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Where to Bet Safely in China and Which Online Bookmakers to Join?

Gambling in China in the best betting sites is now possible. Take a look at our chart to see which bookmakers make our rank list of best Chinese bookies.

1xBet
888CNY with code "SILENTBET"
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Features Show all
  • Cashout
  • Live Streaming
  • Live Betting
  • Casino
  • E-Sports
  • Live Casino
  • Poker
  • Virtual Sports
  • Bet Builder
  • Lottery
22Bet
Get up to ¥1,000
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Features Show all
  • Live Betting
  • Cashout
  • Casino
  • E-Sports
  • Live Casino
  • Bet Builder
  • Boosted Odds
  • Live Streaming
  • Poker
  • Virtual Sports
Megapari
¥910 with code "GETMORE"
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Features
  • Cashout
  • E-Sports
  • Live Betting
MELbet
Up to ¥1,000 bonus
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Features Show all
  • Live Streaming
  • Live Betting
  • Casino
  • E-Sports
  • Live Casino
  • Cashout
  • Virtual Sports
  • Partial Cash out
  • Poker
BetWinner
¥1,154 with code "SILENTBET"
18+ T&C apply | Play Responsibly
Features Show all
  • Live Streaming
  • Live Betting
  • Cashout
  • Casino
  • E-Sports
  • Live Casino
  • Poker
  • Virtual Sports

Best Bookies in China Ranked

  1. 1xbet – Best bookie for China
  2. 22bet – Lots of niche betting markets for China
  3. Megapari – High odds sportsbook
  4. Melbet – Ideal for new Chineses bettors
  5. Betwinner – Wide range of promotions

China’s TOP bookmakers

Now that gambling is not allowed in China’s mainland, the question of where to bet in China is common. To answer it, you need to go through the below list of top betting sites in the country.

1xbet

1xbet virtual horse betting  

The Curacao-licensed 1xbet bookmaker was founded in 2011. Since its inception, the casino has several licenses to offer gambling services to a vast clientele base. Some of its popular betting options include lottery, e-sports, poker, casino, live casino, and sports. Cognizant of the betting world’s competitive nature, 1xBet offers excellent odds to its punters in Hong Kong, Malaysian, Fractional, American, and Decimal formats.

  • Pros
  • Relatively fast withdrawals
  • A huge assortment of payment methods
  • Supports cash out and multi-live streaming options
  • Offers more than 50 different sports
  • Cons
  • Offer relatively low odds on secondary bets
  • Has an unnecessarily tough KYC policy

22bet

22bet in play football  

Of course, no list of the best betting sites in China will be complete without an entry with 22bet bookmaker. This brand is now popular not only in Europe but also in Asia. You can clearly see where’s the appeal. The bookie offers lots of sports betting events from top leagues. There are also local events covered. Plus, the markets that include different types of Handicap appeal to Chinese players without a doubt.

  • Pros
  • Great for beginners
  • Simple site design
  • Uncomplicated bonus rules
  • Cons
  • Somewhat slow support

Megapari

Megapari Navigation  

Megapari is one of the best bookmakers in China. Having been established in 2019. Its betting products include sports, casino games, live casino dealers, lottery, poker, and e-sports. Also, Megapari is well known for its high odds, making it a preference for many Chinese punters.

  • Pros
  • Fast withdrawals processed in 24 hours
  • Offers dedicated mobile apps
  • Its customer support is available 24/7
  • Offers both sports and casino products in addition to e-sports and virtual sports
  • Cons
  • Cluttered on desktop

Melbet

Melbet American football betting  

Next on our top-Chinese-bookmakers list is a new brand with lots of potential. We are talking about Melbet and its sportsbook and casino that come under the same roof. The platform is translated to Chinese to accommodate punters from that country. So if you speak Mandarin, it will be a breeze to browse this betting site. Look for promotions targeting players from China. Don’t forget to use our special bonus code as well to claim better rewards.

  • Pros
  • Refreshing theme
  • Competitive odds
  • Lots of markets for sports
  • Cons
  • Not enough jackpot games

Betwinner

Betwinner Dota 2  

If you like betting on sites like 22bet, 1xbet and Melbet, then consider our next entry as well. In fact, Betwinner falls nothing short when compared with the big names in the betting business. The platform is optimised for any desktop or mobile device. Plus, there are apps for Android and iOS that will make it possible for punters from China to bet on the go. Check out Betwinner’s promo section if you want to find exclusive promotions for China.

  • Pros
  • Lots of specials and betting offers
  • Stand-alone mobile apps
  • Diverse payments methods
  • Cons
  • Slow withdrawals for some payment options

What to consider when choosing a Betting Site in China?

Although illegal, you should check on the most popular bookmakers in China as they offer the best. To do this, ask yourself the below important questions:

  • What is the reputation of the bookie?
  • Does it offer good odds?
  • What methods of payment does the bookmaker support?
  • Is there a transaction fee on winnings?
  • What bonuses can I claim at the bookmaker?
  • Currency: Renminbi denoted as RMBL (¥)
  • Population: 1,444,216,107
  • Active Players: Not estimation available
  • Designated Authority: China’s Ministry of Finance for the National Lottery
  • Regulated Gambling Products: Since gambling in mainland China is illegal, particular administrative areas like Macau and Hong Kong where Chinese citizens gamble offer casino, poker, bingo, lottery, sports, and fantasy betting
  • Types of Operators: Government-regulated lottery in mainland China, land-based casinos in Macau and Hongkong, online casinos, and bingo halls in the two regions

Did you know that?

  • The Chinese government has banned all forms of gambling in mainland China
  • The Government of China operates the Welfare Lottery and the Sports Lottery only, and the two are not considered gambling.
  • Millions of Chinese gamble in special regions of China-Macau and Hong Kong
  • Although part of China, Hong Kong is governed by British Law while Macau is under Portuguese law.

Gambling in China

cn flag

Gambling in China is banned and only happen illegally. The two forms of gaming available in the country are under the control of the government. These include the Welfare and the Sports Lotteries. Apart from these two, there are no other gambling activities that citizens of China can participate in.

However, the citizens within the mainland China have always banked on Hong Kong and Macau for their gambling activities. These two special administrative regions are part of China, but they are largely under their colonizers’ laws. This gives them the chance to practice gambling without much pointing of fingers.

Gambling in China is illegal. The banning happened in 1949 when the Communist Party of China took office after the Chinese Civil War. After assuming office, the government was very swift in banning all forms of gambling in the country. However, there are two national lotteries that are operational at the moment. Interestingly, the Chinese government does not consider these as a form of gambling whatsoever.

To quench their gambling thirst, The Chinese citizens have largely flocked the betting avenues in Macau and Hong Kong. These two have been on the receiving end of the more than USD145 billion spent by the Chinese in gambling.


Do Chinese Players get restricted by some bookmakers? Why?

Most responsible online bookmakers that operate outside China are cautious in accepting Chinese nationals into their gambling platforms. This is because none of these bookmakers will ever obtain a license in the country. However, most offshore bookmakers accept the Chinese who use VPN to reach their servers.

How much tax do you pay on gambling winnings in China?

Since gambling in China is illegal, all the clandestine gambling winnings go untaxed. However, punters who play at the Chinese Lotteries and win more than 10,000RMB pay a tax of 20%.

About The Gambling Market

The banning of gambling in China has re-focused the whole market to Hong Kong and Macau. A better part of the market has also gone to offshore bookmarkers, which are reachable through a VPN. Thus, we can only weigh the competition of the market in these two ways. Without a doubt, the offshore bookies are trying their best to outdo each other. As days go by, more of the bookmakers are entering the market with great offers, bonuses and games.

On the same, it’s worth noting that the Welfare and the Sports Lotteries in the country offer punters a chance to play a variety of casino games and sports.

The several reliable betting companies that work hard to bring you betting services in China have added some spices to their games to appeal to you. This spicing up manifests itself in several unique features that you can use as you play. These include:

  • Live Streaming – Live streaming involves broadcasting the game live as it happens. This takes place at the bookmakers’ website and goes a long way in boosting punter’s winning chances.
  • Cash-Out – Do you sense an imminent loss of a bet? Worry less as you can save some amount before the loss actualizes. This is only possible through the cash-out option that many reliable betting companies offer.
  • In-Play – All the top betting sites in China offer live betting. This is placing bets on games that are happening in real-time. With this, you can make informed betting choices thanks to all game stats at your disposal.

Available Bonuses for Chinese Players

Many top betting sites in China offer their players great welcome bonuses. However, it would be hard for us to get the exact values since betting happens in a heavily clandestine environment. However, 1XBet, Paimatch, and other sites offer attractive welcome bonuses, discounts, and reload offers to their Chinese customers.


The Favourite Sports of the Chinese Punters

Chinese bettors have great taste in sports. Most popular bookmakers in China stock football, rugby, volleyball, wushu, martial arts, basketball, and many other sports that these bookmakers offer. Besides, the same sports are available in Sports Lottery, the only allowed gaming avenue in China.


Are Online Casinos Popular on the Market?

Online casinos are top-rated in the country, as indicated by the illegal access by offshore bookmakers. The accessible casinos offer punters all sorts of casino games, slots, jackpots, table games, and poker.


Currency and Preferred Payment Methods in China

The reliable betting companies in China use the Renminbi as the standard currency in all betting activities. This currency is used in several payment methods that include credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfer methods. The payment methods are uncountable as the bettors from mainland China are many, and they need convenience.


Bookies with Mobile Apps for Chinese Customers

Most of the best bookmakers in China with examples of Megapari, 1xBet offer mobile apps to their punters. These apps work well for Android and iOS users, and they offer players a wide range of betting options from the casino, live casino to well-equipped sportsbooks.

However, the government has taken strict moves to curb gambling in the country to the extent of blocking such apps on both the App Store and the Google Play Store.


Final Comments

China is the most populated country globally and has one of the highest technological growth rates globally. These two put its population in a great temptation to involve themselves in gambling activities. However, the government’s ban instituted last in 1980 is stringent and deals with gamblers ruthlessly. This is a bit harsh on the people who live in a ‘republic’ as they should have some free will.


FAQs

Is gambling in China legal?

Gambling in China is not legal. It was banned in 1949 when the Communist Party took power after the China Civil War.

Can I play on any offshore bookmakers in China?

Despite being illegal, punters in mainland China can still use offshore bookmakers to gamble. However, these are usually blocked, and the punters result from using a VPN service to access the sites.

Where do I bet in China?

Due to strict regulations, the question of where to bet in China is common among its citizens. Simply, it happens in the Welfare and Sports Lotteries. Alternatively, you can visit Hong Kong or Macau or use offshore bookmakers through a VPN service.

How much taxes do gamblers in China pay?

Gambling in China is clandestine, and thus, not taxes are payable to the government.

Which are the best bookmakers in China?

There are several god bookies in China. Some include the ones discussed above – Megapari, 1xBet, Betwinner among a handful of others.


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    Author: Katerina Gadzheva
    Certified Betting Expert
    Katerina Gadzheva
    Katerina has 10+ years of experience in iGaming. She has been a player long before that. Using her skills as a content writer and first-hand knowledge of the online gambling industry, she reviews and compares online casinos for Silentbet.