FreeSpin Logo
Is Online Gambling Legal in Asia? A Country-by-Country Guide

Is Online Gambling Legal in Asia? A Country-by-Country Guide

Online Lottery

Online gambling and betting are becoming popular across the Asia Pacific region. Due to the rise in internet and mobile device consumption among people, especially teenagers, the gambling market has sped up. Although people enjoy online gaming like casinos and other slot games, there is a lack of proper gambling laws in Asia, considering betting limitations. In this blog, you will learn about the legal betting countries, along with facts & myths about online betting. 
laws

Legal Betting Countries in Asia: facts & myths 

An overview of the legal betting countries in Asia.where gambling law Asia is officially regulated and permitted.


  1. Philippines  

Fact: 

  • Legal under PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation).

  • Both land-based and online operators are licensed.

  • POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) serve foreign players legally. 


  1. Macau (China SAR) 

Fact: 

  • Known as the Gambling Capital of Asia.

  • Land-based casinos are fully legal and regulated.

  • Online gambling is still not officially licensed in Macau, but foreign-licensed online casinos are accessible without penalties for players.


  1. Georgia

Fact: 

  • Casinos (both physical and online), along with poker and sports betting, are permitted and operate legally.

  • Regulated by the Georgian Revenue Service. 


  1. Armenia 

Fact: 

  • All the online gambling games are legal and licensed with proper state regulation that ensures tax contributions and player protections. 


Asian nations where gambling is prohibited, but offshore platforms continue to operate and make money


  1. China 
  • While online gambling games are prohibited in China, state lotteries are permitted.

  • Offshore platforms still serve millions of players.

  • Myth: Offshore licensed casinos are legal for Chinese players.

  • Reality: It doesn’t matter if a site is licensed. It is still considered illegal for Chinese citizens.


  1. India 
  • In India, the law regarding gambling is not the same in every state. 


  • Once again, offshore sportsbooks and casino sites represent a large audience. 


  • Myth: People believe betting is legal. Because some states permit it legally. 


  • Reality: Only the Sikkim and Nagaland state laws permit online betting. Other states are still considered illegal. 


  1. Thailand 
  • State lottery and horse races are legal, but other gambling games are illegal.


  • People in Thailand love to watch football. A lot of football betting is seen there, especially via offshore sites. 


  • Myth: You can bet on any online betting sites and casinos.


  • Reality: But all forms of online gaming and betting are still illegal. 


  1. Indonesia 
  • Complete ban under Sharia-based law.

  • The National authorities block websites and impose penalties to prevent excessive betting.


  • Myth: Citizens believe using a VPN will make them legal to gamble online.


  • Reality:  VPN just makes you anonymous, not the illegal things legal.


  1. Malaysia 
  • Muslims are prohibited by law and religion from gambling, but non-Muslims are permitted to do so.


  • Myth: It is legal to bet and play online gambling games if you are non-muslims.


  •  Fact: No one of any religion is permitted to gamble online.


  1. Cambodia 
  • Casinos are only available to Tourists from abroad not to locals and since 2020, online gambling has been banned.


  • Myth: People from outside the country can easily bet. 


  • Reality: No, online gambling is banned for everyone. But casinos only accept tourists for gambling.


  1. South Korea 
  • Offshore sites and crypto platforms attract Korean players.

  • Myth: Offshore platforms are allowed since they are not hosted locally.

  • Reality: Being a South Korean citizen, you can’t bet on any offshore sites. 


  1. Brunei, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain 


  • Players are still betting on gambling sites that are operated offshore.


  • Myth: People believe that crypto will solve the problem of gambling. Because it defeats the gambling laws. 


  • Truth: No, Crypto does not solve; in fact, some nations have also banned crypto trading. 

Legal online casino Asia: Things to consider before choosing a site in legal betting countries 

  1. Licensing & Regulation – if the casino has a valid license from these authorities, PAGCOR Philippines, Curacao, Malta, etc., you can trust it for betting. 


  1. Country Restrictions – if the platform accepts players from your country, you can bet; otherwise, don’t. 


  1. Reputation & Security – Look for online reviews, the site has SSL encryption, and responsible gambling policies or not. 


  1. Payment Methods – Make sure that there are safe deposit and withdrawal options.


  1. Currency & Language – find the casinos that accept your local currency (INR, PHP, etc.) and support your native & preferred languages.


  1. Variety of Games – games like slots, live dealer games, and sports betting must be available. 


  1. Mobile – Check if the casino works without any lag on mobile apps or browsers.


  1. Bonuses & Promotions – find welcome bonuses, signup bonuses, low wagering requirements, and ongoing promotions. 


  1. Customer Support – Select the site that offers 24/7 support via live chat, email, or phone.


  1. Responsible Gaming Tools – if the site is offering options like deposit limits, self-exclusion, and reality checks. You can bet.


Conclusion 

Gambling law in Asia is complex and different country-wise across the Asian region. A few legal betting countries, such as the Philippines, Georgia, and Armenia, offer fully regulated online platforms, or you can call them legal betting countries. Other countries say we totally ban and don’t involve our citizens in such platforms, but offshore platforms are operating successfully. 

If you're thinking of playing bets in Asia, choose the licensed, regulated site that provides transparent billing and safe user credentials. Only this way can help you to bet longer with good profits. Be careful!

Betting legal countries FAQ

Are legal betting countries safer for players? 

Yes. Legal betting countries provide licensed platforms, no third-party intervention, and full safety of customer information. 

Can tourists play bets in legal betting countries?

Yes. In countries like the Philippines, Georgia, and Armenia. Tourists can bet openly on regulated casinos both online and offline. 

Are offshore sites part of legal betting countries?

No. Offshore sites are licensed by another country or by gambling organizations. They just look for a profitable market and compromise with the country's law, and provide service.