Gambling Policies and Regulations in China

Abstract

The thesis provides a general overview of some of the key policies and regulations related to gambling in Mainland China and its two Special Administrative Regions Macao and Hong Kong. In Mainland China, gambling is generally illegal under the overarching principle of social order and moral values, with exceptions for activities viewed as “gaming” and the two state-sanctioned lotteries, namely the Welfare Lottery and the Sports Lottery, established mainly to support public welfare initiatives. Apart from that, the government strictly regulates and enforces anti-gambling laws using a combination of administrative measures, criminal statutes, and judicial interpretations, aimed at combating illegal gambling behavior, which include gambling by state officials and party members, participation in gambling by minors, online gambling (including online games with gambling features), and the issue of gambling debts. Recently, the Chinese government has also been cracking down on cross-border gambling activities, targeting operations that organize Chinese citizens to gamble in other countries. On the other hand, the two SARs Macao and Hong Kong adopt distinct approaches to gambling governance, reflecting their unique historical, cultural, and legal contexts, and representing a spectrum of approaches. Macao, as a former Portuguese colony, has maintained its legacy by operating under a unique “One country, two systems” framework. This framework grants Macao considerable autonomy in regulating its gaming sector, allowing for the presence of casinos through a system of concessions. Despite being geographically close to Macao, Hong Kong's policies demonstrate a marked contrast in gambling regulation, where it maintains a limited, government-sanctioned gambling sector primarily operated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, focused on horse racing, football betting, and other sports and the state-run lottery Mark Six Lottery. By providing an in-depth analysis of the policies and regulations governing gambling in Mainland China, Macao, and Hong Kong, this thesis aims to shed light on the complexities of this multifaceted issue and its broader implications. It also seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the intricate interplay between regional autonomy and central authority within the context of gambling governance in China.