Despite Macau being one of the gambling capitals of the world, and although still hugely popular in the country, casino gambling is still officially a crime under Chinese law. In theory however, Chinese citizens can participate in state-run lotteries and engage in legal gambling in the regions of Hong Kong and Macau, which were initially run by the UK and Portugal respectively, where the rules are slightly more relaxed. These destinations are also more tourist-heavy, generating further income for the country.

Asian slot machines, both online and inside casinos, are one of the most popular genres for gamers across the globe, and they’re equally popular in China despite the region’s restrictions. As the rules in countries such as Singapore, Vietnam and soon to be Japan relax, it allows more people to move into the market, both inside and outside the continent – and hopefully soon people may be able to listen to things like this podcast episode in Japanese about one of the online casino options out there and be able to sign up and start enjoying it themselves.

In an interview with CalvinAyre.com, Kelvin Chiu of Asia Gaming said “Slot games are getting very popular in Asia at the moment and it’s growing very fast. Previously, it was just the baccarat game and live dealer. It was just one thing in Asia. But now, the young people, they [have] started [having] fun with the slot machines. They start trusting the slot machine.”

Almost two years ago, and at long last, the nation of Vietnam relaxed their rules on gambling, providing that its citizens meet certain minimum income requirements. However, none of these new casinos have yet opened to date. Currently, Vietnam has eight small, licensed, casinos available alongside 20 slot clubs that generate around US$300 million of annual gaming revenue.
Vietnam has 95 million residents, many of whom originally had to travel to nearby countries, such as Cambodia, if they wanted to try their luck.

Despite being heavily anti-gambling for years, earlier this year lawmakers in Japan passed a bill officially allowing casinos to operate in the country. Initially, the country legalised casinos in 2016, however a further law was needed to clarify certain regulations before gambling resorts in the vein of Las Vegas could be approved. The plan is to build them alongside swimming pools, nightclubs, hotels and restaurants to have a more positive impact. Also, controversially, Japanese nationals will each be charged a fee per visit as a way of combatting gambling addiction. This takes the focus off the gambling aspect and more onto the entertainment factor.

It looks like gambling in Asia is a long way from where places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City are, but as a whole, the continent is getting there. Be sure to head to https://games.paddypower.com/c/blackjack for the best online games! Let us know what you thought and remember to share it with your friends!