Everything You Need to Know About the Casino Laws
Under the provisions of the Gambling Ordinance (Cap. 148), all forms of gambling and lotteries are unlawful in Hong Kong, aside from gaming activities that are exempt in Section 3 under certain conditions. We recommend you read the Gambling Ordinance carefully to avoid any uncertainty.
The sole gambling operator is the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which is authorized and licensed by the HK Government to provide horse racing and football betting, and manage the Mark Six lottery. No other gambling operations are licensed in Hong Kong. Participation at illegal gambling venues or websites is in breach of the law.
Ministry of Finance
- Gambling Ordinance (Cap. 148) states that gambling and lotteries are unlawful
- Part II of the Gambling Ordinance does provide limited legal exceptions
- Unauthorized and unlicensed gambling activities are illegal
- Fines up to HK$50,000 and 9 months imprisonment for individuals
- Fines up to HK$500,000 and 7 years imprisonment for property owners and tenants
- Fines up to HK$5 million and 7 years imprisonment for illegally accepting bets
- Offshore gambling sites cannot legally operate or advertise in Hong Kong
- Participation at online casinos and sports betting is illegal, even if registered overseas
- Land-based casinos and gambling establishments are illegal
- Gambling at casinos on cruise ships is only legal outside HK territorial waters
- Hong Kong Jocky Club operates the only legal sports betting and lottery
Although there’s little that authorities can do to stop residents accessing online casinos, the strictness of current laws and applicable punishments are designed to serve as deterrents. In this regard, you have been warned about the potential consequences of gambling illegally, so in our opinion it’s just not worth the risk.
The same applies to illegal gambling establishments, given such venues are unlicensed and unregulated in Hong Kong, and therefore in breach of the law. Property owners and tenants face even tougher penalties, if caught hosting illegal gambling activities.
Gambling in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has a monopoly on legal gambling activity. Given they are the single largest taxpayer and one of the biggest employers in Hong Kong, that government-authorized monopoly is unlikely to change. The HKJC is also a not-for-profit business, governed by voluntary stewards, with proceeds after taxes donated to charitable causes.
Legal gambling options provided by the HKJC include horse racing and football betting, and the Mark Six lottery. These are available to punters in Hong Kong at sporting venues like the Happy Valley Racecourse, retail outlets, and online via the HKJC eWin website.
Section 3 of the Gambling Ordinance clearly states that under specific circumstances, certain gaming activities are lawful. These include games played with mahjong or tin kau tiles, games played for amusement with prizes, games of tombola, and trade promotion competitions.
Although the monopolized market and stringent gambling laws are restrictive in Hong Kong, we feel that it’s far better to gamble legally and responsibly, rather than risk the unwanted consequences of gambling illegally. Local authorities are swift to punish illegal gambling activities, which includes fines and prison time for anyone breaking the law.
Gambling History and Future
Formerly a British colony and now a special administrative region of China, gambling is an intrinsic part of Hong Kong history and culture, particularly following the introduction of horse racing and when Happy Valley Racecourse was built in 1845. Privately operated gambling businesses were banned in 1871, before the Hong Kong Jockey Club was established in 1884.
Although gambling related to gaming was largely considered a gray area legally, the colonial government granted licenses to legalize mahjong parlors in 1956. The biggest changes came when the Gambling Ordinance was enacted in 1977, providing clarity surrounding which forms of gambling were considered lawful or unlawful, since revised and updated over the years.
Hong Kong Flag
- 1841 – Hong Kong becomes a British colony following the Opium War. No bans on gambling are imposed.
- 1845 – Happy Valley Racecourse is built. First race takes place in December 1846.
- 1871 – Privately run gambling businesses are banned.
- 1884 – Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) founded, gambling at venues authorized.
- 1956 – Colonial government grants licenses to legalize mahjong parlors.
- 1974 – HKJC opens six off-course bookmakers.
- 1977 – Gambling Ordinance introduced to curtail rampant gambling activity.
- 1997 – Hong Kong becomes a special administrative region of China following UK handover.
- 2022 – Most recent update with amendments to the Gambling Ordinance
While the Gambling Ordinance has continually been updated, since first being enacted in 1977 while Hong Kong was still a British colony, since becoming a special administrative region of China there have been further amendments and revisions. The only foreseeable changes are likely to further tighten gambling laws, and potentially increase the penalties for breaking those laws.
Another situation unlikely to change is the HKJC monopoly for legal and regulated gambling, as they control betting on horse racing, football, and authorized lottery management. While this may seem restrictive as gambling markets go, given the severity of penalties related to illegal gambling, we recommend playing it safe and sticking with the legal options.
Conclusion
Essentially, it’s best to completely avoid any gambling activities that are illegal in Hong Kong, which includes playing at online casinos. If you wish to gamble responsibly and enjoy the casino gaming experience, fortunately, Macau is nearby and hosts an abundance of legal options at land-based venues.
In the meantime, there’s limited sports betting and lotteries available via the Hong Kong Jockey club, which is the only government-authorized operator. Remember to stay safe and avoid the temptation to gamble illegally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just in case you’re looking for more information, feel free to reach out with any specific questions. In the meantime, we have answered some of the most popular questions found online and asked by our readers.
Is online gambling in Hong Kong legal?
All forms of gambling are considered illegal unless exempted by the Gambling Ordinance, first enacted in 1977 and subsequently updated. Given that online gambling activity is unlicensed and unregulated in Hong Kong, participation remains illegal. The only government-authorized online gambling allowed is operated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), which offers legal horse racing and soccer betting, and lotteries.
Can I bet on sports from Hong Kong?
Yes, but only via the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), which has the monopoly approval from the HK government for horse racing and soccer betting, both at physical venues and online. All other forms of betting activity and bookmakers are illegal under the Gambling Ordinance, including online bookies that are registered overseas, given they are not licensed or regulated in Hong Kong.
Written By Heath Chesters