Two systems, one country
Casino gambling is illegal in mainland China. The only legal gambling on the mainland is the state welfare and sports lotteries.
Macau is a Special Administrative Region with its own legal system, and it is the largest casino market in the world by revenue. Hong Kong, also an SAR, permits horse racing and lotteries but not casinos.
The practical consequence for a traveller is that Macau is a separate jurisdiction with its own entry requirements, currency and rules, even though it is reached in an hour from Hong Kong.
Macau's rules
The minimum age is 21, raised from 18 in 2012, and it applies to working in casinos as well as playing in them. Regulation sits with the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau.
Winnings are not taxed. The market runs on baccarat to a degree no other jurisdiction approaches, and our baccarat section computes exactly what that game costs.
Our Macau guide covers the Cotai resorts and the peninsula.
Cities covered
Before you play anywhere
Two numbers travel better than any local rule. Our house edge entry explains why games that look alike are priced very differently, and true odds is the comparison that prices any bet in seconds.
Set a budget before you sit down. Our responsible gaming page covers deposit limits and self-exclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the legal gambling age in China?
- 21 in Macau. Casino gambling is illegal on the mainland.
- Are gambling winnings taxed in China?
- None on winnings in Macau.
- Who regulates gambling in China?
- Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) in Macau.
- When was this checked?
- Against legal and regulatory sources in August 2026. Gambling law changes, so confirm before relying on it for anything significant.
Ages, tax treatment and regulators on this page were checked against legal and regulatory sources in August 2026. Gambling law changes and treatment differs between products and between recreational and professional players, so this is general information and not tax or legal advice. On a large result, take proper advice rather than a web page.