With over a billion people, China has massive potential as far as online gambling is concerned. Gambling is an ancient Chinese practice, with gambling on animals, cards, and dice featuring prominently. Unfortunately, the Chinese legal perception towards casino gambling is a lot different, with gambling remaining prohibited. Despite the traditional stance on online gambling in China, there is a lot in store for Chinese players as far as online casinos are concerned.
History of Gambling in China
The Chinese show a great desire to gamble, and this practice can be understood by looking at the history books. The first record of gambling in China is centuries old.
Gambling in the Early Days
From the 1800s to the 1900s, Chinese gambling took place in Shanghai. These players gathered in this city to play both local and international casino games. Even though gambling was mostly for entertainment, historians observed gambling among the elite in the Shang society. It is also worth noting that some popular casino games such as Keno were first developed in China.
Modern-Day Gambling in China
Nowadays, legal lotteries are common in most Chinese cities. It is worth noting that these lotteries only became legalized in 2016. Online gambling is now increasingly becoming popular in China, despite its legal status. However, online players have to cover their tracks with VPNs, which mask local IPs while playing an online casino (to access geo-restricted) content.
Future of Online Casinos in China
The Chinese government might be working round the clock to discourage its locals from gambling. However, gambling could soon be legalized, looking at the current state of affairs. One of the main reasons Chinese gambling enthusiasts have a reason to dream is that the state might soon get tired of punishing people for something ordinary.
The number of online players is increasing, thanks to the vast internet infrastructure. Unfortunately, the law impedes this industry's growth. Effective from March 2021, Chinese citizens and foreigners detained in the legal republic face up to 10 years in prison for gambling.
Are Casinos Legal in China?
Only two state-organized lotteries are considered legitimate. These include the Welfare Lottery and Sports Lottery, administered by the China Welfare Lottery Issuance and the China Sports Lottery Administration Centre.
All other forms of gambling are illegal in china. Assembling a crowd or running a casino in china could earn a player at least three years in prison, criminal detention, and additional fines.
Chinese Players Favorite Games
While Chinese players play all manner of games, some games enjoy more appeal than others do. Here are some of the most popular Chinese casino games:
Popular Casino Bonuses in China
Like players from other parts of the world, Chinese players love bonuses. Some of the most popular casino bonuses include the no deposit bonus, match deposit bonus, cashback bonus, reload bonus, and free bets.
Payment Methods in China
Chinese players can access most online payment methods. While most locals mostly use Alipay and Tenet, these payment methods might not serve them well in online gaming. As a result, most players rely on other payment methods such as Union Pay, PayPal and bank transfers. Most offshore casinos allow payments in Chinese Yuan (CNY) to cater to most Chinese players' needs.
Languages at Chinese casinos
While English is the most used language at online casinos, this does not mean that Chinese players are left out. Today, most casinos are translated into multiple international languages, including Mandarin and Cantonese, for a global appeal.
About the author
Emily Tremblay
About
Emily, a dynamic blend of tech-savvy and casino enthusiast, hails from the snowy landscapes of Canada. With her innate grasp of cultural nuances, she ensures online casino guides resonate deeply with Canadians. Emily's spirited and engaging nature makes her a favourite among peers.