China

China's online gambling market is strict — gambling in the country is illegal, and the only exceptions are the two state-run lotteries: the Welfare Lottery and the Sports Lottery. However, Chinese nationals can gamble in two special administrative regions of the People's Republic, Macau and Hong Kong. The Chinese government's staunchly anti-gambling stance has had a profound influence far beyond the country's borders, with nearby countries often targeting Chinese tourists with their land-based casinos. Despite the restrictions, however, Chinese players are famously happy to visit offshore platforms, particularly enjoying Chinese-speaking live dealer games based in the Philippines. Macau A former Portuguese colony, Macau is often called "the Las Vegas of Asia," and its 41 casinos, millions of tourists, and countless neon lights seem to fully justify the moniker. Unlike Vegas, Macanese establishments focus on attracting high-stakes professional gamblers rather than casual players. Despite its status as a legendary gambling destination, online casinos are banned on the island, with the local regulatory agency issuing a public warning in 2015. Hong Kong Hong Kong is the other special administrative region of China, enjoying a relatively high degree of autonomy. Gambling is legal, but strictly regulated. All forms of betting are under the monopoly of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, while casino gaming is restricted to dedicated cruise ships — and even there, only when outside the island's territorial waters. Online casinos remain illegal, and the government is known to take action against black market operators.

South Korea

South Korea's online gambling market is subject to stringent regulations. Online gambling is outright banned, while land-based establishments are only open to foreign nationals, with the sole exception of Kangwon Land.The legal framework regarding gambling is simple: unless it's expressly permitted, it's illegal. Aside from the aforementioned land-based casinos, the only forms of gambling allowed are the lottery and betting on horse racing and bullfighting — and all are subject to monopoly. Illegal gambling — and betting — is punishable with fines and prison sentences; websites targeting South Korean players get blacklisted, and their bank transactions are swiftly blocked.