- Online Betting in China
- Is Online Betting Legal in China?
- Top 9 Sports Betting Sites in China
- How to start betting in China
- How we rank the best betting sites in China
- What we look for beyond the sites themselves
- Top Live Betting Sites in China
- Top New China Sports Betting Sites
- Top Crypto Betting Sites in China
- Top 5 China betting sites
- What bonuses are offered by China Betting Sites?
- Popular Sports for Betting in China
- Mobile Betting in China
- Payments for betting in China: currencies, popular methods, security
- Betting on China Sports Lottery
- Easy access to sports betting from China
- China Gambling Legality and Laws
- TL;DR
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Online Betting in China
Sports betting, known as Letou in China, has grown rapidly over the past decade, becoming a popular pastime. Revenue from online betting is estimated to reach over 1 trillion yuan. While most gambling is illegal in mainland China, sports lottery betting is permitted through government-approved lotteries like the China Sports Lottery and China Welfare Lottery. Research suggests over 80% of online betting volume comes through unregulated international sites.
Football betting is most popular, but Chinese punters also wager on basketball, boxing, e-sports and more. Betting provides entertainment and makes sports more exciting. The online gambling market has expanded partly due to increased wealth and digital access.
According to China’s Ministry of Public Security, over 25,000 people were arrested in 2019 for involvement in illegal online gambling sites, with over $26 billion seized. Despite prohibitions, demand continues rising. Limited legal domestic options push many towards trusted international sites not blocked by the government.
While offshore betting opens doors, caution is required. Untrustworthy sites bring risks like slow payouts, dishonest practices and lack of responsible gambling features. Our guide ranks the top Chinese sports betting sites to help identify reputable, high-quality bookmakers.
- 40+ Sports - Cricket, soccer, rugby & tennis
- Loads of cricket betting markets
- Vast range of rupee promotions
- High withdrawal limit
- Supports local Asian payments & fast withdrawals for Malaysia, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, China, Japan
- Huge range of gambling options
- Wide range of payment methods, currencies and cryptocurrencies
- Great free bet bonus offer with no wagering requirements
- Sports betting and casino games available
- Mobile app available for convenient access
- Live support available for assistance
- Accepts credit cards
- One of the best bonus lines for new and existing customers
- Wide range of sports and betting options
- Huge number of deposit methods, including many local methods for Asian countries
- Live streaming and In-Play betting available
- Accept bettors from all Asian countries
PROMOCODE: ACWP500
Is Online Betting Legal in China?
According to Chinese law, most forms of gambling are illegal in mainland China, including online betting. The key legislation is Article 303 of the Criminal Law, which prohibits organizing gambling and running gambling houses or sites. Penalties can range from fines and detentions to years of imprisonment for severe cases.
There are two main exceptions – the state-run Welfare Lottery and Sports Lottery. Betting through government-licensed lottery vendors and terminals is legal. However, interactive online sales of lottery tickets directly through digital platforms remains prohibited since the 2015 ban. Only physical lottery stubs are valid.
Top 9 Sports Betting Sites in China
To help you find the best betting sites tailored for Chinese punters, our experts thoroughly research and rate the top options based on important criteria. We update our rankings quarterly to account for changes in the market.
Choosing reputable sites with strong security, competitive odds, and support in Chinese goes a long way to ensuring a safe and rewarding betting experience. Our top picks make betting on football, basketball, table tennis and other sports accessible and enjoyable for bettors located in China.
- 🏆 MegaPari – Top betting site for China!
- 🎮 Sportsbet.io – Best for eSports Betting & Best Free bet
- ⚽ BetWinner – Best for Football betting in China
- 🔝 MELBET – Top Relaible Betting Site in China
- 📱 20Bet – Best Mobile App for Betting
- 🎯 1xBet – Top Betting Markets and Odds
- ⚡ Coinplay – Best New China betting site
- ⬆️ 22Bet – Best for Live Betting in China
- 📈 Asianconnect88 – Top Betting Agent & Sportsbook Broker
1. Megapari
With its focus on the Asian market, MegaPari is our top pick for bettors in China. This established bookmaker offers betting markets on all the most popular Chinese sports. MegaPari excels with fast payouts, high odds on basketball and table tennis, and support in Mandarin. The site also offers a wide variety of ewallet and cryptocurrency payment options.
- Fast payouts
- High Asian handicap odds
- Chinese support
- Website design could be modernized
2. SportsBet.io
For Chinese punters interested in esports betting, Sportsbet.io is a leading choice. Beyond esports, it covers 30+ sports but stands out for its competitive esports odds. Sportsbet.io also provides an excellent mobile experience, accepting several cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and more.
- Great esports odds
- Mobile app
- Crypto payments
- Limited live streaming
3. Betwinner
With Asian view betting and 50+ sports, BetWinner is a top pick for football and basketball fans in China. It offers competitive odds, especially on Asian handicaps. BetWinner also has fast withdrawals and a multilingual site.
- Competitive Asian handicap odds
- Fast payouts
- Asian view
- Website design could improve
4. MELBET
Known for its reliability, MELBET is a great all-around betting site for punters in China. It offers competitive odds across 50+ sports and has an impressive live betting section. MELBET is available in Chinese and has around the clock support. With fast payouts and a wealth of betting options, MELBET satisfies both recreational and serious bettors.
- Reliable reputation
- All sports covered
- Great live betting
- Website design is a bit dated
5. 20Bet
20Bet is our pick for the top mobile betting app in China. Along with its well-designed app, the site offers betting on 30+ sports. 20Bet has a modern feel and is focused on convenience with features like one-click betting. With reduced limitations compared to other sites, it’s a flexible option for Chinese punters.
- Slick mobile app
- Easy to use betting interface
- Overall odds could be more competitive
6. 1xBet
Known for its depth of betting markets, 1xBet covers 60,000+ events each month across 50+ sports. It offers the widest selection of betting markets for major sports like football, tennis and basketball. With competitive Asian handicap odds, 1xBet is a great fit for experienced punters who enjoy analyzing matches and finding value.
- Massive selection of betting markets
- High Asian handicap odds
- Dated interface
- Slower payouts
7. Coinplay
As a newer sportsbook founded in 2022, Coinplay brings a modern, cryptocurrency-focused betting experience. It’s tailored for the Chinese market with a streamlined interface in Chinese. Coinplay also stands out through innovative features like social betting. With reduced limitations and a world-class mobile experience, it’s one of the most exciting new betting sites available to Chinese punters.
- Modern design
- Unique social betting
- Crypto focus
- Smaller selection of sports covered
8. 22Bet
Offering competitive odds for live betting across all major sports, 22bet is a great option for Chinese punters who enjoy wagering in-play. It provides an impressive 20,000+ live events to bet on each month. 22bet also offers convenient payment methods like UnionPay and EFT and has multi-language support.
- Competitive live betting odds
- 20,000+ monthly live events
- Bonuses could be better
Asianconnect88
Operating as a betting broker, Asianconnect88 provides access to leading Asian bookmakers through a single account. It acts as an intermediary, allowing you to efficiently manage accounts across multiple sportsbooks. With reduced limitations, anonymity options, and access to high stakes, Asianconnect88 appeals to serious Chinese bettors.
- Access multiple sportsbooks
- Reduced limitations
- High stakes
- Smaller selection of sports and markets
How to start betting in China
Follow these steps to begin your betting experience safely at reputable sites tailored for the Chinese market:
- 1. Set up an e-wallet or other deposit method: Many China betting sites support convenient e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller for deposits and withdrawals. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum are also options.
- 2. Consider using a VPN: Some betting sites may be blocked by your internet provider. A VPN can bypass these restrictions to access betting sites. Choose a reliable VPN and set up an account.
- 3. Select a site from our rankings: Our experts have carefully evaluated the top China betting sites. Pick one from our list so you can bet confidently at a reputable, secure bookmaker.
- 4. Follow our site link: Clicking our links takes you directly to the official site, ensuring you avoid any copycat sites.
- 5. Complete the registration process: This usually only requires submitting basic personal info and verifying your email. Make sure to also set a strong password.
- 6. Deposit funds: Calculate your desired bet amount and deposit at least that much into your new betting account, using your preferred payment method.
- 7. Place your first bet: Find a betting market that interests you, pick your wager amount, and place the bet. You’re ready to enjoy online betting on sports in China!
How we rank the best betting sites in China
Our team thoroughly evaluates a wide range of factors to compile rankings of the top real money betting sites for Chinese punters. By carefully analyzing key criteria, we provide bettors with reliable, objective information to find trustworthy sites that match their preferences.
As experienced reviewers of sports betting sites catering to the Chinese market, we put each site through extensive live testing. Our independent evaluations uncover both the pros and cons of each betting site on the key parameters Chinese punters care about.
Here are the main criteria we consider when rating China betting sites:
1. Sports and markets available
The number and variety of betting markets offered for key sports like football, basketball, table tennis, esports, and Chinese leagues. Unique betting markets provide added value.
2. Betting features
Access to bet types like Asian handicaps and accumulators preferred in the Chinese market. Availability of live in-play betting opens up more options.
3. Odds and betting margins
We calculate the payout percentages and margins across sports to identify sites offering the most competitive odds and best value on wagers.
4. Bonuses and promotions
Welcome bonuses, free bets, and ongoing promos can enhance the betting experience when fair terms are provided.
5. Payment methods
A variety of convenient, fast banking options preferred in China like e-wallets, UnionPay, and crypto.
6. Security and regulation
Reputable licensing, data protection, and security protocols provide necessary trust and safety.
7. Interface and mobile experience
A modern, intuitive betting platform, ideally accessible on both desktop and mobile.
8. Support and customer service
Multi-channel assistance available around the clock in Chinese language.
What we look for beyond the sites themselves
In addition to extensively evaluating each betting site firsthand, our rankings process also incorporates outside information from other authoritative sources. This allows us to provide deeper insights by analyzing the reputation and track record of China betting platforms from multiple perspectives.
Here are some of the key factors we investigate from external sources:
- Safety and reliability reports from industry monitors to identify any issues or complaints.
- Payout percentage calculations by betting data analysts to compare odds fairness.
- Reputation with professional bettors and betting experts based on community feedback and reviews.
- Reputation with the general betting public based on user experiences highlighted in forums.
Compiling information from both our own evaluations as well as other authoritative sources allows us to provide comprehensive, accurate China sportsbook rankings. By looking at a wider range of data on each site, we can better inform bettors from multiple angles when choosing the best betting platforms tailored specifically for their needs.
Top Live Betting Sites in China
Live in-play betting allows punters to wager on sports events in real-time as the action unfolds. The ability to bet on ever-shifting dynamics mid-match opens up additional options. For Chinese punters who enjoy the rush of in-play wagering, these sites offer the best live betting experience:
- Sportsbet.io – Competitive live odds across sports plus a smooth mobile betting interface
- 22Bet – 20,000+ live events monthly with high liquidity and betting limits
- 1xBet – Extensive live markets across football, basketball, tennis, and other major sports
Top New China Sports Betting Sites
New betting platforms bring fresh designs, features and betting offerings tailored to the modern punter. These recently launched sites quickly earned our recommendation through their strong China focus:
- MegaPari – Established in 2020 yet already a top choice with localised support and fast payouts.
- Coinplay – Founded in 2022 and offers a modern, cryptocurrency-first sportsbook experience.
- 20bet – Fresh sportsbook with slick interface and convenience features like one-click betting.
Top Crypto Betting Sites in China
Cryptocurrency adoption is increasing among Chinese punters. These sites stand out for the best crypto betting experience:
- Sportsbet.io – Top for overall esports and sports betting with 9 supported cryptocurrency options.
- MegaPari – Leading crypto sportsbook that also offers the option of completely anonymous accounts.
Top 5 China betting sites
This allows readers to quickly compare their options across some of the key factors like sports covered, odds, bonuses and more.
| Site | Sports | Odds | Bonuses | Payments | Mobile |
| MegaPari | Football, Basketball, eSports | 95% Payout | Signup Bonus | Crypto, eWallet | App |
| Sportsbet.io | 30+ Sports, eSports | 94% Payout | No Bonus | Crypto | App |
| BetWinner | Football, Tennis, eSports | 95%+ Payout | Risk Free Bet | Cards, Crypto | App |
| 20Bet | 30+ Sports | 95% Payout | Signup Bonus | Crypto, Cards | App |
| 1xBet | 60,000+ Events | 97%+ Payout | Welcome Package | 140+ Options | App |
What bonuses are offered by China Betting Sites?
Chinese punters can take advantage of various promotional offers to get added value from betting sites. Here we will list some of the main bonus types.
What types of bonuses do China bookmakers offer?
Chinese punters can take advantage of various promotional offers to get added value from betting sites. Here are some of the main bonus types:
- Welcome Bonuses – These match a percentage of your initial deposit up to a certain amount, effectively giving you extra funds to bet with. They help new punters get started.
- Free Bets – Sites offer a set amount to bet for free, allowing you to place wagers at no cost. Ongoing free bet promotions provide continued upside.
- Cashback – Get a percentage of lost wagers back in cash over a given period. This offers insurance against unlucky betting outcomes.
- No-Deposit Bonuses – Receive free funds or free bets without needing to deposit. This allows trying the site risk-free.
- Referral Bonuses – Get a bonus when you refer friends who also deposit and bet. Both parties benefit.
- Reload Bonuses – Like a welcome bonus, this matches deposits periodically after signup to reload your account.
- VIP & Loyalty Programs – Big bettors can earn additional promos, personalized offers, and bonuses through loyalty tiers.
Top 5 Bonus Offers for China Players
Some conditions like wagering requirements apply to clear bonuses to withdraw winnings. Our top bonus picks include:
- MegaPari – 100% up to €100 EUR + FREE BET
- Sportsbet.io – 349 CNY worth of free bets weekly
- BetWinner – 100% up to €100 EUR
- 22bet – 100% up to €122 EUR
- Coinplay – 100% Welcome bonus up to $5000 USDT + 80 Free Spins
Popular Sports for Betting in China
Chinese sports enthusiasts, deeply rooted in tradition, have increasingly embraced the thrill of placing bets on various sporting events. Now we dive in to explore the most popular sports.
Football
Football is the most popular sport for betting in China. Chinese punters love wagering on domestic leagues like the Chinese Super League as well as major international competitions like the English Premier League and the AFC Champions League. Top matches can see over $1 billion USD in total bets. Football appeals with its fast pace and the variety of match and player betting markets available.
eSports
With its rise in popularity, especially among younger demographics, eSports has become a major betting category in China. Major tournaments for games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive can generate huge betting volume. According to Goldman Sachs, the Chinese eSports betting market is estimated to be worth $3 billion.
Basketball
The Chinese Basketball Association and the NBA attract substantial betting interest. Punters bet on outright winners, handicaps, player props and more. The non-stop action of basketball translates well as an exciting betting sport.
Table Tennis
Given China’s historic dominance in the sport, table tennis betting unsurprisingly enjoys popularity. Top domestic players and international competitions like the World Table Tennis Championships provide ample betting markets. The quick rallies make for engaging live betting.
Badminton
Badminton completes the top 5. Major tournaments feature prominent Chinese players, garnering strong betting interest. The sport lends itself well to in-play wagering. With some betting sites offering 30+ markets on badminton matches, there are extensive betting opportunities.
Mobile Betting in China
With widespread smartphone ownership, mobile betting has become extremely popular in China. Punters appreciate the convenience of wagering anywhere, anytime directly from their phones. This allows betting with instant access right from your pocket.
Many top China betting sites now offer fully-featured iOS and Android apps alongside their desktop sites. Apps provide quick access to odds, betting slips, banking, support and more. Live in-play wagering works seamlessly. Apps also include responsible gambling tools and security measures like biometrics and pin locks.
For Chinese punters, having a smooth, reliable mobile experience is essential when betting online. Here are some of the advantages of mobile betting apps:
- Convenience – Place bets instantly wherever you are
- Real-time – In-play betting with up-to-the-second odds
- Security – Advanced security like fingerprint unlock
- Notifications – Get alerts on desirable odds and events
- Responsible Gaming – Access controls and session limits
What is the best mobile app for online betting in China?
Based on user experience testing across iOS and Android devices, we recommend the 20Bet app as the top mobile betting platform. 20Bet offers an intuitive, fast app tailored for Chinese punters. Convenience features like one-click betting and Touch ID login make mobile wagering effortless.
Payments for betting in China: currencies, popular methods, security
When betting online, Chinese punters prefer sites that support convenient, fast, and secure payment methods. Here are the main options:
Deposit and withdrawal methods at safe China betting sites
When depositing and withdrawing from China betting sites, consider convenience, limits, security, and anonymity based on your personal preferences.Here most popular payment methods:
Bank and Card-Based Payments
- Debit/Credit Cards like Visa and Mastercard – Convenient but sometimes blocked.
- NetBanking – Links to your bank account for direct transfers.
E-Wallets and Online Systems
- Skrill – Leading e-wallet, fast transfers.
- Neteller – Similar to Skrill, widely supported.
- ecoPayz – Flexible online payment system.
- Perfect Money – Digital payments, some crypto options.
- WeChat/Alipay – For deposits to some sites.
Prepaid and Voucher-based
- Paysafecard – Prepaid vouchers purchased locally.
Cryptocurrency
- Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether – Growing in popularity with punters.
How to stay safe and anonymous with payments
- Stick to reputable sites that encrypt transactions.
- Use intermediary digital wallets for privacy.
- Cryptocurrency offers pseudo-anonymity – transactions are public but wallets aren’t directly tied to identities.
- Prepaid cards like Paysafecard allow anonymous top-ups with cash.
Here is a comparison of key features for popular payment methods:
| Payment Method | Type | Limits | Speed | Cashout Time |
| Skrill | E-Wallet | Up to $10,000 daily | Instant | 1-24 hours |
| Cryptocurrency | Digital | Up to $100,000 daily | Fast | Minutes to hours |
| Paysafecard | Prepaid | Up to $1,000 per voucher | Instant | 24 hours+ |
| Neteller | E-Wallet | Up to $10,000 daily | Instant | 24 hours |
| ecoPayz | E-Wallet | Up to $5,000 daily | Instant | 24 hours |
| Neosurf | Prepaid | Up to $1,000 per voucher | Instant | 48 hours+ |
| AstroPay | Prepaid | Up to $1,500 per card | Instant | 24 hours |
| UnionPay | Debit Card | Up to $5,000 daily | Instant | 3-5 days |
Betting on China Sports Lottery
The China Sports Lottery is the government-approved form of legal sports betting in mainland China. It was established in 1994 and offers betting through physical terminals located across the country. Football, basketball, and horse racing are among the major offerings.
While the Sports Lottery provides a legal domestic betting option, some downsides exist. The selection of bet types and sports is more limited compared to international operators. Maximum payouts are lower, with a cap around 200,000 CNY. Odds also tend to be less competitive than those offered at reputable offshore sites.
For these reasons, many Chinese punters prefer using international betting operators that accept players from China. These licensed sites based overseas provide betting markets on dozens of sports as opposed to just a handful with the Sports Lottery.
International sites generally offer much more attractive odds. They provide extensive live betting and live streams,Bet Builder options to create custom wagers, and Cash Out for early bet settlement. Top-tier sites accept deposits in CNY and various cryptocurrencies, while providing banking anonymity.
While technically illegal, these international options are not actively blocked in China. With far greater depth of betting markets and features, they provide a compelling alternative to the government-mandated Sports Lottery for punters seeking maximum entertainment value and betting options when wagering online.
Easy access to sports betting from China
Despite prohibitions, Chinese punters have relatively easy access to online sports betting thanks to the many international bookmakers that accept players from China. These licensed sites based in other jurisdictions offer a full range of betting markets while accepting various Asian banking methods. This makes online sports betting readily accessible to most bettors in China.
China Gambling Legality and Laws
Gambling is largely prohibited in mainland China by criminal law, with a few exceptions. The main legislation is Article 303 of the Criminal Law, which bans organizing gambling and running gambling operations. Penalties under Article 303 include fines, detentions, and years of imprisonment for severe violations.
The two main legal forms of gambling allowed are the state-run Welfare Lottery and Sports Lottery. Physical lottery terminals located across China allow citizens to legally bet on sanctioned lottery games. However, online lottery ticket sales directly through digital platforms remain banned under a 2015 prohibition.
Beyond the lotteries, most other forms of gambling are illegal in mainland China, including online betting and gambling sites. While restrictions are strict on paper, the proliferation of offshore operators specifically targeting Chinese punters creates a gray area of pseudo-legality for online betting. The lack of legal domestic options drives many bettors to use trusted international sites despite the technical prohibition under Chinese law.
So in practice, Chinese punters can access online gambling through government-approved lottery terminals and via the gray market of offshore operators accepting Chinese players. But most online betting and gambling remains illegal as per Articles 303 and other gambling prohibitions in the Criminal Law.
TL;DR
- Online betting in China has grown rapidly, with estimated market size over $1 trillion yuan, despite prohibitions on most gambling. Football is the most popular sport for betting.
- While technically illegal, many Chinese punters use trusted international betting sites that aren’t blocked, due to limited domestic options. Caution is still required with unlicensed sites.
- We thoroughly evaluate and rank the top Chinese betting sites on criteria like security, odds, markets, support. Our rankings help find secure, reputable options.
- MegaPari, Sportsbet.io and BetWinner ranked as top sites for Chinese bettors based on advantages like fast payouts, great odds, and Asian handicaps.
- Popular sports for betting include football (CSL, EPL, AFC), eSports, basketball (CBA, NBA), table tennis and badminton. Betting markets and options have expanded.
- Mobile betting apps like 20Bet provide convenience and security. Cryptocurrencies are growing for deposits and anonymity. UnionPay and Skrill are also popular methods.
- Bonuses like matched deposits, free bets and cashback provide added value. But check terms and pick promos suiting your betting style.
- While banned offline, Chinese punters can access online sports betting through offshore sites based overseas. Limited domestic lottery options drive this demand.
- We provide instruction for safely signing up at and depositing to Chinese betting sites, like using reputable platforms and VPNs. Take time to explore sites before betting.
- Our China betting site reviews and rankings aim to guide bettors to trusted, high-quality operators tailored for their needs and preferences when wagering online.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has provided Chinese punters with valuable insights and resources to safely access online betting tailored for their needs. While domestic options are limited, reputable international operators offer world-class sportsbooks accessible to bettors in China. Our thorough China betting site reviews and rankings identify secure, high-quality platforms to enjoy online wagering. By following our advice to choose trusted sites, utilize optimal payment methods, and take advantage of generous bonuses, Chinese punters can now bet on thousands of markets across football, basketball, eSports and more at the top-rated bookmakers accepting players from China. Betting at our recommended sites maximizes safety, value and features for an optimal online betting experience from anywhere in China.
FAQ
Safety, regulation, reputation, payouts, expert & user reviews.
Most forms are prohibited except state-run lotteries, but offshore sites create a gray area.
Based on our rankings, MegaPari, Sportsbet.io and BetWinner are top choices.
We recommend MegaPari as the most reliable and highest-rated online bookie for bettors in China.
Common offers include matched deposit bonuses, free bets, cashback, and loyalty programs.
Coinplay and 20Bet are relative newcomers with innovative, modern platforms tailored for China.
Yes, reputable offshore bookmakers offer extensive live betting on sports with constantly updating odds.
Based on reviews and testing, we recommend the 20Bet mobile app for Chinese punters.
Football, basketball, eSports, table tennis and badminton generate the most betting volume and interest currently.
Our data shows 1xBet consistently offering the most competitive football odds for bettors in China.
Sportsbet.io stands out through its depth of odds and markets specifically for major eSports tournaments.
Yes, we make sure to recommend sites accepting CNY and various cryptocurrencies.
Unfortunately PayPal is not commonly offered. But many sites support e-wallets like Skrill.
Some sites allow registration with just an email. But most will require ID verification for withdrawals.
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