Video Review
Gambling in Asia was banned for a long time, which is why its development in the region proceeded more slowly than in other parts of the world. The government has always treated such entertainment negatively for moral and religious reasons. Today the situation is similar. The industry is banned in most of Asia, and all Chinese casinos are located in Macau. But the operators work here officially under licenses, and the authorities allocate a lot of funds for the development of the region. This allows it to offer tourists a wide variety of entertainment comparable to Vegas.
The peculiarity of the gaming industry in China
The Chinese government is protecting the Chinese from casino activities. The gambling market is limited by a law passed in 1949. It prohibits the operation of establishments on the territory of the state, with the exception of Macau. Freedom is given only to national lotteries and bookmakers. A small percentage is deducted from their income, which goes to the Chinese budget for the implementation of social programs.
Advantages
The positive side of the Chinese industry can be found in its main disadvantages. Gambling entertainment is prohibited at the local and state levels. Therefore, a person will not be able to visit gambling clubs in China itself. But thanks to restrictions, all funds go to the development of one region, which is already comparable in scope to Sin City.
The Chinese are placing special emphasis on tourists. The quality of service is at a high level by world standards. The number of establishments is constantly growing. Gambling houses offer both classic Western entertainment and national oriental disciplines.
Historical background about Chinese casinos
The first clubs appeared in the state earlier than in America and Europe - approximately in the 7th century. Portuguese establishments appeared 500 years later, French establishments even later.
Although the economic activity of the casino was beneficial to China, local authorities in every possible way limited their work. Due to the bans, the venues had to go underground. In those days, they were mostly owned by members of the criminal clans.
For most of history, Shanghai was considered the largest gambling center in Asia. He occupied whole blocks here. Hong Kong did not lag behind the gambling capital - people could place bets right at street dealers.
When the Communist Party came to power, establishments began to close. The only place where gambling is not prohibited is the Macau region. It has become an analogue of the American Las Vegas, eventually becoming equal to it in terms of the variety of entertainment and the flow of tourists. Contributes to its high attendance and geographical location - located on the southern coast.
Gambling zone in Macau today
After joining the PRC, the former Portuguese colony became the only place in the country where gambling bans do not apply. When the region returned to the state, the authorities allocated large sums for its development. Thus, Chinese casinos have become much prettier in a few years. In addition to the old establishments, many new ones have opened.

In 1847, when the colony was ruled by the Portuguese, a law was passed to legalize the gambling business. The region began to actively develop only after 100 years. In 1962, monopoly rights to the organization of entertainment were transferred to STDM. Later, MGM, Wynn Resorts and others joined it.
The city has a population of 500,000. Even in the same number of tourists constantly stay here. More than 30 million visitors come to Macau every year.
The region's economic contribution to the state budget is enormous. Over 70% of income comes from casino taxes. Most of the profits come from foreigners - they are given the opportunity to play in local clubs without restrictions. The Chinese, on the other hand, must stand in line at the checkpoint and obtain permission to visit establishments. In fact, the market is closed to the local population.
The most popular gambling houses
All known complexes are located on the territory of Macau. Today, 41 casinos operate here, but the authorities are constantly expanding the choice of establishments for tourists. The list of the best includes the following:
Name | Number of machines | Features |
---|---|---|
Venetian Macau | 1500 4316 | Крупнейшее казино в мире. Сравниться с ним не могут даже игорные клубы Лас-Вегаса. В состав комплекса входит азартное заведение, несколько торговых центров и ресторанов, отель на 3000 номеров. Венецианское название это место получило благодаря водным каналам на территории, на которые спущены гондолы. Сходство с итальянским городом просматривается и в архитектурном стиле. |
Grand Lisboa | 800 | Quite an old gaming house. Founded when the region was a Portuguese colony. In 2007 the building was renovated and expanded. Outwardly, the complex resembles a flower with opened petals. It includes the largest poker club in Asia and hosts important card tournaments. |
Wynn Macau | 500 | Relatively small casino with 500 machines. Attracts fans of increased rates. The design is reminiscent of classic American establishments. Included in the rating of gambling sites with the highest quality of service. |
The Sands Macau | 1500 | Location inspired by the Las Vegas casino example. American style can be seen in everything: music, open buffet, number of vending machines. Getting here by land is difficult, so visitors are brought by ferry from Hong Kong. |
City of Dreams | 1000 | A large complex of three hotels. On the first floor there are halls with slots. The rest of the territory is occupied by shopping centers, shops, restaurants and hotel rooms. |
Galaxy Rio | 500 | The most Asian casino in China, decorated in oriental style. The area is small, but there are a lot of slot machines. The club is combined with a bookmaker's office. Here you can bet on sports. |
MGM Grand | 800 | Located in a 28-story building along with a hotel, shops and spas. The establishment offers guests to stay in one of 1,000 rooms. The local attraction is considered the only bar in the world where whiskey is poured, made in Macau. |
Altira Macau | 1000 | A multi-storey complex towering 160 meters above the city. Gambling halls can accommodate more than 1,000 slot machines. Tourists can stay in a hotel with 260 rooms. |
Service in Chinese establishments is comparable to American. Guests can expect free services including alcoholic drinks, breakfasts and tours. In some places they are available with the purchase of a certain amount of chips.
Casinos in China are of great economic importance. Every year they bring hundreds of millions of dollars to the country's budget and make the southern regions attractive for tourists. And for people who cannot come to Macau, gambling sites are available on the Internet.
Rating of online casinos from China
The ban on the activities of operators also applies to the Internet. In China, gambling sites are blocked for the local population. But residents of other countries can freely register and place bets. Eastern venues, following the example of European ones, receive licenses, but apart from classic entertainment, they offer other formats.
This page contains a list of reliable operators selected according to various criteria:
- Legality. They work officially. This is confirmed by licenses issued by the gambling commissions of Curacao, Malta, Gibraltar and other countries.
- Bonuses. You can get money and free spins for registration and deposit. The wagering requirements and conditions are different.
- Mobile version. Slots and table disciplines can be launched in a browser from a smartphone or in an application for Android and iOS.
- A range of games. Entertainment from popular developers is featured.
All of these sites can be trusted. To get started, you need to register. If the operator does not provide a no deposit bonus, you will need to replenish your account.
Is it possible to play online in Chinese casinos
Although Asian sites are essentially the same as European ones, the terms of use still have nuances. Potential customers may be alarmed by the non-standard design and the lack of familiar functions. But most operators are available to play.
Some casinos require the user to be at least 21 years old. On other sites, the standard age limit is 18 years old.
The main points that you need to know about before registering will be described below.
Available currencies
Except for the national currency units (yuan), many sites have support for dollars and euros. Even if they are not there, when replenishing the account, the funds are automatically converted. The choice of account currency is carried out at the registration stage. It is often impossible to change it in the future.
Restrictions by region
Users from different countries are offered different conditions. The amount of deposits and withdrawals, the size of bonuses, the range of games and other details differ. It is better to familiarize yourself with them in advance. The rules of the site are displayed on the pages of the site. The text changes for different regions.
What languages are available
Casinos in China cater mainly to foreign users. Therefore, the main version of the site is English. Popular projects offer a wide choice of languages. Sometimes there is even Russian. If it is not there, pages can be opened in Chrome browser and set to automatic translation.

Deposit and withdrawal conditions
These rules are standard . The deposit is made at the cash desk. Operators have different payment systems - these are bank cards and electronic wallets, including those popular in the CIS countries. If the currency is different from the one selected during registration, the conversion takes place.
When exchanging funds, the service may charge a small commission.
Verification is required to withdraw money. You need to send scans or photos of your ID for verification to the support service. When they are approved, the cashout function will open for the account.