Gambling is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in Asia. From land-based casinos and their one-armed bandits, to high-stakes table games, and spinning the reels of online slots – there’s no form of casino gaming that goes unloved.   

Gambling Capital of the World

Macau in particular is the heart of gambling and is known as the gambling capital of the world. 

Gambling is the largest source of income in Macau. In fact, a massive 50% of the economy is made up of gambling taxes and profits! Players at Macau casinos are made up of Chinese nationals from mainland China and Hong Kong. 

There are a number of popular categories of games in Macau, including standard casino games, sports betting, greyhound racing, and lotteries. Unfortunately, the country does not yet support online gambling. 

For those who are fans of Asian casino games, there’s no need to miss out on the fun. Macau may not offer online gambling, but you can still play Chinese-themed casino games at online casinos around the world! 

Popular Asian Casino Games

While online slots may be the most popular casino game choice around the world, there are still a number of punters who prefer Asian casino games. 

There are a number of Asian casino games that are considered the most popular on the market. You can play many of these casino games at top online casinos, so why not learn a little more about these top games and start playing? 

• Baccarat – Popular around the world and featured in James Bond films, Baccarat is a game of chance that caters to high rollers. Played with up to 8 decks of cards and each card has a value. The aim of the game is to get as close to 9 as possible. Between the player and the dealer, one must either bust or stand for a chance to win. 
• Mahjong – Many people know Mahjong as a game you play on your mobile or desktop PC but it’s also a popular casino game in Asia. The game is played with 136 tiles. A dealer will hand out 16 tiles to start with and the aim is to create winning combinations. The player with the winning hand of 14 tiles takes the prize! 
• Pachinko – Much like a pinball machine, Pachinkos are played by dropping metal balls from the top of the machine. Dating back to the 1990’s, the more balls that land in pockets on the vertical board, the more you’ll be rewarded. These metal balls are collected and often traded for prizes. 
• Sic Bo – A game of pure chance, Sic Bo provides more than 50 different betting options. Fast paced and confusing at first, this casino game is actually a lot of fun to play. Once you’ve made your wager, it’s up to you to predict the total number on the die before they are rolled. Be sure to learn all about the different betting and payout options before wagering.  
• Keno – Similar to lotteries and bingo games, Keno is said to have helped build the Great Wall of China during a time of war. There are 80 numbers available and once you choose your numbers, a ticket will be allocated. If your number if one of those chosen during the draw, you’ll be a winner based on the bet you placed. 

Chinese-themed Online Slots

The games mentioned above are great for those who enjoy table games, but if you’re a fan of online slots, there are plenty of choices! 

Chinese-themed online slots are very popular. Themes such as Chinese New Year and celebrations are all the rage. Spin the reels of these slots and you’ll find bright reds and golden hues as well as fireworks and plenty of Asian symbols such as pandas and dragons to enjoy. 

While it may feel like these games simply play on Asian stereotypes, they’ve proven to be some of the most popular online slots ever made. 

The Legend of Shangri-la: Cluster Pays by NetEnt is a beautiful Chinese-themed online slot featuring stunning graphics and the chance to win 1000x your bet. 

Created by Quickspin, Sakura Fortune features a beautiful samurai warrior. Enchanting in every way and rewarding to boot, this online slot should not be missed. 

If you’re a fan of Anime, Koi Princess by NetEnt, Geisha Story by Playtech, and Spirits of Zen by Leander Games are all great choices. Emerge yourself in a whole new world of spinning fun. 

---