Authorities Announce Serious Punishments for Illegal Gambling Operators in China

China is continuing its crackdown on illegal gambling, announcing serious punishments for encouraging children to play.

Local authorities have published a judicial document warning that breaking Chinese gambling laws by operating underground casinos, especially those open to children, will not go unpunished.

Under the country’s current regulations – jointly issued by the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, and the Ministry of Public Security – it is illegal to run any operation with 10 or more gambling tools. Allowing or encouraging children to play casino games will also be regarded as a crime under the new regulations.

Operating land-based gambling venues or online casinos in China is illegal. However, the legislation allows organizing console gaming competitions with small prizes.

Main target: investors and operators

The document also stipulates that setting two gambling machines anywhere near a primary or secondary school is completely illegal.

With the new rules in place, local authorities will continue their crackdown on illegal gambling houses, focusing mostly on people who invest in such venues and operate these kinds of businesses.

Both individuals helping these illegal businesses by providing instruments, accommodation, financial or technical support, as well as paid executives will be considered accomplices to the crime.