Gambling News - May 2005 Edition

"China Uses Article 303 to Crack Down on Land-Based and Online Gambling"

China making strenuous efforts to crackdown on all land-based and Internet gambling.

The U.S. has clearly taken the position that with few exceptions, Internet gambling is illegal, but law enforcement agencies have been lax about prosecuting offenders. Lax that is, compared to the Chinese government.

In China, efforts are underway to expand the crackdown on all forms of gambling in China, be it land-based gambling or gambling over the Internet. Players are targeted as well as the casino operators. Turning to the existing law, Article 303 for their authority, Chinese law enforcement agencies are growing increasingly strict about enforcing the article’s provisions. In terms of Article 303, anyone who organizes three or more people and receives payments of 5000 yuan, which is equal to approximately $600, US, or is involved in a game where the stakes are over 50,000 yuan which is approximately $6000 US, is guilty of organized gambling and will be penalized. Punishment could be as harsh as three years in prison together with severe fines.

Organizing a group of 10 or more Chinese citizens for the purpose of gambling is a severe violation of Article 303, especially if the organizer receives a commission.

Just as Internet casino site operators will be penalized, land-based casino owners will also be penalized. Moreover, anyone who assists an online casino site will be considered an accomplice to the crime and subject to penalties and punishment.

Chinese officials said that penalties will be particularly harsh for Civil servants who are caught operating any type of gambling establishment and gambling operators who cater to civil servants or minors.

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