Gaming Regulations in the Asia-Pacific Region (APAC)
Countries in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region are taking steps towards legalizing gambling. A recent example is Thailand, a country that has had a long-held ban on gambling. There, the government recently voted on a proposal permitting casinos to be opened as part of entertainment complexes targeting tourists. And while the proposal is still far from being approved, it nonetheless highlights a significant policy U-turn.
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Thailand isn’t the only country in the APAC region that, on the one hand, has legacy bans on all or most forms of gambling and, on the other, actively considers measures to loosen these restrictions. That’s why Sumsub has prepared this guide to help you navigate the changing gambling landscape in the APAC region.
China
Is gambling legal?
No, but there are two special administrative regions where gambling is allowed.
Overview
Gambling was outlawed in China by the Communist Party in 1949. However, there are two special administrative regions of mainland China, Macau and Hong Kong, where gambling is allowed.
In order to operate in Macau, a company has to get incorporated in the region’s system as a limited liability company with share capital of at least MOP 5 billion (approximately $621.6 million). On top of that, at least 15% of the company’s shares have to be held by Macau permanent residents.
In Hong Kong, special administrative bodies can provide licenses for horse racing, lotteries, and sports betting.
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Japan
Is gambling legal?
Most activities are illegal, but there are steps towards legalization being taken.
Overview
Just like Thailand, Japan is planning to open special territories where gambling will be allowed. In April 2023, Japan approved a proposal to build the country’s first gambling resort in Osaka. This initiative could become the first Integrated Resort (IR) created after the country’s parliament enacted special law in 2018. This IR will be an entertainment complex consisting of a casino, hotel, conference center, shopping mall, and museum.
Certain types of activities, such as sports betting, lotteries, and pachinko (a mechanical game similar to slot machines), are allowed in Japan.
India
Is gambling legal?
Yes, but it depends on the local regulations of a given state. There are three main types of gambling in the country: lottery and horse racing, land based casinos, and online gambling.
Overview
As each state has its own right to regulate gambling activities, there are several territories in India where businesses can open casinos. This includes Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Goa, where companies need to apply for a license in order to open a casino.
When it comes to online gambling, India has only recently instituted a clear regulatory framework. In 2023, India introduced a new set of rules intending to create self-regulatory bodies to oversee the sector.
Philippines
Is gambling legal?
Yes.
Overview
Gambling was legalized in 1975, when the Decree №1067-a, was signed and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) was established. This is a regulatory body that operates, authorizes, and licenses gambling activities. These activities were legalized in order to develop the economy by attracting tourists and containing illegal gambling.
In order to obtain a license, companies must submit the application to PAGCOR. Citizens of the Philippines are only allowed to play at land-based casinos regulated by PAGCOR. The specific requirements and fees for the license vary depending on the type activities a company is planning to pursue in the country.
Vietnam
Is gambling legal?
No, but there are specially assigned territories where tourists can play.
Overview
As a general rule, gambling is illegal in Vietnam. However, Vietnam has opened 10 casinos and 23 electronic gaming clubs which are meant for tourists and generally prohibited for Vietnamese citizens.
It should be noted that Vietnam has not implemented a regulatory framework for gambling. As a result, there’s no regulatory body overseeing such activities and no universal licensing structure.
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Thailand
Is gambling legal?
No, but there are plans to open casinos in special entertainment complexes.
Overview
The government recently voted on a proposal permitting casinos to be opened as part of entertainment complexes targeting tourists, which is now going to be sent to the cabinet for final approval. The idea of these complexes is to attract tourists through multiple entertainment facilities, not limited to gambling. However, even if this proposal is approved, it will still take several years for legal casinos to be opened in Thailand.
Even though gambling in Thailand is still technically illegal, the government realizes that there are illegal casinos functioning across the country. Moreover, Thai citizens often travel to bordering countries where gambling is allowed. For these reasons, the country’s parliament has commissioned a study to examine the net benefits of introducing legal, land-based gambling.
Laos
Is gambling legal?
Illegal for citizens; foreigners are allowed to play in special economic zones.
Overview
Laotian citizens are not allowed to engage in gambling activities.. However, as gambling attracts tourists from neighboring countries, the government has built specially-designated facilities close to its borders. One popular destination is Savannakhet, which is close to Thailand. A similar approach is taken to online gambling, where Laotian companies can serve customers outside of the country, but not citizens of Laos.
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Australia
Is gambling legal?
Yes. Companies wishing to operate in the country must obtain a license.
Overview
Gambling in Australia, including online wagering, sports betting, and lotteries, is strictly regulated and subject to licensing. Online gambling is regulated in Australia on a federal level, while land-based gambling in Australia is regulated at the state, territory, and federal levels.
Some licensing requirements include:
- A legal entity based in Australia
- Opening an Australian bank account
- Minimum share capital
- A monthly income declaration
- Regulatory compliance with local state laws
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New Zealand
Is gambling legal?
Yes. However, it is highly regulated.
Overview
All legal gambling activities are prescribed by the Gambling Act of 2003 and several amendments. All activities not specified in this law are considered illegal in New Zealand.
To participate in lotteries and sports betting, individuals must be over 18. In order to play in a casino, a person must be over 20.
Gambling activities are divided into four classes, which are assigned according to the size of the company and its profits. You can learn more about each class here.
Other countries
While many APAC countries have either legalized gambling or created special areas for gambling, many still ban it completely. This includes Bangladesh, Brunei, Indonesia, the Maldives, and Pakistan.
