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: September 30, 2024
China is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. In 2021, it was listed as the wealthiest country, with a GDP of $17.734 trillion. According to official data, the People’s Republic of China makes up 18.45% of the global economy. People are relatively affluent, which sets good conditions for the development 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 considered special administrative regions, meaning they have a high degree of autonomy and can craft their laws. That being said, gambling, or at least some forms of it, is regulated in Macau and Hong Kong. That is why many Chinese casino enthusiasts travel to Hong Kong or Macau to revel in their favorite gambling activities.
Casino Sites in China
Online gambling is against Chinese law, and the government has invested a lot of effort to clamp down on illegal gambling. But many online casinos licensed in foreign countries accept players from China. Some gambling platforms are even available in Chinese and support the country’s official currency – the Chinese Yuan (CNY).
However, it is hard for Chinese casino fans to access foreign web-based casinos because internet providers block such websites. That is why Chinese casino fans often use proxy servers to access gambling sites. Players from China should be careful when selecting a preferred gambling site because not all of them are safe. If you are looking for a reliable gambling site, have a look at our list of top web-based casinos welcoming players from China.
First deposit match between £10 and £200. 20x wagering on bonus. Jackpot games do not contribute. Remaining bonus funds can be forfeited to cash out current winnings. Max bet 50% of the bonus up to £20. Available to 18 or 21 years old customers. Play responsibly.
#AD New customers only, min deposit £10, wagering 40x, max bet £5 with bonus funds. 100% up to £99 bonus + 99 free spins on 1st deposit. No max cash out on deposit offers. Welcome bonus excluded for players depositing with Skrill or Neteller.
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.
This offer is only available for first time depositors. Min deposit is £10. 50 Free Spins on Book of Dead. Spin Value: £0.10. After your first deposit you may claim your 30 Extra Free Spins by visiting the Kicker Section. No min withdrawal. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This offer is only available for specific players that have been selected by PlayOJO. If you have arrived on this page not via the designated offer via PlayOJO you will not be eligible for the offer. OJO’s Rewards and Game Play policy applies.
First Deposit Only. Min. deposit: €10, max. Bonus €100. Game: Book of Dead, Spin Value: €0.10. WR of 30x Deposit + Bonus amount and 60x Free Spin winnings amount (only Slots count) within 30 days. Max bet is 10% (min €0.10) of the free spin winnings and bonus amount or €5 (lowest amount applies). Free Spins must be used before deposited funds. Deposit/Welcome Bonus can only be claimed once every 72 hours across all Casinos. Bonus Policy applies.
New & exclusive players only. 20 min deposit. To receive the bonus wager 20 x (deposit amount) within 21 days. To withdraw bonus & related wins, wager 50 x (bonus amount) within 21 days. This offer may not be combined with any other offer. Withdrawal restrictions & full T&Cs apply.
New customers only. Min £10 deposit. 100% up to £50 in Bonus. Neteller/Skrill excl. Max. bonus £50. Wagering 40x on bonus amount within 30 days. Bonus max bet £5. Spins paid 10/day on Book of Dead and valid for 24 hours. Game weighting and T&C apply.
18+ Full T&C's Apply. New players Only. £10 min deposit. £5 max bet using bonus. 60x (40x referred player) wagering applies. Bonus valid for 14 days. 20 Spins on Starburst will be credited instantly + then 20 per day for 9 days. Free Spins valid for 72 hours from credit. Max Free Spins winnings £100. Ewallets excluded. - www.begambleaware.org
18+ Full T&C's Apply. New players Only. £10 min deposit. £5 max bet using bonus. 60x (40x referred player) wagering applies. Bonus valid for 14 days. 30 Spins will be credited instantly upon qualifying deposit + then 30 per day for 9 days on pre-selected games. Free Spins valid for 72 hours from credit. Max Free Spins winnings £100. Ewallets excluded. - www.begambleaware.org
New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to €250 on 1st deposit of €20+. Additional bonuses of up to €250 on 2nd deposit of €20+ and up to €500 on 3rd deposit of €20+. 50x bonus wagering applies as do weighting requirements. Credit Card, Debit Card & PayPal deposits only. Irregular gameplay may invalidate your bonus.
18+ Full T&C's Apply. New players Only. £10 min deposit. £5 max bet using bonus. 40 x wagering applies. Bonus valid for 14 days. Minimum £5 wager to activate 200 Spins. 20 Spins on Starburst will be credited per day for 10 days after qualifying deposit/wager is met. Free Spins valid for 72 hours from credit. Max Free Spins winnings £100. Skrill + Neteller excluded. Always refer to Bonus Terms - www.begambleaware.org
New customers only. £10 min deposit. Bonus 100% up to £100. 35x bonus wager in 30 days. Skrill, Neteller, PaySafe excluded. Game weighting and terms apply.
New customers only. Opt in is required. 1st deposit only. Bonus expires 7 days from issue. Min €20 deposit. Max Bonus €100. 35x Wagering. Max redeemable €2,000. Player, country, currency, game restrictions and terms apply.
New Casino customers only. Deposit min. €10. Applies to first deposit to Casino only. Max. bonus €100. 20x wagering (game weighting applies) on deposit and bonus to make the bonus balance withdrawable. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Opt in required. Available 1x per customer. First deposit only. Minimum £10 deposit. Maximum £300 bonus. 40x wagering. Bonus expires 7 days from issue. New customers to casino page only. Player, currency, country, game restrictions & terms apply.
18+. New customers only. 10 Free Spins on registration and mobile verification (UK ONLY) | 100% deposit match up to £200/$300. Available on selected Games only. 7-day expiry on Bonus. 40x wagering (max bet £/$5) before Bonus Balance can be withdrawn. Wagering is with real money first. Game contribution weightings apply to wagering requirements. £/$10 min deposit + 2.5% fee (min 50p/75c). Not available using Neteller or Skrill. Cash balance withdrawable anytime + £2.50/$3.75 fee. Full T&C apply.
18+. Minimum deposit £10. Only real money wagering with minimum 1.80 odds qualifies for the promotion. Bonus bet stake is not included in any winnings and winnings are paid in cash. Bonus bets are valid for 7 days and cannot be split. Additional T&C apply.
18+ New Customers only. Min deposit $20. Max bonus $5000. EXCLUSIVE: Up to 25% Rakeback on each bet! Instant, Weekly, and Monthly Rakeback. No wagering requirements. No upper limits on the Rakeback amount. The Rakeback percentage depends on the Rakeback reward level.
18+. New customers only. 30x Deposit + Bonus wagering requirement. 10 days expiration time. €5 max bet. Deposits made with Skrill and Neteller do not qualify for this promotion.
18+. New customers only. 40x Bonus wagering requirement. 14 days expiration time. LOKI100 bonus code. The Free Spins can be played only on Prince of the Sky Slot.
18+. New customers only. 30x Deposit + Bonus wagering requirement. 7 days expiration time. €5 max bet. No wagering requirements on free spins winnings.
18+. New customers only. 30x Deposit + Bonus wagering requirement. 10 days expiration time. €5 max bet. Deposits made with Skrill and Neteller do not qualify for this promotion.
New Players Only. Wagering occurs from real balance first. 50X wagering the bonus or any winnings generated from free spins. Contribution may vary per game. Available on selected games only. The wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus is valid for 30 days / Free spins valid for 7 days from issue. Max conversion: 3 times the bonus amount or from free spins: £/$/€20.
#Ad, New Players only, Min deposit £10, wagering 60x for refund bonus, max bet £5 with bonus funds. Free Spins bonus has x40 wagering. The welcome bonus or match bonus is issued as a refund bonus the following day if 1st deposit is lost. 23 free spins on registration (max withdrawal is £100). No max cash out on deposit offers. Eligibility is restricted for suspected abuse. Welcome bonus excluded for players depositing with Ecopayz, Skrill or Neteller. Gamble responsibly, 18+, Full T&C's Apply
18+ New customers only. Spins valued at €0.25 for deposits of less then €100 and €1.25 for deposits of €100 or more. 35x Bonus wagering. Winnings from spins are wager free.
18+. New customers only. Minimum deposit €10. First deposit matched 100% up to €100 + 100 Spins on Starburst. Second deposit matched 50% up to €150 + 100 Spins on Berryburst. Third deposit matched 125% up to €250 + 100 Spins on Aloha: Cluster Pays. 35x Bonus wagering applies. Only slots contribute towards wagering requirements. Deposits made with Skrill and Neteller do not qualify. Free spins credited 20/day for 5 days.
18+ New Customers only. 100% up to €300 and 50 free spins on Turn your Fortune. Expiration: 3 days for free spins winnings / 7 days for bonus amount. 10x D + 25x B wagering requirement.
New players must deposit at least $25 for the first time. They need to use promo codes NEWONE, NEWTWO and NEWTHREE in their respective order to enjoy First, Second and Third Deposit Bonuses.
150% match bonus and 150 free spins on players’ first deposit and 50% match bonus of up to 1 BTC on their second, third, and fourth deposits. 60x wagering for 1st deposit bonus and 50x for the rest. 30 Days expiration time.
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.
Players must deposit at least £/€/$10 and they will receive a 100% Match Bonus instantly in their accounts. Before a withdrawal, players must meet the bonus wagering requirements of 40x bonus amount within 90 days.
18+ New customers only. €10 min deposit. First deposit bonus 100% up to €100 + 100 Free Spins. Second deposit bonus 50% up to €200 + 50 Free Spins. Third deposit bonus 75% up to €200 + 75 Free Spins. High-roller bonus 50% up to €2,000. 40x wagering applies. 5 days expiration time for each bonus.
18+ New customers only. Min deposit €25. 30x Wagering. Bonuses are cashable after the completion of the wagering. Maximum bets with bonuses are restricted to €7.50. Bonus terms and conditions apply.
18+. New players only. One offer per player. Min Dep €10. Max bonus bet €5. 1st Dep offer is 100% up to €100 + 25 Bonus spins on Gonzo’s Quest & Starburst. Spins expire after 10 days, funds after 30 days. Bonus funds separate to Cash. Wager Req of 35x Deposit + Bonus apply. Terms Apply. BeGambleAware.org.
18+. New players only. 1 bonus offer per player. Min. deposit £20. Max. bonus bet is £5. Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Bonus funds expire in 30 days, unused bonus funds will be removed. Bonus funds are 200% match up to £500 on your 1st deposit, 25% match up to £1000 on your 2nd deposit, and 50% match up to £500 on your 3rd deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 35x wagering the total bonus, cash & bonus spins. Terms apply. BeGambleAware.
18+. New players only. One bonus offer per player. Minimum deposit £20 Max bonus bet is £5 Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days otherwise any unused bonus shall be removed. Bonus funds are 100% match up to £300 on your 1st deposit,50% match up to £250 on your 2nd deposit, and 100% match up to £250 on your 3rd deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 35x wagering the total bonus, cash & bonus spins. Terms apply. BeGambleAware.
18+ New customers only. Min deposit €10. 35x wagering applies to the bonus amount and 40x of winnings from the Free Spins.
Best Casino Bonuses in China
China-friendly casinos try 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. Besides, web-based casinos host a range of promotions for new signees 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 set up an account. The most appealing aspect of this type of promotion is that players can claim it without depositing funds into their accounts. This way, they can try the web-based casino without spending their bankroll. No deposit bonuses provide casino fans with the opportunity to play their favorite games and win real cash. But to withdraw your profits, you must satisfy the wagering requirement. A cap on the maximum withdrawable winnings generated from a no deposit bonus may apply.
First Deposit Bonus
When you fund your account for the first time, you can claim a Welcome Bonus that will match your deposit by a specific percentage up to a maximum amount. Some operators also offer free spins as part of their welcome bonuses. Keep in mind that sign-up bonuses are associated with wagering requirements. Moreover, the amount players can wager while playing with an active bonus is usually capped. The various types of games have different weightings toward the bonus turnover.
Bonuses for Returning Players
Many casino operators go above and beyond to retain their existing players. As a regular casino fan, you will be treated to some generous reload bonuses that will extend your gameplay and bankroll. Such promotions usually consist of a match deposit bonus and free spins and are subject to wagering requirements.
Another promotion that some web-based casinos offer to regular players is the cashback bonus. Such promotions have become quite popular among casino enthusiasts because they compensate players for their losses and come with a minimal or no wagering requirement.
Loyalty Scheme
Loyalty schemes are designed to reward the most active casino fans and stimulate them to come back for more gambling action. Finding an online casino that offers VIP programs is a piece of cake. The loyalty schemes and their terms vary between the different web-based casinos. However, the point-based loyalty scheme is the most common.
Casino enthusiasts are awarded comp points every time they play their favorite games for real money. Note that some games contribute more points than others. After accumulating a specific number of comp points, you can exchange them for real or bonus cash. Loyalty schemes usually include VIP tiers. Your loyalty status is determined by how many comp points you have accumulated thus far.
The Criminal Law of China bans all forms of online and land-based gambling. Under Article 303, players caught violating the law will be fined and imprisoned for 3 years. However, gaming for entertainment purposes is legal. Moreover, the two state-run lotteries, and more precisely the Welfare Lottery and the Sports Lottery, are considered legal in China. The Sports Lottery provides Chinese residents with the opportunity to wager on various international football matches and leagues.
Money generated from the two lotteries is used to support China’s welfare system and the country’s sports industry. The two 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, while the General Administration of Sport regulates the Sports Lottery. The Chinese lottery market has been thriving. It was estimated that China’s Welfare and Sports lotteries sales totaled CNY373.29 billion in 2021.
Amendments to the Criminal Law were introduced in 2021, stipulating that those who organize Chinese residents to go abroad to participate in gambling activities and receive a commission for this violate 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, allowing people who confess their involvement in illegal gambling activities to avoid being penalized.
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 in Macau is legal and in mainland China is not. What is more, 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 after that, 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 Chinese residents and tourists. As far as internet gambling is concerned, the law does not mention anything about it, which means that it is neither legal nor illegal.
In the wake of some tax changes, casino operators announced that they will establish distinct zones and special gambling chips for players from overseas. Under the new tax regime, which will be effective from 1st January 2023, operators must pay a 40% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR). However, there will be a 5% tax cut 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 Macau in 1977 with the passage of the Gambling Ordinance.
The government granted the monopoly rights to horse races, football matches, and lotteries to the Hong Kong Jockey Club. All other forms of gambling are illegal, and those involved in illegal gambling activities will 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, Chinese 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 from China can opt for alternative payment methods to fund their casino accounts. These include digital currencies, eWallets, prepaid vouchers, and others. Most casinos process deposits immediately, 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 who violate the law are subject to a fine of up to MOP10,000, while casino operators who accept underage individuals will be fined MOP10,000 to MOP500,000.
Both online and offline gambling is illegal under Chinese law. However, participating in gambling activities provided by the Welfare Lottery and the Sports Lottery is not criminalized. Funds raised from ticket sales are used for welfare projects. Playing games for entertainment is also legal.
No, all forms of casino games are outlawed in Hong Kong. However, players can travel to Macau or take a casino cruise to enjoy their favorite casino games, including roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and even slot machines. The other option for Hongkongers is to find a reliable online casino and use proxy servers to mask their IP address. However, online gambling is illegal in Hong Kong. Those who engage in illegal gambling activities take the risk of being imprisoned and fined.
The official currency of mainland China is the Chinese yuan renminbi, abbreviated as CNY. Many gambling sites that target players from China support the CNY. Chinese players can also use another currency, but in that case, a currency conversion fee will apply. Note that the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is the official currency of Hong Kong. Macau also has its own currency – the Macanese pataca (MOP).