nearly all forms of gambling, including traditional casino table games, slot machines, and betting on horse races. However, greyhound racing is not permitted, and the Canidrome (the only dog-racing track in Asia) closed in 2018. Macau has 41 land-based casinos that welcome both Chinese residents and tourists. As far as internet gambling is concerned, the law does not mention it, which means that it is neither legal nor illegal.
Following recent tax changes, casino operators announced that they will establish dedicated zones and special gambling chips for players from overseas. Under the new tax regime, effective 1st January 2023, operators must pay a 40% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR). However, there will be a 5% tax reduction on GGR generated from foreign players.
Gambling in Hong Kong
Formerly a British colony, Hong Kong is also a special administrative region. Although Hong Kong is not as gambling-friendly as Macau, it allows some forms of gambling. Gambling was regulated in Hong Kong in 1977 with the passage of the Gambling Ordinance.
The government granted monopoly rights for horse racing, football betting, and lotteries to the Hong Kong Jockey Club. All other forms of gambling are illegal, and those involved in illegal gambling activities face hefty fines. Mahjong is the only legal form of gambling in Hong Kong that is not subject to the Hong Kong Jockey Club monopoly. However, residents can play Mahjong in licensed gambling establishments, also known as “mahjong schools”.
Since financial institutions in China block payments to and from foreign gambling sites, players in China can choose alternative payment methods to fund their casino accounts. These include digital currencies, e-wallets, prepaid vouchers, and more. Most casinos process deposits instantly, while withdrawals may take a few days to clear.
In 2012, the minimum gambling age in Macau was raised from 18 to 21. Currently, individuals under the age of 21 are not allowed to enter any land-based casino in Macau. Underage individuals caught violating the law are subject to fines of up to MOP10,000, while casino operators who admit them may face fines ranging from MOP10,000 to MOP500,000.
Both online and offline gambling are illegal under Chinese law. However, participating in games offered by the Welfare Lottery or the Sports Lottery is not criminalized. Funds raised from ticket sales are used for welfare projects. Playing games solely for entertainment is also legal.
No. All forms of casino gaming are outlawed in Hong Kong. However, players can travel to Macau or take a casino cruise to enjoy games like roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and slot machines. Another option for Hongkongers is to find a reputable online casino and use proxy servers to mask their IP address, but online gambling is also illegal in Hong Kong. Anyone who engages in illegal gambling risks imprisonment and fines.
The official currency of mainland China is the Chinese yuan renminbi, abbreviated as CNY. Many gambling sites that cater to players from China accept CNY. Chinese players can also use other currencies, but a conversion fee will apply. Note that the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is the official currency of Hong Kong, while Macau uses the Macanese pataca (MOP).