Laws and regulation

The legal regime of the three jurisdictions is fundamentally different.

On the mainland of the PRC, commercial gambling is prohibited: only state lotteries are allowed; online casinos, offshore betting and "gambling organisation" are being targeted, including involvement in cross-border gambling and its advertising.

Banks and payment services are required to block operations related to illegal gambling; there is enhanced AML/KYC and advertising control.

Macau is the only legal casino market in China.

The activities of operators are carried out according to a concession model with strict requirements for capital, audits, responsibility and social contributions; junket intermediaries are severely limited.

Limits on tables/slots and minimum rates of revenue per table have been introduced; the age threshold for visiting a casino is 21 +.

The tax burden is built into the "effective" GGR-duty, including mandatory targeted deductions for social needs.

In Hong Kong, casinos are banned but horse racing, football betting and lotteries under the Hong Kong Jockey Club monopoly are legal.

The Gambling Ordinance frame only allows bets from a licensed operator; online betting through offshore companies is prohibited, blocking of illegal sites/payments and responsibility for advertising are in effect.

The base age is 18 +.