A Detailed Guide to the Best Online Casino HK
There are some great betting options available all over the world, especially in Asia. But what is available to players in Hong Kong. In this guide, we’ll be covering the best online casino HK has to offer.
There are plenty of great options to choose from, and we’ll be covering the absolute best. We will also take a look at what online gambling is like in Hong Kong, and what the general laws are surrounding betting in Hong Kong. By the time you finish reading this page, you’ll be aware of everything there is to know about online gambling in Hong Kong.
The Best Online Casino HK Platforms
In Hong Kong, there are plenty of reputable and reliable online casinos you can play with. We’ve reviewed each of the brands below and they have our seal of approval: we’d recommend checking out all of these online casinos in your own time.
- Minimum $10 deposit
- 35x wagering requirement
- Multiple other deposit bonuses
- Minimum €20 deposit
- 30x wagering
- Minimum €20 deposit
- Available across 5 deposits
- Free spins spread across 10 days
- Welcome bonus: 200% up to $2000
- 35x wagering
- Valid for 30 days
- 100% deposit match up to €2,000
- 40x wagering
- Regular promos
Gambling Laws in Hong Kong
Current law in regards to gambling in Hong Kong is still quite strict. Essentially, only providers that are fully licensed and strictly regulated by the appropriate bodies are allowed to run their business in Hong Kong. Any other online casino, Hong Kong has completely barred on a national level. So, what about using online casino Hong Kong platforms? Well, that is where it can be a little confusing for many Hong Kong residents.
The truth is, online gambling in Hong Kong is mostly illegal. What that means, is playing online with certain online platforms, and with certain online casinos, is illegal. However, as long as you are on the premises of a regulated and registered casino in Hong Kong, betting on these platforms is legal. For example, if you were at a casino in the heart of Hong Kong, you would be wager online in the premises of the casino. However, if you are outside the regulated premises, then what you are doing is illegal gambling.
Hong Kong is relatively new to the gambling world, which is why the laws are still so strict. There is also a history of various illegal gambling trades in the country, so the government seems to clamp down on all gambling activities as a result.
Physical Casinos
Physical casinos are permitted in Hong Kong. However, as we mentioned earlier, they are heavily regulated and licensed to make sure all the gambling activities on them are safe. Currently, there are 15 online casinos that are running fully legally and within the jurisdiction of Hong Kong.
There are several more available on cruise ships also, that would commonly sail to and from Hong Kong. Some of the more popular options include Dragon War Gaming Association and Groupe Casino Limited. These casinos also house many popular online casino HK platforms, such as 22Bet and 1xBet.
Online Casinos
As we mentioned earlier, the online casino world is a little more muddy. Normally, under most circumstances, online casinos are completely illegal. In the case of, you cannot simply sign up to an online platform on your mobile phone at home. What you can do, however, is sign up at a land based casino on one of their computers.
In some of the land based casinos we mentioned above, such as Groupe Casino Limited, you can sign up to online casino HK platforms while on registered and monitored property. So, you’ll have to make your way to one of these trusted casinos to start the sign up process!
Future Changes
Fortunately enough, there are changes coming to online gambling legislation in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is expected to pass more and more online gambling safety legislation, to ensure the safety of its citizens when gambling online.
This looks to further reduce the regulations placed on online gambling, so that people can possibly bet wherever they wish. Hong Kong earns millions in tax dollars from taxes on land based casino winnings, so it is likely that they will pass these regulations soon over the coming years.
Casino Bonuses for Players in Hong Kong
While online gambling activity is a little restricted in Hong Kong, that does not mean the bonuses have to be. There is a decent range of bonuses you can claim across Hong Kong casino platforms. Matched deposit bonuses look to be the most popular, with platforms routinely offering matched deposit bonuses upon sign up – this could be a 100% deposit bonus or 200% deposit bonus. There are other bonuses available, like free spin offers, but when it comes to online casino HK bonuses, you’ll probably find more matched deposit bonuses than anything else.
Deposit Bonuses
This is the most popular form of bonus you’ll find in Hong Kong. You have plenty of options to choose from and it is as simple as it sounds: your first (or subsequent) deposit will be matched by the casino, giving you extra to play with. These usually have some terms attached, such as wagering requirements, before bonus funds can be withdrawn.
Free Spins
Free spins are also quite common among major online casinos. This is ideal if you enjoy online slots as it will give you a certain number of spins on a specific title for free. Again, winnings that derive from these spins will almost always need to be wagered.
No Deposit Bonuses
Currently, there aren’t many online casino HK sites that offer no deposit bonuses. We believe this is just a lack of depth in the market, there just aren’t enough reputable online casinos to produce no deposit bonuses. The online casinos that are legal and reputable also seem to be focusing on other bonuses, such as matched deposit bonuses, and free spins.
However, casinos like Stake offer regular promotions, such as raffles, which is another way to get extra winnings.
How We Review Online Casino Hong Kong Platforms
When reviewing all of these platforms, we take certain factors into accounts. These include factors we focus on anytime we are reviewing a new online casino, and are essentials that must be covered.
However, we also take into account where the online casino is based. So, in this case, we also make sure that the online casino is operating and regulated under Hong Kong state law before we proceed with our review. The major factors we will be looking at includes:
- Safety/Security
- Range of Games
- The payment methods that are available
We also look at other smaller factors, such as customer service, and bonus offers, but those are the major three we try to focus on for every online casino HK platform we are reviewing.
In order to see if an online casino is regulated by Hong Kong, there’s only one thing you have to do. If you’re online, scroll to the bottom banner of the online casino page. You should see a symbol for ‘the Home and Youth Affair Bureau’. This is the bureau in charge of regulating and licensing all gambling activity in Hong Kong, so if the seal of approval is on the casino, they are licensed properly.
Popular Hong Kong Casino Games
In Hong Kong, they certainly have a taste for a few specific games. If you ever spend any extended time there, or live there, then you will quickly learn about their love of Baccarat. Baccarat is a continent wide-sensation in Asia, particularly in the island of Macau off the coast in China.
The same can be said in Hong Kong, but the taste in Hong Kong goes beyond Baccarat.
Unique games such as Mahjong and Sic Po are also popular in Hong Kong, but you have some classic favourites as well. You’ll see, across many land based casinos and online casinos, the popularity of slots and roulettes in casino. Perhaps it’s the bright colours of slots, the unpredictable nature of roulette or the high end technology, but we find in Hong Kong, those are the two classic games that players gravitate towards. But, none seem to top baccarat.
Baccarat
Baccarat has become, without a doubt, the single most popular online casino game in Hong Kong, and all across Asia. Although it originates from Italy and France, it blew up in popularity in Asia. In fact, you would be surprised to know that a staggering 90% of Hong Kong casino revenue actually comes from baccarat!
We believe baccarat is popular for a few reasons. It is a simple game to play, it has a low house edge and it does not involve much strategy. It is a fast paced game that can be over with in a matter of minutes, giving many Hong Kong players a thrill of playing the game without too much time pondering or strategising, like you would in poker.
Mahjong
Mahjong is an iconic Chinese game that has been enjoyed for millennia, and it comes as no surprise that many online casinos have adopted it to online form for online Hong Kong players. The objective of Mahjong is to complete sets or pairs from a group of 144 tiles, and the winner is the person who has the most sets when players run out of tiles.
A blend of both chance and strategy makes this game very entertaining, with some thought being required when playing against other players. That link to tradition also makes it appealing to many online casino HK players, who would often opt for the more cultural Mahjong then the more western Poker game.
Slots
Online slots offer a low stakes, high reward gambling thrill that will consistently make them a hit wherever in the world you are. They are particularly a hit in Hong Kong, however, as slots are perfect for the casual gambler. Not only is it a game of pure chance, it is a game that involves very low effort. All you do is click the play button, and let the machine spin the reels for you.
The introduction of more themed slots, such as dragons, lucky symbols or ancient traditions, further appeal to the culture present in Hong Kong.
Online Casino Hong Kong Payments
Casino payments in Hong Kong are also a fairly straightforward process. Hong Kong, like many other Asian countries, have a more progressive and regulated look at many currencies. Of course, the most likely payment form you will find on online casinos is debit and credit card. These will be available across the board, on all legal online casino HK platforms.
However, cryptocurrencies are a different story. Cryptocurrencies are legal in Hong Kong, but they are not considered legal tender. They are considered a Virtual Asset (VA), which muddies the availability of it for transactions with online casinos. You also have limited eWallets available for online casinos, however it does depend on the eWallet that you can use. You also have the Octopus Card, which is a Hong Kong exclusive digital wallet card.
Cryptocurrencies
As we mentioned before, crypto is considered a Virtual Asset in Hong Kong, rather than a currency. So, what does that mean? Will that affect my ability to deposit and withdraw on an online casino? Well, that means it is exchangeable for goods and services, and it can be used for trading and investment purposes. However, with the strict laws on gambling in Hong Kong currently, it is currently unavailable to use as a payment method at online casino HK platforms. However, with the progressive mindset towards crypto, and changing gambling laws, we could see that changing in the near future.
Digital Wallets
There are many international digital wallets available in Hong Kong, and ones you can easily use for your online casino use. These include popular options like PayPal, Skrill and Neteller. But, if you’re looking for a convenient option, you can also use your Octopus Card.
The Octopus Card is the most versatile card you can have. With it being used to pay for public transport, groceries, and general day to day use, it can also be used on your online casino Hong Kong websites. This could be the most convenient digital wallet you could use as a Hong Kong resident, as many residents use their Octopus Card for practically everything.
Traditional Methods
Of course, you could just use the more traditional methods to guarantee all your transfers are safe. All casinos based in Hong Kong, land based or online, will offer debit and credit card, so you can take advantage of that quite easily. You can use both Visa and Mastercard as both deposit and withdrawal methods. You can also use American Express if you have a card, as it is widely available in Hong Kong.
There is also the option of using a direct bank transfer for your deposits or withdrawals. You will just have to accept that it will take a while for money to transfer to and from your online casino account. However, it is the safest payment measure that you can make, with bank encryption being involved in the money transfers.
Tips for Choosing Casinos in Hong Kong
There are a couple of pointers to keep in mind when choosing your online casino HK platform. We keep in mind that enjoyability is everything for a player, so all of these factors are enjoyable, and helpful for a player when they’re using an online casino.
VIP Schemes
It always adds so much to your gambling to know you are being rewarded for it. A good online casino will offer you some rewards for your wagering, in the form of a VIP programme that gives back.
These loyalty programmes include offering new bonus offers, real time rewards, discounts and special VIP customer support for the customer. A VIP program is not a must-have, but it certainly makes a huge difference.
Customer Support
A helpful and responsive customer service is a must have. The customer service should be easy to get in touch with, be quick to respond and be able to resolve any issues you may have. The more methods available, the better.
If an online casino HK website is offering you a live chat, a telephone and an email, great. That’s three different ways you can contact them, and we’re confident a platform like that will take the time to help you.
Games
Of course, having the best games out there is a huge part of choosing an online casino. Not only should an online casino HK website have a quantity of games, but there should be quality games to be found.
Games that are developed by the likes of NetEnt and Pragmatic Play are usually great, so any provider that uses those developers are worth investing in. As well as having a good range, and plenty of live gaming options available.
A Closer Look at a Recommended Hong Kong Online Casino
If you’re looking for an online casino based in Hong Kong that has it all, look no further than Platin Casino. This is a fully-licensed betting site that has a huge range of casino games and a very strong live dealer lobby. On top of that, as a new player you can grab a strong welcome bonus. You can click the link below to get started and register for an account.
18+ New Players Only. Minimum deposit: $20 (or currency equivalent). Welcome Bonus: 100% up to €500 plus 200 free spins on Big Bass Bonanza. Free spins are awarded over four consecutive days. Maximum bonus €500. 40x wagering. Bonuses are active for 7 days. Full terms apply. BeGambleAware.org.
Online Casino HK Summary
- Gambling in Hong Kong is strict. Land based casinos are highly regulated, and any online gambling needs to take place on the premises of a land based casino
- There are only select few casino bonuses available, mainly free spins and matched deposit bonuses
- There is a wide range of payment methods for players, including traditional and digital wallets such as the Octopus Card. Crypto is currently unavailable as a payment method
- Baccarat is the most popular game in Hong Kong, followed closely by Mahjong and slot games
- Platin Casino is one of the best online casino HK platforms
Frequently Asked Questions
Keen on learning more? We have answered some common questions below.
It is, but it is highly regulated. Only certain land based casinos are allowed to run, and any online gambling must take place on the premises of a land based casino.
As always, this is a matter of personal taste, but we highly recommend Platin Casino for a licensed and varied experience.
You can play with real money at Hong Kong casinos. Just make sure that it is a tenable currency, and not crypto, which is seen as a virtual asset (VA).
