Gambling Regulations in Asia

By Li-Anne McGregor

Li-Anne is an experienced Copywriter with a demonstrated history of working in the online media industry. Li-Anne considers herself a wordsmith with a wanderlust continual. Ever on a journey to paint the images and landscapes I find myself in, by using the vibrant colours, tones, nuances and subtle hues that words only can convey. With a career spanning over 12 years of professional writing, Li-anne considers herself to be blessed to be able to continue on with her quest of painting the world with words. Li-Anne has a strong interest in the Digital sphere, finding the place where technology meets practicality and art a constant muse in this digitally-infused world as we know it today.

 

At present Asia is the not surprisingly the biggest gambling market globally, given that it
makes up approximately 60% of the worldwide inhabitants. The regulations in regards to
different countries within Asia do vary; however, as each country is responsible for passing
their own legislations.

In India it is very difficult to establish what is legal and what isn’t in terms of gambling. It is
heavily restricted, except for within specific categories, such as lotteries and horse racing.
Casinos can be found in some areas such as Goa and Daman.

Gambling is completely banned in Singapore and the government have recently blocked a
large number of offshore gambling sites and it is now a criminal act to gamble on an
unauthorized site. This law came into place when online gambling increased in popularity
and has now resulted in most gambling operators leaving this marketplace.

In Vietnam the only form of gambling that is legal is state lottery and strict penalties and
fines are in place for people breaking this law.

Gambling in Thailand is heavily regulated and most forms are illegal, with the exception of
two. The national lottery and betting on horse racing in Bangkok is permitted. For Thai
people wishing to gamble there are casinos located within Laos, Burma and Cambodia,
which can be legally visited by Thai residents. Online gambling can also be participated in
on websites that are licensed and legal within different countries, for example the UK;
SBObet and similar brands do attract players.

Hong Kong does permit some forms of gambling, but they have to be managed by Hong
Kong Jockey Club, which is sponsored by the Government. Such forms of gambling
permitted include betting on horse racing, football and also lotteries. The majority of other
gambling activity is illegal and harsh penalties may be applied to anyone participating.

The Philippines is now quite a mature market in terms of gambling and many forms are
available and legal. There is the Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation
(PAGCOR) which is owned by the Government, which operates all online casinos, sports
betting, land based gambling and betting establishments. It is expected that by 2020,
PAGCOR will be the driving force to make the Philippines the number one destination for
entertainment and gaming in the ASEAN region.

Macau is viewed differently as it is a Special administrative region, which has its own
Government and laws. It is technically part of China, however it has its own political
system. In Macau land based casinos, sports betting and poker are allowed. Online
gambling is not forbidden, however it is not regulated.

Overall the Asian gambling market is quite complicated in terms of regulation, due to the
varying nature from country to country. For example as of 2014 it is totally outlawed in
Singapore, even though before then it was completed accepted, where as all forms of
betting in China have been illegal for a long time, but gamblers can visit Macau and bet
freely.