China Reports Gambling Operators Targeting Citizens

China’s Ministry of Public Security said it had observed a growing activity by offshore online casinos to recruit Chinese citizens for gambling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In an address last week, the ministry said that offshore gambling that targets its citizens are crimes that “seriously injure the public’s lawful rights and interests and seriously impact health, economic, and social development.”

Anyone found committing the crimes mentioned above would be punished. The general public has also been encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities. There is a sizeable reward for anyone who has any information leading to an arrest.

The ministry claims that offenses have gone up ever since the coronavirus pandemic started. 

The Rise In Black Market

Up until recent times, a good number of online gaming operators placed major emphasis on the Chinese market in Cambodia and the Philippines. 

But after much pressure, Cambodia’s authoritarian government decided to put an end to its online gaming sector. 

The Philippines followed suit by closing its online gaming industry last month. 

Nevertheless, black market operators are still targeting China from various parts of the world. Even operators with a license from Europe continuously engage with the Chinese Market, also though they might not mention it. 

These operators are increasing their Chinese marketing to take advantage of the void left by the Philippines and Cambodia.