Most Popular eSports Bookies in China

The Chinese eSports industry shows immense potential. However, as the industry blossoms, some standout challenges have curtailed China's eSports potential. Nonetheless, the industry enjoys a booming audience. Here is a list of some of the most popular games in China.

• Dota 2: This esports game stands out for having the most professional teams in the country. Better yet, it is among the highest-grossing games in terms of prize money won by both players and teams.
• Overwatch: Chinese esports players have a special attraction to this first-person shooter game played in teams of six. While Overwatch players second fiddle to Dota 2 in terms of the number of professional teams, it has the most number of professional players in China compared to any other esports game.
• League of Legends: Another standout game among Chinese eSports gamers. While it might not be the most played game, it could soon be getting there, especially after the Chinese team won the Championships for two consecutive years.
• Counter-Strike Global Offensive (CS: GO) : CS: GO has seen an explosion in numbers ever over the years. In light of this, China accounts for more than 20% of the global player base.

It is easy to figure out why the Chinese show a high aptitude for gambling. Chinese people have a long history with gambling, with records showing that gambling was practiced in the first dynasty, some 4,000 years ago, and has been recorded in each dynasty since that time. This can be further evidenced by the fact that some casino games played today originated in China.

China has had it rough as far as becoming the world's number one esports country goes. Back in the 90s, the Chinese viewed video gaming and esports as taboos. Things changed fast, and China is now regarded as a force to reckon with in this realm.

Before 2009, esports were painted in a negative light. These games were often considered obscene, ineffective, and deficient in cultural refinement. In light of this, harsh laws were instituted to protect the young population from the seemingly corrupting industry.

Many video and esports games were outlawed in China, while domestic games attracted all manner of restrictions, including official warnings and fines, which forced developers back to the drawing board. However, the popularization of video games never yielded to these external pressures.

The “Dark Era” in esports betting

The past decade also saw the professionalization and commercialization of competitive esports. gaming companies, PC hardware vendors, and online streaming platforms are just among the many players in the industry that were quick to grab a share of the esports market. These players were keen to tap into this lucrative market.

As the numbers increased, there were real concerns about the social and health costs of the esports industry. While a few pro players enjoying big amounts of money were at the top of the pyramid, there was a growing concern about the sustainability of these careers. Also, there were increasing cases of internet gaming addiction and a host of other related incidences, including daylight robbery.

Undoubtedly, the esports industry shows a brought and promising future. No country today matches the Chinese as far as its commitment to esports is concerned. In light of this, China is undoubtedly positioned to be the esports center.

Foreign companies, including those from the West, are keen to tap into the potential shown by the Chinese market. And since the market and infrastructure needed are readily available, the question should not be about the opportunities but rather the best ways to seize them.

While China shows immense potential in esports gaming, the future of online esports betting is not great, with the country moving in a more restrictive direction.

Esports' roots in China go back to the late 1990s when popular titles such as "Counter-Strike" and "StarCraft" were introduced into the country. It only took a few years before the Chinese formed their first international esports team. And from 2013 to 2017, the esports industry was big business. This culminated in unprecedented growth that saw Chinese clubs dominate the League of Legends (LoL) championships in 2018 and 2019.

2021 saw both Mainland China enact a civil code, effective January of the same year. This code was designed to help courts better understand the esports industry's workings and the purpose of regulating this industry.

The Chinese government is keen to clamp gambling, seeing it lose its edge in esports events. New gaming regulations introduced in September 2021 stipulate that players below 18years can only play online for three hours a week and only an hour during Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.

The new gambling laws also target online gaming operators who are prohibited from offering their services to minors. These new regulations are set to protect children, often the key players in this industry. The frequency of crackdowns is expected to increase to ensure that online gaming providers are fully compliant.

Is Online Gambling Legal in China?

Simply, No! Chinese laws prohibit all forms of online gambling. However, Chinese punters can always find ways to bypass restrictions set by the authorities and players wagers through offshore casinos that accept players from China.

Do Chinese Bet on Lotteries

Yes. Lottery betting is allowed in China. Two official lotteries are operating in China: the Welfare Lottery and Sports Lottery were launched in 1987 and 1994, respectively. These lotteries are played in two-thirds of the country's provinces.

Is Esports Betting Legal in China

Like other forms of gambling, eSports betting is strongly forbidden in China. However, two regions are not under Chinese Law, Macau and Hong Kong. Therefore, bettors are free to explore the world of eSports betting while in these two regions.

Do Top Offshore Gambling Sites Offer Support in Chinese?

Customer support is often a point of interest when gambling online. Many, but not all, online casinos provide Chinese support. Therefore, Chinese punters should be keen to explore sites that offer top-notch services, preferably in their native language.

Do Offshore Casinos Provide Bonuses to Chinese Players?

Yes. Players from China can always enjoy incentives provided by casino operators provided they play at top online casinos that accept players from this country.