Yes, online gambling is illegal in mainland China. Only state-run lotteries are allowed, and operating, promoting or organizing online gambling that reaches people in China is a crime under Article 303 of the Criminal Law.
What is the punishment for running an online gambling business?
Operating a casino or gambling platform (kai she du chang) is punishable by up to 5 years in prison plus a fine, and by 5 to 10 years plus a fine where the circumstances are serious. Since Amendment XI took effect in 2021, organizing Chinese citizens to gamble at casinos abroad carries the same penalties (Article 303, paragraph 3).
Chinese authorities treat online gambling platforms, payment channels and recruiting agents as one criminal network, including people based outside China who recruit Chinese players.
Can players be punished too?
Yes. Players can face public security penalties, such as detention and fines, for gambling with relatively large stakes. Those who organize gambling for profit or make gambling their main income risk the criminal gambling offense, which carries up to 3 years in prison plus a fine. The safe rule is simple: a gambling website or app is not legal in China even if the platform is registered overseas.
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Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the punishment for running an online gambling business?
A: Operating a casino or gambling platform (kai she du chang) is punishable by up to 5 years in prison plus a fine, and by 5 to 10 years plus a fine where the circumstances are serious. Since Amendment XI took effect in 2021, organizing Chinese citizens to gamble at casinos abroad carries the same penalties (Article 303, paragraph 3).
Q: Can players be punished too?
A: Players can face public security penalties, such as detention and fines, for gambling with relatively large stakes. Those who organize gambling for profit or make gambling their main income risk the criminal gambling offense, which carries up to 3 years in prison plus a fine. The safe rule is simple: a gambling website or app is not legal in China even if the platform is registered overseas.
Wang Guan | Co-founder, Beijing Haolue Law Firm | +86 17813108512