China has the largest population, so it is naturally the main attraction for gambling operators hoping to set up shop in a new country. Online gambling in China is largely prohibited, with a few exceptions being the Macau casinos.

In this guide, we look at the online casino China landscape, its past, presence, and potential for future growth.

We explore how many casinos are in China, which international operators accept Chinese players and what type of casino games are available on these gambling websites.

Top 10 online casinos for gamblers in China (2023)

Rank

Casino Name

Bonus

Casino License

Rating

Get started

1
Up to €1000
Curacao
Rating 9.99 out of 10
2
215% up to €2000 + 200 Free Spins
Curacao
Rating 9.99 out of 10
3
Up to €1750 + 50 Free Spins
Curacao
Rating 9.98 out of 10
4
500% up to €3000 + 500 Free Spins
Costa Rica
Rating 9.98 out of 10
5
Up to €3000
Curacao
Rating 9.98 out of 10
6
100% up to €1000
Curacao
Rating 9.97 out of 10
7
Up to €800 + 75 Free Spins
Curacao
Rating 9.95 out of 10
8
Up to €2000 In Welcome Bonuses
Curacao
Rating 9.93 out of 10
9
100% up to €300 + 20 Free Spins
Curacao
Rating 9.92 out of 10
10
Up to €4000 Welcome Package
Netherlands Antilles
Rating 9.91 out of 10

History of gambling in China

Chinese people have always enjoyed gambling, but unfortunately for them, it was prohibited long before online casino games came along. The Criminal Code of Republican China established back in 1935 that all forms of gambling are prohibited. Some exceptions were made, to accommodate the activity during major celebrations, such as the Chinese New Year.

china map imageIn 1987 and 1994, the Chinese government decided that state-run lotteries shouldn’t be assimilated into gambling, hence they are legal. Since then, the Chinese authorities haven’t changed their view regarding gambling activities, such as online poker, real money casino games, and sports betting.

The only legitimate online casinos can be found in Macau, so you can’t enjoy legal forms of gambling in mainland China, excluding Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Jockey Club organizes the forms of gambling in the city.

 

Online gambling laws and regulations in China 👨‍⚖

The gambling market is limited to Macau and offshore casinos are not accessible to the Chinese, not even the most reputable online casinos in the gambling industry. If you want to know how old you have to be to gamble you should know that the legal age is 18.

This applies to land-based gambling operators in Macau, so you won’t be able to play online slots, pai gow, and other casino games or access poker rooms. Access to all gambling sites and many online casinos is restricted by the great firewall of China.

Gambling in Macau has been legal since 1850, with a steep increase in revenue over the last decade. card games such as blackjack and baccarat are immensely popular at these casinos which accommodate many high roller casino players.

Both establishments and the punters are taxed under Chinese gambling laws, and this represents an important source of revenue for the government. Is online gambling illegal in China and are there significant penalties? Yes, and outside Macau, they risk heavy fines and prison.

How do we select the best online casinos for Chinese players

There are still ways for local players to gamble over the Internet at a safe online casino located beyond borders. We can help you establish a system that will help you find the best online casino so you can for the finest collection of games and promotions. There are many things we consider when we create a top game casino list, but these are the most important five criteria:

Licensed online casino in China:  Just because the government doesn’t grant such licenses, doesn’t mean that playing at a regulated casino isn’t important. Are online casinos rigged is a question you should never ask yourself if you play at a licensed casino.

Introductory and ongoing bonuses: The online gambling companies in China we recommend have a generous casino registration bonus. You will also be eligible for ongoing online casino bonus deals and recurrent promotions, to boost your bankroll constantly.

Clear rules and wagering requirements: We look at the fine print, so you don’t have to worry about how to recover lost money in casinos due to unfair practices. We know how online casino bonuses work and highlight the importance of clear and concise wagering requirements.

Safe and private payment methods: Due to the sensitive nature of playing at an online casino site in China, it’s important to enjoy secure deposit methods. The payment solutions we suggest allow you to transfer money to your bank account safely and with minimal scrutiny.

Professional customer support: The absence of a Chinese online gambling license means that customer support is even more important. We find a China online casino where help is offered in English, as well as Chinese, come on so players enjoy smooth and effective interactions.

Create your online account and play 📑

Once you find an offshore license or line casino in China that meets your expectations commodity is time to sign up for an account. These are the basic steps that apply to all the top online casinos in China and enable you to enjoy the finest games in a secure environment:

Step 1
👣 Enter a valid e-mail address and choose a username
Step 2
👣 Complete an online form that contains information about yourself
Step 3
👣 Accept the terms and conditions and confirm that you are at least 18 years old
Step 4
👣 Select the payment method, apply for a bonus and make a bank transfer
Step 5
👣 Enjoy your favorite games in accord with responsible gambling principles

5 important tips to know before playing at online casinos

The China online gambling laws might be restrictive, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t access top-rated online casinos. Finding a shortcut to enjoy the virtual online casino games is just the first step. Equally important is to know how to make money while wagering online and these five tips will come in handy:

Tip

Set up a bankroll and stick to it: Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose and always wager just a fraction of the money you deposit yet don’t mix living expenses with gambling services costs.

Pay attention to the return to player: Enjoy your favorite genre, but focus on the best casino game to make money. A high RTP means a low house edge, so better odds of winning.

User reliable online casino payment: Choose a financial instrument that makes it easy to deposit and cash out funds, with minimal waiting time, no fees, and hide and privacy.

Try the games in demo format: Before betting real money on a live casino online, play on virtual currency. Test the games and the casino software to know what to expect before depositing.

Seek offers that are easy to clear: If you want to know how to make money from online casino bonuses, you must focus on all first that have sensible wagering requirements and deadlines.

Favorite casino games for Chinese gamblers

The best online casino China has to offer will provide you with an expensive lineup of popular games. There are many games that local players enjoy, but these five are always at the top of the list:

♣ Online slots: Asian-themed slots are particularly popular, especially those with a high return to player and or regional themes. You can play them for free and for real money on mobile devices.

♥️ Table games: Roulette is a universally popular game and it also has a lot of fans among Chinese players. Card games such as blackjack and baccarat are the most played at casinos in Macau.

♠  Video pokers: Similar to slots but offering a higher return to the player when proper strategy is used command they are present at top online casinos in China. The house edge can be as low as 1%.

♦  Mahjong and Sic Bo: The games can be found at most online casinos, but they are popular here. You can enjoy them as virtual games or against real croupiers in a casino live online in China.

♣ Keno and bingo: Just like other lottery-inspired titles, they can be found at any new online casino in China. they are a worthy alternative to the state-run lotteries that are legal in this country.

Get one of the bonuses offered by Chinese online casinos 🎁

Does China have casinos that offer bonuses to new players? This is a question that many people are asking themselves, given the online casino legal China issues and the absence of locally licensed operators. The answer is yes, which is fortunate since this is the main difference between online vs real casinos and largely the reason people have migrated to Internet gambling operators:

Welcome bonuses:  First, second, and third deposit bonuses are commonly offered to new players who complete the registration process. They welcome new players and reward them for joining.

Reload bonuses: Players who have an active account and reload it with cash are eligible for reload casino bonuses. This is a standard deposit bonus that rewards commitment and perseverance.

Loyalty and VIP programs: Speaking of rewards for loyal players, these schemes provide long-term incentives for punters who stick to the China online casino and bet real money.

Free spins and bets: They are offered to celebrate the release of new games, but also to try existing titles. Players only keep the profits, which are also subject to wagering requirements.

What payment methods do Chinese players prefer?

China’s online casino regulation is prohibitive, so punters are scrambling to find secure payment methods that offer a higher degree of privacy. Many of the popular solutions at international gambling operators work here, but some rank higher in the preferences of local punters.

  • null

    Credit, debit, and prepaid cards

    Most people own such a payment method and use it regularly, so it is convenient to deposit and withdraw. The downsides are the fees and the level of scrutiny.

  • null

    Bank transfers

    This payment method is used at a casino online in China, for transferring larger sums. The danger resides in the fact that government could trace the transactions quite easily.

  • null

    E-wallets

    These financial instruments are fast, secure, and offer a higher degree of protection. Deposits are performed instantly and withdrawals take less time, with no fees and commission.

  • null

    Cryptocurrencies

    Digital money has emerged as the preferred solution because of the safety, privacy, and low costs. Many types of coins are accepted at online casino China operators.

Perspectives of online gambling in China

Attempts were made to change the legal status of gambling in mainland China. So far, no progress was made and there is strong opposition to any measures that will change the status quo. The perspective of online gambling in China doesn’t look too bright if you are hoping for a legalized gambling environment.

Casinos accept players from this country and the Chinese are creative in finding ways to play. It will take a long time until local players will be able to enjoy their favorite games in complete accord with the law.

Pros and cons of online casino gambling in China

PROS
  • Many new casinos accept players from this country
  • Different payment methods are supported
  • Professional customer support in many languages
  • An eclectic mix of classic and modern games
CONS
  • Gambling is illegal in China and players take chances

Frequently asked questions about top online casinos in China

The government perceives the risk of gambling as high and wants to keep the population under control.
Players who gamble at online casinos take chances of breaking the law, due to prohibitive regulations.
Most online casinos accepting players from China are mobile-friendly, so you can play on a smartphone.
New and existing players can apply for bonuses and enjoy the same offers as their international peers.
The legal gambling age in China is 18, but this only applies to licensed land-based casinos in Macau.
Once you sign up for an account you can enjoy any of the games in their portfolio, including live ones.

The internet cracks the Great Wall of China for gambling

Chinese players must jump through hoops to enjoy their favorite games at online casinos. The laws are prohibitive and many restrictions are in place, but there is still a way to find an online casino in China to gamble.

The ones we recommend are licensed and regulated by prestigious authorities and enjoy a solid reputation internationally. They have a fantastic portfolio of games and can be enjoyed on mobile devices, with an abundance of reliable payment methods and promotions to make your time worthwhile.