Hong Kong Live Casinos
Currently, there are no live dealer casinos based in Hong Kong. The law prohibits the operation of real money live casinos in hong kong. However, players can gamble in offshore-based live casinos without breaking the law. Choosing the right live casino can be challenging because of the numerous considerations a player should make, such as those highlighted below.
- Licensing - Players need to ensure the live casinos under consideration have valid licenses. That is one way of filtering out scam sites and ensuring the casino is trustworthy. To that end, players should also consider checking online reviews. The reviews can help determine the user experience they are likely to get and whether the casino is trustworthy.
- Video Streaming Quality - Gambling in a live casino is heavily dependent on the quality of the video stream. Finding a live casino that guarantees high-quality video streaming is thus essential.
- Games Offered - Different live casinos offer different varieties of games. Players should ensure that the casino they choose provides the particular live game they are interested in. A wider variety of games is better as players can try out more live games within the same casino.
- Available Bonuses and Rewards - Bonus offers and various other rewards are quite common in most live casinos. Such offers can come in quite handy, especially when trying out a live game for the first time. Players should thus consider choosing a live casino that offers the best bonuses and rewards, factoring in the wagering requirements of the offers.
Why Choose a Live Casino in Your Country
Normally, gamblers should choose live casinos that are based in their country. The main reason for that is it helps to avoid any language barrier issues, as such live casinos usually offer the games in a language the locals can understand. Another top reason is that casinos allow players to fund their betting accounts using local payment options. Such options are usually more convenient, and at times cheaper, than the international alternatives. However, opting for a live casino based in Hong Kong is not an option. There are no locally based live casinos in the country as they are prohibited by law.
Popular Live Casino Games in Hong Kong
Live games are popular in Hong Kong for different reasons. Several live casino games are particularly popular in Hong Kong due to cultural influence, high RTP rates, and entertainment value, among many other reasons. A few of the most popular live games are highlighted below.
Live Blackjack
The two main live blackjack versions played in Hong Kong are Seven-Seat Blackjack and Unlimited Blackjack. In seven-seat blackjack, seven players sit at a virtual table, each having a different hand of cards. In unlimited blackjack, only one hand of cards is dealt and can be bet on by a total number of people.
Live Roulette
Roulette is arguably the most popular live dealer game in Hong Kong. There are various versions of the game, including European roulette and American roulette. The main difference in the game variations is the number of zeros on the wheel and the layout of the betting board.
Live Baccarat
Baccarat is very popular in Asian countries, so most live casinos that accept players from Hong Kong offer it. Baccarat also has several variations, ranging from traditional baccarat to speed baccarat for those who prefer fast-paced live games. The game usually involves various side bets, meaning that punters get more betting opportunities per game.
Live Poker
Poker is another popular card game, especially among punters who prefer strategy games. The game does have an element of luck, but most professional players rely on skills and strategies to influence the game's outcome. There are several poker variations to suit the preferences of most punters.
Best Bonuses in Hong Kong
As mentioned earlier, live casino bonuses are quite common in Hong Kong live casinos nowadays. Casino operators usually offer bonuses to incentivize punters to join their casinos and retain customer loyalty. Something to note is that the bonuses typically come with wagering requirements, which must be fulfilled for players to withdraw the money. Below are some of the best rewards in Hong Kong
Welcome Bonus
The welcome bonus is standard in most live casinos. It is usually offered to new punters after signing up for an account. The bonus amount varies among the different live dealer casinos. Some have fixed amounts set, while others typically offer a percentage of a player's first deposit as the welcome bonus. For casinos that offer welcome bonuses as a percentage of the first deposit made, there is usually an upper limit regarding the amount a player can be awarded.
Cashback Bonus
Cashback bonuses are usually offered to players who lose their bets. For such, the live casinos usually refund the players a percentage of the money they lose, typically with an upper limit of the amount a player can be refunded. Some live casinos let punters withdraw this bonus without fulfilling any wagering requirements.
Loyalty Bonus
Loyalty bonuses are usually awarded to punters who play more than a specified number of times or spend more than a predetermined amount. The bonus is generally meant to encourage punters to play more on the same platform. However, loyalty bonuses are not quite common. They are mostly offered in high roller live casinos.
Live Casino Payment Methods in Hong Kong
Live casinos typically offer a variety of payment methods to Hong Kong punters. Choosing the right option is essential and requires players to make several considerations. For example, players should consider the cost of transactions, transaction processing times, and the convenience of the payment method. Punters should also consider the currency used. The country's official currency is the Hong Kong dollar.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are the most popular live casino payment method in Hong Kong. That is because they are easy and convenient to use. Punters only need to provide their card details to make payments to the casinos. Most casinos also give better bonus offers for punters who make deposits via their credit cards.
Digital Wallets
Digital wallets are the second most popular option for most Hong Kong punters. Digital wallets are also relatively easy to use and do not require users to provide private banking details to make payments. Payments are also processed faster than many other alternatives, usually within seconds. Another top advantage of digital wallets is that they can be used to make withdrawals from live casinos.
Bank Transfer
Hong Kong punters also use direct bank transfers to make payments to live casinos. As the name suggests, direct money transfer involves players transferring money from their account into the bank account of the respective live casino.
Mobile Payments
Numerous banks in Hong Kong offer mobile applications that can be used to make payments at real money live casinos in hong kong. A good example is PayMe (officially known as PayMe from HSBC), which generally works like digital wallets, but the funds are transferred directly from the user's bank account.
Live Casinos Accepting Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in Hong Kong
If you're looking to explore the world of iGaming, live casinos should definitely be on your list. And if you're in Hong Kong, you're in for a treat - there are plenty of live casinos that accept the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), making it a convenient option for you. Not only that, but playing with your local currency also saves you from having to deal with currency conversion fees, giving you more value for your money.
Live casinos in Hong Kong are thrilling and offer a unique experience. They offer an immersive environment that lets you play your favorite games in real-time, with live dealers and against the backdrop of the city's dynamic lights. This combination creates an electrifying atmosphere that's hard to rival.
If you're looking for the best live casinos in Hong Kong that accept HKD, the CasinoRank toplist is your trusted guide. With our up-to-date and reliable information, you'll be able to find the latest and greatest live casinos that cater to your needs. So why wait? Dive right in and let the games begin!
Laws and Restrictions in Hong Kong
Generally, gambling is considered illegal in Hong Kong as per the Gambling Ordinance. According to the law, it is unlawful to set up and operate a gambling business, whether online or land-based. However, running a gambling business within the country is quite different from betting or playing live casino games. The gambling laws are unclear regarding whether playing on offshore online casinos is illegal. Furthermore, there are also some exemption clauses used to legalize various forms of gambling. It is unclear whether live gaming fits into those clauses.
Section 6 of the Gambling Ordinance states that gambling in any gambling establishment is illegal. The section also defines a gambling establishment as any place set up explicitly for gambling purposes.
Playing live dealer games on an offshore casino from home, a coffee shop, or in an office thus does not necessarily mean that a punter is breaking the law, as per the definition. That is the loophole gamblers use to enjoy their favorite live games.
Section 13 of the Gambling ordinance tries to solve the problem identified in section 6 by prohibiting gambling outside a gambling establishment. However, that only applies when the gambling provider and gambler are in the same place. Playing live games on offshore casinos thus does not violate the section either.
Section 8 of the Gambling Ordinance is on online sports betting. The section is more particular, stating anyone who bets with a bookmaker will have committed an offense regardless of where the bet is received. That makes sports betting completely illegal. The only exception is when the gambling operator is Hong Kong Jockey Club, granted a monopoly on operating sportsbooks.
About the author
Leticia "Letty" Santos
About
Letty Santos, a vibrant spirit from the heart of Manila, seamlessly merges her passion for Filipino culture with the exhilarating world of online casinos. Bringing a unique Filipino touch to every project, she's a gem in the casino localization realm.