Hong Kong operates under a restrictive gambling framework governed primarily by the Gambling Ordinance (Cap. 148). The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau formulates gambling policy with the objective of restricting gambling opportunities to a limited number of authorised and regulated outlets (1). Under the Gambling Ordinance, all forms of gambling are unlawful except those expressly authorised by the government, those licensed by public officers appointed by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, and social gambling exempted under Section 3 (1). Casino gambling, including poker, is not legal in Hong Kong and no licence for such activities is available (2).
The situation regarding online poker in Hong Kong exists in a legal grey area. The current legislative framework does not expressly regulate internet gambling, meaning foreign operators providing online poker services are not required to obtain a licence from the Hong Kong government (2). However, this lack of regulation does not make it legal for Hong Kong residents to use foreign gambling services. While the government does not block access to offshore poker sites, enforcement against foreign operators remains practically difficult (2).
"Although foreign operators providing remote gambling services need not obtain a licence from the government as Hong Kong law does not regulate online gambling, this does not make it legal for any user in Hong Kong to use foreign gambling services."
The Hong Kong government maintains vigilant enforcement of the Gambling Ordinance, with the Hong Kong Police Force actively conducting operations such as arrests and raids to crack down on illegal gambling activities (2). Gamblers participating in unlawful gambling face significant penalties, including fines up to HK$30,000 and imprisonment for up to nine months for repeat offenders (2). The rationale behind Hong Kong's restrictive policy is to satisfy substantial public demand for gambling through authorised outlets while preventing social problems associated with unregulated gambling, such as fraud, underage gambling, loan sharking, and criminal activity (1).
Source:
https://www.hyab.gov.hk/en/policy_responsibilities/District_Community_and_Public_Relations/gambling.htm
https://iclg.com/practice-areas/gambling-laws-and-regulations/hong-kong
Last updated: 04-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
