The Best Online Casinos in Hong Kong – Safe and Legal Hong Kong Operators

While we mostly cover the topic of online casinos here, we also have a section on land-based casinos that you can check out further down the page. You can also click any of the links above to be taken to your chosen section of this article.

The Results of Our Tests: The Top Four Online Casinos in Hong Kong

As we stated already, gambling is heavily restricted in Hong Kong. All of the top online casinos Hong Kong players can access are based in other countries. So, while it is not illegal for Hong Kong residents to gamble at offshore online casinos; there are no legal Hong Kong based online casinos for them to visit.

All of the above casino sites Hong Kong players have access to, are legitimate operators that have been approved by respected regulatory bodies. These sites employ the most sophisticated security measures in order to protect their players. Additionally, they offer great games selections, high quality software and generous promotions.

Top 5 Online Casinos in Hong Kong

• 🥇 1xbet: Top Online Casino
• 🥈 20bet: Biggest Game Selection
• 🥉 22bet: Top Mobile Casino
• ⭐️ Ice Casino: Most Comprehensive Betting Site
• ⭐️ Bets.io: Best Bitcoin Casino

Best Online Casino for Hong Kong Players at a Glance- 2024`s Test Winner

While we were impressed by all of the Hong Kong casino sites we’ve featured in our guide, there was one site that stood out from the rest. In terms of quality this operator scored highest for its sophisticated security measures, varied games library and competitive promotions.

If the above details appeal to you, simply click the link provided to be taken directly to the casino’s welcome offer. Otherwise, you can have a look at the rest of our top casinos to see which one appeals most to you.

A Guide to the Best Casino Sites in Hong Kong

While online casinos might not be currently legal, you are still able to visit and play at offshore websites. So, with that in mind, we’ve written up a checklist of the most important factors to consider when selecting legitimate casino sites -to ensure your own safety and peace of mind online.

Our biggest priority when considering casino reviews is always security. In a well-regulated market, this means screening for appropriate licensing, keeping a close eye on encryption software, and ensuring that players have access to responsible gambling organisations.

While each and every criterion listed above is important, player safety always comes first. That’s why we always recommend that you become familiar with the nation’s gambling laws before you attempt to access any online gambling site. We only recommend Hong Kong online casino options that adhere to these above criteria.

1. Safety and Scam Protection When Playing in a Real Money Casino

As we have already stated, safety and security are the most important factors of any operator site. We feel it’s important to outline what to look out for and to exercise caution when visiting sites outside of your country’s jurisdiction as you will not be afforded the same consumer protections as in regulated markets.

In countries where online gambling is legal and regulated, there’s typically a regulatory body that functions on either a national or federal level. These regulators issue licences to casinos once they have proven to adhere to the regulations laid out by law. These licences are good indicators of legitimate real money casinos.

Security Details on the Casino Website

Must-Haves of a Safe Online Casino

• Valid Licence for Hong Kong
• Third-Party Agency Trust Seal
• Secure and Well-Known Payment Methods
• Technical Security Certificates

One feature that both we and regulators screen for is encryption software. This is a must for any site through which real money transactions are made. You can check for encryption software certificates quite easily by clicking the small lock icon in the far left of your browser’s address bar.

Another key feature is partnerships with responsible gambling organisations. By scrolling to the bottom of an online casino’s page, you can view which organisations they’ve partnered with. This shows that they have a player’s interests at heart, and that you can get help easily if needed.

When faced with the option to join a safe online casino site, it’s always worthwhile to take the time and effort to screen for these features yourself. You can be sure that the best casinos Hong Kong players can access, will have these safety features.

So, until Hong Kong based online casinos are legalised, it’s worth keeping these safety concerns in mind when visiting offshore online casino websites.

2. Secure Payments – Depositing and Withdrawing Safely

We’ve already touched upon online transactions with regard to online security, but you can actually improve the safety of your online payments purely by paying attention to which methods are available. Some payment methods are trusted by players more than others and should be part of the best online casinos in Hong Kong.

As you can see in the tables above, there’s a lot of variety among payment methods. Players tend to stick with methods they’re familiar with and have used on other online services, but each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

One key thing to be aware of, is that not all payment methods are always eligible for a casino’s welcome bonus. That’s why it’s so crucial to pay close attention to the terms and conditions of your chosen welcome bonus before you make any deposits.

2.1. Credit Cards: Recommended Payment Method

Wherever available, we typically recommend that players use credit cards. This is because it adds an extra layer of security to your transactions, as you never have to share your personal banking details directly with the online casino.

Furthermore, it is usually widely available, quick, and easy to use.

Credit Cards are widely available at all of our recommended, safe online casinos Hong Kong residents may access. Many operators choose to use credit cards because it is such a ubiquitous payment method. Additionally, the added security that credit cards offers helps to prevent fraud by providing safe transactions.

2.2. Limits and Fees

Hong Kong players betting in countries where online casinos are legal should be aware that there are limits and fees that are sometimes attached to your transactions. For instance, there is always a minimum and maximum deposit limit, which is usually made clear during the payment process.

Some methods will also charge fees on top of your transaction. This, unfortunately, is not always made clear during the payment process. If you are unclear on whether or not there are fees applicable to your transaction, we recommend you contact customer support.

3. Reliable Customer Support Service

Even at the top operators, sometimes things go wrong. If you have any issues, be they related to certain games, online casino bonuses or transactions, it’s crucial that there is help at hand. That’s why we always screen for high quality customer support services at our recommended operator sites.

A strong support system will allow customers to contact a representative via a variety of different methods. These methods can include, but are not limited to, phone, email and live chat. Ideally, the operator will also provide a detailed FAQ section for less urgent issues.

Finally, support should be available round-the-clock – or as close to it as possible. Many of the best casino sites online provide full 24/7 support fort their customers.

4. Transparent and Fair Casino Bonus Terms for Hong Kong Players

We feel it is important that our readers understand what makes a bonus good and what makes one a waste of time. For us, this always comes down to the fine print in an offer’s terms and conditions.

• Wagering Conditions – Always make sure to read the wagering conditions – these are essential to letting you know how much you must bet before you can withdraw the bonus funds.
• Expiration Period – Always try to find a reasonable expiration period that will give you enough time to meet the wagering requirement.
• Valid Payment Methods – Not all payment methods qualify for the welcome bonus. Take care to read the terms and conditions and find a welcome bonus that accepts your preferred payment method.
• Game Contribution – Different games have different contributions toward wagering requirements. Slots tend to have the highest contribution while it is lower for roulette and blackjack.

The biggest things to look out for are the wagering requirements and the period of validity. Wagering requirements refer to the number of times you are required to wager the value of your deposit and/or bonus before you can claim the extra funds. The period of validity is the time in which you can meet those requirements before the deal becomes void.

5. Rich Casino Games Selection

A casino is nothing without its games, and online casinos are no different. That said, the available games can differ from country to country depending on a nation’s laws or the tastes of its casino gambling residents.

The best online casinos will always feature a healthy mix of games in their libraries, so that players of all tastes can have their needs met. No matter what your preferences you will be able to find a safe, scam-free operator that offers your preferred casino game type.

6. Stable Software Compatible with All Devices

While game variety is important, we like to take things a step further and screen for products from the leading software providers in the world. We do this for two reasons. The most obvious reason is that high quality products from award-winning developers are always desirable.

The second reason is that the presence of industry heavy hitters lends further legitimacy to a casino site. Finally, we also look for gambling sites that utilise mobile-first software technologies.

What You Need to Know to Play Legally

Every country has its own laws governing gambling – both on and offline – which is why it’s absolutely essential that you research your own country’s laws carefully before you play. As we have stated already, it is illegal to gamble at Hong Kong based casinos.

However, it’s not illegal for Hong Kong residents to gamble at offshore casinos but if you do so you do at your own risk as there are no protections afforded to players from Hong Kong versus a player in a country with regulated online gambling.

There is no legal requirement for an offshore operator to pay out to residents at any time – you are betting at a foreign site that operates in a different jurisdiction. This is why it is so important that you find a trustworthy online casino, always check for reputable licenses and other signs that an operator is scam-free.

Gambling in Hong Kong

Important Topics:

• Gambling Laws
• Gambling Taxation
• Most Important Legal Texts
• What the Future Might Hold

To sum up, while it is perfectly legal for HK residents to play at offshore casinos it does come with some risks. So, in order to avoid scams and fraud we advise players to be vigilant and to only visit safe online casinos Hong Kong players can access such as site recommended by us.

Gambling Laws and Authorities in Hong Kong

The gambling situation in Hong Kong isn’t too complicated, but it is certainly quite different to that of other nations. Gambling of any kind in HK is only legal at venues owned by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Likewise, online gambling is only available through the HKJC online portal and offshore casinos. You can learn more at the Home Affairs Bureau.

Furthermore, land-based casinos are entirely illegal. The only legal forms of gambling, as regulated by the HKJC, are sports betting, horse racing and lotteries. Due to the illegality of land-based casinos, many Hong Kong residents travel to Macau for gambling vacations or play at offshore online casinos instead.

Gambling Taxation – Do You Owe Taxes After a Win

Although there are relatively few avenues through which one can gamble in Hong Kong, the good news is that any gambling winnings you receive are not taxed. This means that you can keep the entirety of your winnings, as the venues themselves absorb the cost of tax.

This can become a bit cloudier when it comes to winnings you may have earned offshore casinos. However, in general any taxation issues should fall to the responsibility of the operator as they are subject to the laws of the different jurisdictions they operate in while Hong Kong players are obliged only to follow the rules set out.

This isn’t too unusual. The UK, which had colonial rule until 1997, also does not charge tax on gambling winnings. Though some nations do apply taxes to winnings, the percentage is typically quite low – ranging anywhere from 2-7%.

Each jurisdiction has its own set of regulations regarding gambling taxation and decides on its preferred way to tax gambling winnings at online casinos Hong Kong. This can extend to taxing operators, for example, in the case of UK online casino taxes, where the sites themselves are obliged to pay 15% on all wagers accepted from UK players no matter where they are based.

Most Important Legal Texts

The most important legal text as pertains to gambling in Hong Kong is the 1977 Gambling Ordinance. The goal of the legislation was to cut down on rampant, shady gambling establishments while still allowing the population to indulge in some degree of gambling-related activities.

Under the new law, horse races organised by the HKJC – one of the nation’s oldest gambling institutions – were still allowed to be bet upon. Over time, the HKJC would add to their arsenal of activities, gradually gaining the monopoly on all gambling in the country through their online casinos Hong Kong.

Excerpt from the Laws Concerning Gambling in Hong Kong

The Gambling Ordinance

Gambling in a gambling establishment

Any person who gambles in a gambling establishment commits an offence and is liable—

(a) on first conviction to a fine of $10,000 and to imprisonment for 3 months; (b) on second conviction to a fine of $20,000 and to imprisonment for 6 months; (c) on third or subsequent conviction to a fine of $30,000 and to imprisonment for 9 months.

Hong Kong

What Might the Future Hold

It is uncertain what the future might hold for gambling in Hong Kong. The HKJC has maintained their monopoly of the casinos in Hong Kong for decades and show no signs of loosening their grip any time soon. And for the time being, the players from Hong Kong seem satisfied with the current state of affairs.

As China continues to exert more control over Hong Kong the future legal status of all forms of gambling in Hong Kong become uncertain. It is very likely that in the next few years offshore sites will be barred from Hong Kong by the Chinese government. The HKJC may still be allowed to operate but even that is uncertain. When we are able to add online casino reviews in Hong Kong, you can believe that we will.

Comparison with Other Markets

This country is fairly unique in its approach to gambling and thus so are the Hong Kong online casinos. Hong Kong has a complete ban on both land-based and online casinos operating within its territory. However, unlike mainland China where all gambling is illegal, Hong Kong citizens can enjoy some wiggle room and play at offshore casino sites from Hong Kong.

What is interesting, however, is that the HKJC horse racing season often generates the largest racing bet-related turnover in the world. During the 2016-2017 season alone, the HKJC paid the government HK$21.7 billion in taxes from their race earnings. This is more than even the best betting sites.

Curious Facts About the Casino Market

In researching this topic, we came across many interesting facts about the Hong Kong gambling market. Despite the present-day regulations, there used to be a thriving Mahjong scene in the country. The game was legalised in the mid-20th Century, and Mahjong schools were even established.

While bets on overseas football and horse racing are controlled and regulated through the HKJC, there have been a number of instances of illegal gambling. The most notable of which occurred in 2010, where police arrested 25 people in relation to an illegal FIFA World Cup gambling ring.

Gambling Statistics

Studies have shown that gambling participation may actually be on the decline. The percentage of citizens engaging in gambling activities sharply declined from 77.8% in 2001 to just 61.5% in 2016.

The prevalence of problem gambling and potential gambling disorders also declined during this time, from 2% to 1.4%. As one might expect, the most popular form of gambling in the nation is still horse betting, with 12.5% of the population reporting to have engaged with the activity through Hong Kong online casinos.

However, though the popularity of betting shows a downward trend, the latest figures show that gamblers are betting higher wagers than ever before. As a result, the total gambling turnover in Hong Kong has nearly tripled since 2004.

It will be interesting, moving forward, to see how these figures continue to develop. Given recent political issues, it is uncertain whether or not the market will stay on the decline, stabilise, or be radically changed. Only time will tell.

In the meantime, it appears as though the market is still highly profitable – even with the downturn in popularity across the nation. Such profitability only further cements the HKJC’s monopoly, suggesting that any changes to the current system could represent a large loss in revenue for the country.

Gambling Resorts

As land-based casinos are illegal, there are no real gambling resorts, as such. Unlike other nations where you might expect to find luxurious hotels with land-based casinos, Hong Kong has no such establishments. Instead, you will have to content yourself with the nation’s racetracks.

While racetracks don’t quite amount to a gambling resort, they are among the only gambling establishments in the country. The bets placed at the tracks account for a large portion of the country’s revenue, and the flow of visitors shows no sign of stopping.

Happy Valley Racecourse

Built in 1845, the Happy Valley Racecourse is one of the oldest and most popular gambling attractions. It features two racecourses and can accommodate 55,000 spectators. It is also home to a variety of sports and leisure facilities, including football and hockey fields.

In 1996, the adjoining HKJC Archive and Museum was opened on the premises. This museum is home to a variety of exhibits on the nation’s history of horse racing, the anatomy of race horses, and the construction of the racecourse itself.

Races at the course are scheduled every Wednesday and are open to both the public and members of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The course is also home to a variety of bars and event venues, including a beer garden.

The course itself is, as the name implies, located in Happy Valley in the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong. This district is commonly known as “the heart of the city”, and is notable for its luxury shopping opportunities, arts centre, and government buildings.

Sha Tin Racecourse

Sha Tin Racecourse is the other of the two racecourses for horse racing in Hong Kong. It was built in 1978 on reclaimed land and is the larger of the two tracks in Hong Kong. The course hosts 474 races per season including the Hong Kong Cup, Mile and Sprint.

The racecourse was originally built with capacity for 35,000 spectators and one grandstand. However, it has now been expanded to accommodate for 85,000 spectators and two grandstands. It also has 20 stables which can hold up to 1,260 horses making it a truly large and impressive facility.

If there are more than ten races during the day or more than eight races during the night. Sha Tin Racecourse is mainly used for day races that take place during weekends and holidays.

The racecourse is served by Racecourse station on the Mass Transit Railway (MTR). Racecourse Station is only used on racing days and there are several bus routes that you can also take to get there.

Famous Hong Kong Gamblers

There aren’t a lot of famous players of Hong Kong online casinos, butas horse racing is the main form of gambling in Hong Kong it’s understandable that its most famous gamblers would all focus on horse betting. The most famous Hong Kong gambler is William ‘Bill’ Benter who is known for his success at horse racing.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Benter always wanted to use his mathematical talents to make a profit and started frequenting blackjack tables in Las Vegas after university. There he used his skills to count cards. Within seven years he was banned from every casino in Las Vegas.

Benter then met with Alan Woods, a like-minded gambler whose expertise in horse racing complemented Benter’s mathematical skills. The two became racing partners and in 1984, moved to Hong Kong. The pair created a formula for choosing race winners based on a statistical model which identified factors that could lead to successful race predictions.

Best Online Casino for Playing Real Money Games in Hong Kong

There are many safe online casinos Hong Kong players can visit. All of our recommended casinos prioritize security, game selection and bonus terms and conditions in order to deliver the best service possible to customers. Check out the top online casino for Hong Kong residents down below.

Scams.info

Alya Gray

Casino & Sports Editor at Scams.info

Alya first got introduced to online casinos through a friend, and as a homebody, she discovered the joys of playing table games from the comfort of her own home. Her degree in journalism comes in useful when researching her content, and she is our authority on international gambling markets.

I know it can be overwhelming to sort the good from the bad. So, if I can lend a hand with that, I'm happy to.

Most frequently asked Questions in Hong Kong

We’ve done our very best to bring you the most thorough and up-to-date information possible on this page, and hope to add online casinos reviews in Hong Kong soon. If there’s anything that still seems unclear, please feel free to read our frequently asked questions below.

What are the best online casinos in Hong Kong?

One of the main goals of this guide is to advise our readers on the best online casinos Hong Kong has to offer. Using our extensive judging criteria, we have come to a clear decision on the best casino in Kong Kong that we can recommend.

Which are the top 4 Hong Kong casinos?

Finding the right online casinos can take some time. We have tested all of the major online casinos which accept players from Hong Kong. In this guide we provide a detailed list of the top four casinos in Hong Kong in our guide.

Are online casinos legal in Hong Kong?

As we have stated already, it is illegal to gamble at Hong Kong based casinos. However, it’s not illegal for Hong Kong residents to gamble at offshore casinos. This is why it is vitally important to find a safe, trustworthy casino to visit.

Can I win real money at online casinos in Hong Kong?

Yes, you can win real money at Hong Kong casinos. Whenever you deposit or withdraw real money at Hong Kong online casinos it is important to use the right payment method for your purposes.

Which Hong Kong casino has the best payouts?

It is important to find an online casino that offers a fair payout rate. The overall payout rate of an operator is affected by the RTPs of its individual casino games. It is important to check the RTP of a casino game to see whether the odds are fair.