Hong Kong Casinos – really?

The Chinese love gambling, but under government legislation, Hong Kong casinos are prevented from operating.

Still, there are ways for locals who enjoy gambling to get around the ban.

Although there are no officially regulated Hong Kong casinos, locals can make a short hydrofoil trip to nearby Macau, the world’s latest gambling capital, which is less than an hour from Hong Kong.

There, they can gamble to their heart’s content at one of Macau’s many outstanding establishments. Gambling is Macau’s main attraction for tourists visiting from Hong Kong and other parts of China. The legal minimum age for gambling in Macau is 21 for locals and 18 for foreigners, and passports are required for the journey from Hong Kong.

Another way to get past the ban on Hong Kong casinos is offshore gambling, which allows tourists to Hong Kong the opportunity to gamble onboard specially-appointed cruise ships and boats in international waters off the coast of Hong Kong.

And, as well as the opportunity to indulge in one of China’s favourite pastimes, these onboard casinos also offer the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of the picturesque Victoria Harbour.

So, while Hong Kong casinos may be yet to be legalised, it doesn’t stop locals or foreigners alike from enjoying the nearby alternative gambling options on offer.