Online poker is illegal in Macao, with the Special Administrative Region enforcing a strict prohibition on all forms of interactive gaming. Land-based poker, however, is legal and can only be offered in licensed casinos operated by authorized concessionaires. The Gaming Law defines games of chance as activities where results depend exclusively or mainly on player luck, and poker variations like Texas Hold'em are among the authorized casino games (1).
Gaming in Macao is considered an activity reserved to the government, which grants concessions to private companies through a competitive tender process. The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau oversees regulation, supervision, and coordination of all gaming operations in the region. Macao legalized gaming in 1847, making it one of the world's oldest regulated gaming jurisdictions, and gaming now serves as the pillar industry of the territory (2).
"In general terms, and with the sole exception of sports lottery (football and basketball) interactive (online) gaming is not permitted. Macau enforces a strict prohibition on online gaming, covering online casinos, poker, and all forms of interactive gaming."
Law No. 20/2024, enacted in October 2024, strengthened penalties for unlawful gambling by criminalizing unauthorized online gaming operations. Individuals who operate, promote, or organize online poker without legal authorization face prison sentences ranging from one to eight years, regardless of where servers are located. The legislation demonstrates Macao's zero-tolerance approach to illegal online gambling while preserving its thriving land-based casino industry (1).
Source:
https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/gaming-law-2024/macau-sar-china/trends-and-developments
https://www.dicj.gov.mo/web/en/history/
Last updated: 04-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
