While there are no officially sanctioned casinos within Hong Kong itself, that does not mean there are not places to gamble. With a multitude of cruise ship casinos and other nearby places to bet, there is actually quite a healthy casino scene in and around Hong Kong.
However, if you are coming from abroad – or are just new to gambling as a whole – then it is important to understand what gambling in Hong Kong is actually like. The more you know, the easier it is to gamble safely while you are there.
Why Are There No Land Casinos in Hong Kong?
While Hong Kong is famous for many things, casino gambling is not one of them. Unlike Macau, its neighbor just a short ferry ride away, Hong Kong does not have legal, land-based casinos.
This is because the city’s government has taken a conservative approach to gambling, focusing instead on regulated forms such as horse racing, lotteries, and football betting, all controlled by the Hong Kong Jockey Club in a government-granted monopoly.
Many of these government gambling events are used as a way to raise money for charitable means, which is why they are the only permitted large-scale form of gambling within the People’s Republic of China.
Can You Play Online in Hong Kong?
While land-based casinos are absent, the rise of online gambling has provided a convenient alternative for those in Hong Kong. Many international online casinos accept players from Hong Kong, offering a wide range of games from poker to slot machines.
Obviously, you still need to adhere to Hong Kong laws while you are within its borders, and the government does not license or regulate any online casinos. However, many provide their services to users in the same general area as Hong Kong and China as a whole.
A large number of online casinos operate in countries such as Malta but still provide services to Chinese users. Many sites outside of China allow payments through the 香港現金網 (Hong Kong Cash Network), allowing players from Hong Kong to easily bet as long as they are doing so legally.
Alternatives to Casinos in Hong Kong
If you are looking for a legal gambling experience in Hong Kong, horse racing is a popular and culturally significant activity. The Hong Kong Jockey Club organizes races at two major tracks and manages widely available football betting and lottery options.
Gambling outside of China is also allowed, even if you live there. This provides many different betting options for people who are willing to travel, such as taking cruises or boat trips to Macau. These cruise ships provide a regulated gambling environment that officially crosses into international waters during the trip.
However, be mindful of potential currency exchange and international transaction fees, especially if you are using foreign cards. As with any trip abroad, you want to make sure that you are bringing the right currency with you.
If you want to gamble in Hong Kong, follow the local laws and use some common sense. It is never worth getting into trouble when there are easier, safer ways to access legal gambling options.
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