If you’re the type who spends weekends watching a UFC card or catching up on AEW Dynamite, odds are you appreciate tension, strategy and a bit of chaos. So, it’s no surprise that many fans of these intense pastimes are also drawn to online casino games. And if you’re based in Hong Kong or just curious about how the region handles gambling, there’s one thing you should know: online casinos here operate under some of the strictest rules on the planet.
Well, this may sound surprising, especially because Hong Kong is a city that is so plugged into the digital world. Looking at the statistics, Meltwater suggests that more than 95% of its population uses the internet. And with the rise of online platforms like bestonlinecasino.com, accessing gambling experiences has never been as convenient. All you need is a smartphone and an excellent internet connection, and you’ll be good to go. But how do you get started?
Understand Hong Kong’s tight control on gambling
While Hong Kong maintains a tough stance towards gambling, not all forms are completely illegal. You can place a legal bet on horse racing, lottery or even football through the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). HKJC is the sole licensed operator allowed to offer betting services, both in-person and online. This legal monopoly was made possible after the Gambling Ordinance (Cap.148), which criminalizes all unauthorized gambling activities, was enforced.
The ordinance prohibits both online and on-site casino gaming and doesn’t provide licenses to operators. This explains the rise of offshore gambling sites in the region. Can you imagine that, according to legco.gov.hk, these sites have ever collected up to HK$80 billion in just one racing season? This is a complete pain to the local government, which is always seeking ways of collecting more revenue to fund its developmental needs.
That’s why placing a bet through a non-HKJC platform can be risky. Just recently, in June 2024, the region’s police arrested about 60 people in a crackdown over offshore platforms. And you may be surprised to learn that by that time, these websites had raked in HK$ 460 million in illegal bets since the start of 2024.
So, how are people still playing?
As you have already read, players can access gambling experiences through offshore platforms. Of course, even with vigorous enforcement, the internet is hard to police completely. Especially now that technology has advanced, accessing restricted websites is possible. One way many Hong Kongers are doing this is through virtual private networks (VPNs), which hide your IP address and let you browse the internet as if you’re in another country.
If you use a VPN and connect through a server in, say, the UK, you can access sites that would usually be blocked in Hong Kong. It could be the reason DemandSage thinks that 26% of internet users in this region use VPNs. But remember, virtual private networks do not make online casinos legal in Hong Kong.
Another aspect you shouldn’t ignore is payment methods. Since the Chinese FX regulator expects banks to monitor for cross-border financial activities like cross-border gambling, users often avoid direct credit card transactions. Instead, they turn to e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller to move money in and out of offshore accounts.
Never ignore online security
Accessing an overseas gambling site that’s not accountable to the Hong Kong local government can be risky for players. This can actually expose you to scams, which may lead to unnecessary financial and personal information losses. And mark you: The more popular the gambling industry becomes, the more cybercriminals become interested in it.
A report by TransUnion Africa released along these lines noted that mobile casinos and betting platforms worldwide lost about $1.2 billion to cyberattacks between 2022 and 2023 alone. That’s why you must be cautious with the overseas platform in question.
If you’re going to play, do it on platforms that are licensed by respected authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission. These licenses always require casinos to meet specific standards for fairness and data protection, making it possible to gamble with peace of mind.
And never underestimate the power of community forums. Just like wrestling and MMA fans gather on Reddit to talk, smack and share fight predictions, online gambling forums are full of helpful information. They help review casinos and recommend safe payment methods.
Beyond the simplistic slots and blackjack
You will agree that keeping the gameplay fresh is among the major draws of online casinos. No one wants to play the same title over and over. If you engage in a slot game today, you may want to explore more contemporary genres like crash games in the coming days.
And if you’re a wrestling fan, trying out themed slots can be handy. Titles, like WWE Legends: Link & Win, help ensure you have an experience beyond just the traditional spinning of the reels. The bonus rounds, styled like in-ring matchups, ensure the energy of the sport is preserved, even when you’re gambling.
You may also want to consider whether the platform allows betting on wrestling. Given that finding a wagering platform can be challenging, websites that combine casino and betting experiences are always great alternatives.
Clearly, the casino ecosystem in Hong Kong isn’t like that in Vegas or Macau. And as much as everything outside the HKJC is technically illegal, thousands of people still play every day using VPNs and offshore sites. For wrestling fans in this region seeking extra entertainment in online casinos, checking for factors like security, licenses and reliable payment methods can always be handy.
