China's history is rich with gambling. In fact, Keno--one of the most popular casino games in the world--started in China more than 3,000 years ago. Today, Keno is the only casino game that is still legal in China.

History of Gambling in China

Keno, one of the most popular games in gambling history, was invented in China as a state-run game that raised funds for things like raising armies and even constructing the Great Wall. Mah Jong, another popular Chinese game, was introduced many centuries ago as well and was another of the country's favorite gambling games. Although gambling is illegal in most of China, it is often overlooked provided that the gambling games are kept friendly, small, and are not publicly advertised.

Macau Casinos

Although all forms of gambling are banned in mainland China, it is overlooked in the administration of Macau. Here, gambling abounds and there are many huge casinos that offer slots, poker, roulette and more. This often results in people traveling from all over China to visit Macau--a journey that can take more than five hours. Until online gaming boomed onto the market in the 1990s, this was the way China's gambling trade worked. Gambling in China Today

Internet gambling has always been illegal in China; legislators state that this is for the protection of the Chinese citizens. There are some indications, however, that new legislation may actually work to legalize online gambling. China is growing, and so is its economy; Chinese residents therefore often have extra spending money. By legislating and regulating online gambling, the taxes and fees that could be collected by the government may only add to the prosperity of the country.

China is a country that is steeped in culture, and this culture includes some of the world's most renowned casino games. Although gambling itself is illegal in most areas of China, we can thank the Chinese for games like Keno and Mah Jong.