Where can we bet securely and which are the leading bookmakers in China?
The Asian gambling market is known to be one of the largest in the world. The same applies to the Chinese market as well. Due to that fact, it could be difficult to find the best site for placing bets, and because of that we are here to help by recommending you one of the top online bookmakers in China:
- Wide sports coverage
- Competitive odds
- Rich bonus section
- Mobile app available
- Great Range of Sports Betting Markets
- Wide Variety of Casino Games
- Generous Bonus Offers
- Mobile App is Available
- Great range of Betting Markets
- A lot of Casino Games
- Generous Welcome Bonuses and Additional Offers
- Mobile App is Available
- Generous Welcome Bonuses and Promotions
- Among the Highest Odds in the industry
- Wide Variety of Sports Betting Markets
- A lot of Casino Games
- Trusted & Secure Online Betting Site
- Competitive Sports Betting Odds and Markets
- Great Range of Casino Games
- Professional Customer Support
- Different eSports betting markets
- Professional support
- Nice design
- Fantastic bonuses
- Good sportsbook
- Amazing casino games
- Many payment methods
- Works with crypto payments
- Excellent welcome offer
- Various bonuses for existing players
- Intriguing design
- Trusted Online Betting Website
- Licensed by the UKGC
- Best Sports Betting Features
- High Odds
Best Betting Sites in China Ranked
- #1 🥇 Melbet – Best Overall Betting Site
- #2 🥈 22Bet – Top Mobile App
- #3 🥉 BetWinner – Best Variety of Markets
- #4 🎯 1xBet – Top Range of iGaming options
- #5 🎯 Betway – Best Odds
- #6 🎯 Pinnacle – Top for High Rollers
- #7 🎯 888Sport – Best Football Betting Site
- #8 🎯 FEZbet – Top Bonus Offers
- #9 🎯 Bet365 – Best In-play Betting Website
Introduction
Online gambling in China is illegal, but this does not stop millions of people from continuing to access international bookmakers. Gambling has long traditions in Chinese culture, and the introduction of Western-style gambling has appealed to several people, as well as made it easier to gamble at an international level. With the use of tools such as VPNs, Chinese bettors can access the global gambling market, and have the opportunity to bet however they want to.
Interesting Facts about Betting in China
- Gambling is illegal in mainland China
- The only legal forms of gambling are the two state-run lotteries
- It is believed that the annual revenue from online gambling is more than USD 145 billion (1 trillion yuan)
- The legal lottery in comparison only generates around $40 billion
- The only place where gambling is legal is Macau – a territory that used to be controlled by the Portuguese
- Macau is known as the gambling capital of the world
- Gambling is a part of traditional Chinese culture, with many people growing up playing Mahjong
Gambling Legislation and LawsGambling is illegal in China and has been since 1949 when the communist party gained power. Article 303 of the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China states that it is illegal to gamble, as well as offer gambling services. The law also states that these kinds of crimes come with potential punishments of imprisonment and fines. The government views online gambling and land-based gambling the same and punishes any offenders similarly. Although the government does its best to block international betting sites, there are ways around this with VPNs. The government does not consider the lottery to be a form of gambling, and this is why punters are legally allowed to partake in the state-run lotteries. |
Top Online Betting Websites in China
Even though online gambling is illegal in China, there is still a massive market for it, and a number of international providers willing to offer their services. Here are some of the most popular online betting sites in China:
Competition Between Operators
In terms of legal gambling, the Chinese government holds a monopoly over the market. They operate the only two legal lotteries in the mainland, which also happen to be the only legitimate form of gambling. Punters are severely restricted when it comes to gambling legally, and this is only exacerbated by the fact that there is no market, to increase competition and make winnings more favourable.
Despite this, there is a large illegal gambling scene in China, and this is open to all international bookmakers that want to offer their services to Chinese punters. There is really healthy competition between providers, and bettors can take their pick of many different betting sites that offer a wide range of betting options.
Bonuses from Chinese BookmakersThere are a number of different bonuses and promotions that punters can access, making their online playing more fun and exciting. These bonuses differ from site to site, but there are some similarities across the board. Almost all good Chinese bookmakers will offer customers a bonus simply for signing up to the site. This bonus can differ, and some sites offer a sports welcome bonus and a casino bonus, allowing customers to choose the one that is right for them. For the existing customers, there are also bonuses and promotions so that they are encouraged to continue to play on the site. These are incredibly diverse and are frequently changing. Punters can receive free spins on certain slot games, increased odds on sports matches, or a number of other bonuses that are designed to increase their winnings. |
Betting Features and Options in Chinese Bookmakers
The online gambling market can be competitive, and bookmakers need to offer the latest in features to stand out and increase their customer base. Here are the most common features that can be found in Chinese bookmakers, all designed to make betting online a more enjoyable experience:
Live Betting | |
Live Streaming | |
Live Casino | |
Cash Out | |
Bet Builder |
Available Payment Methods
Due to the illegal nature of online gambling in China, it can be challenging to find a payment method that has not been blocked by the government. Most Chinese gamblers will find it difficult to deposit and withdraw money with bank cards such as Visa, Mastercard or Maestro because bank payments to illegal sites have been banned. Similarly, certain e-wallets such as Neteller also will not work, because the Chinese government has cracked down on them.
Chinese punters are better off using prepaid cards, such as Union Pay. Although there are limits as to how much money you can load onto these cards at a time, it is an anonymous way to transfer funds, that the Chinese government has not yet blocked.
The form of currency used in China is the yuan (CNY). While many sites will allow punters to gamble in this currency, equally there are many that will not. Punters will need to convert their currency – while many sites offer this service, they charge hefty conversion fees, and gamblers should be aware of this before they register.
Mobile Betting in China
Mobile betting is becoming increasingly popular within the country, as more and more people are looking to gamble wherever they want, and whenever. Almost all international betting sites offer mobile apps to download and play on, but many of these are banned from Chinese app stores.
For punters who cannot access specific betting apps but still want to play on their mobile devices, sites will offer a mobile version of their betting website. This is usually exactly the same as the main site but tailored to be used on mobile devices, and take up fewer data.
Online Casinos
While there are no online casinos that are legally available, there are some illegal ones that Chinese bettors can access if they wish. These offer the full range of casino games, such as slots, card games, roulette, and live casinos. There are a number of different sites that offer these games, so players can compare and contrast and find a website that is right for them.
Leading Sports for Betting in China
Sports betting is one of the most popular forms of gambling, not just in China but globally. Here are some of the most commonly bet on sports, and ones that are widely covered by betting sites.
- Football
Football is actually the most popular sport in the world, and China can also get swept up in its buzz. Betting on the sport has a long history, and most gambling sites will offer a range of different betting options on the games, such as who will win, who will score the first goal, the final score, etc. International betting sites offer coverage of the most famous European leagues, as well as games that are closer to home. - Basketball
Basketball rose in popularity exponentially when Yao Ming became the first Chinese basketballer to play in the NBA. Support for the sport has continued to grow, just like betting on the games has. While all international sites fully cover championships such as the NBA, there are a few that also cover Asian leagues, which provide more opportunity to bet on local teams. - Badminton
Badminton is a sport that China excels at, at a global level. Although not every betting site offers coverage of the sport, some do, such as 1xBet. Punters who are interested in this sport will be able to bet, they just need to find the right site to do it. - Table Tennis
This is another sport that China excels at internationally. While most sites offer coverage of the competitions, Asian betting sites are more likely to provide a more extensive range of local tournaments and Championships, allowing punters greater access to betting on local sports stars. Betting on the sport peaks during its coverage in the Summer Olympics every four years, although there are more frequent matches to bet on as well. - Volleyball
Unlike many sports, volleyball is a sport that women excel at, more so than men. This may be some of the reason that it is so popular with a wide range of punters. The sport is widely covered by international betting sites, and Asian bookmakers very often offer extensive coverage of Asian tournaments that China participates in, as well as larger global ones.
The Profile of a Chinese Bettor
Very little is known about Chinese gamblers because they engage in illegal activities. However, it is known that Chinese people tend to gamble more than their Western counterparts. This may be due to the fact that gambling has roots in traditional Chinese culture, with games such as Mahjong, and the introduction to Western styles of gambling only increased the habit. Rates of gambling within the country are also growing, despite its illegal nature.
FAQ
Is online betting legal in China?
No, online betting in China in any form is not legal, and there are significant repercussions for those who are caught doing so.
Can I still bet online using international betting sites?
Many international bookmakers refuse to accept Chinese customers, due to the fact that it is illegal. However, there are still just as many that will accept them. Most international sites are blocked by the Chinese government, but there are ways around these blocks, such as with VPNs. When betting online, it is essential to understand the risks you are taking, and the punishments you potentially face if you are caught.
Are there any taxes for Chinese players on their winnings?
When it comes to the state-run lotteries, players are taxed on their winnings, depending on the state/jurisdiction they are living in. However, when it comes to online gambling or any other form of gambling because it is inherently illegal, there are no taxes that must be paid.
Can I open an account and pay in CNY?
Yes, some betting sites will accept CNY as a form of currency to bet with. If punters are determined to play in CNY, they should look at Asian bookmakers, as they are the most likely to accept this currency.
Can I open an account even if they do not accept CNY?
Yes, most betting sites will be able to convert currencies for you, so that you can still bet on their website, even if you just have CNY. Punters should be aware that in cases like this, most sites will charge high conversion rates and hidden fees. If this is what you choose to do, just make sure you are fully aware of the costs associated with the currency conversion.
Are there any betting restrictions on Chinese players?
Yes, Chinese players are restricted entirely from betting online – it is considered illegal. Although many people choose to continue to gamble online, they should be fully aware of the consequences of their actions if they are caught.
Final Thoughts
The illegal nature of online gambling in China means that it can be somewhat tricky for punters to bet safely. If anything occurs, such as fraud, they have no legal support. Despite the threat of fines and prison time, several punters choose to continue with the hobby anyway. There are enough international betting sites that are willing to offer their services and cater to the demand, so it is unlikely that things will change.
The Chinese government is also unlikely to reverse their stance on gambling, both online and land-based, so it is doubtful that legal gambling will ever branch out beyond lotteries. Punters should remain cautious and aware of the risks that they are taking to safely navigate the situation.