Asian betting culture is one that has many attributes depending on the cultural background of the person making the bets. Overall, betting appears to be tolerated in most Asian societies and is seen as a way of life whether it means playing cards, Mahjong, lottery, bingo, or placing bets on the horses. It may be the reason why Macau’s revenue now outdoes that of Las Vegas!
In this article we look at some cultural points that stand out in Asian culture looking in as an outsider. While outsiders do not understand Asian culture and may misinterpret cultural aspects, one thing that does seem prevalent amongst Asian society is that betting is more often than not ingrained within many Asian cultures.
Many of the points we cover here do not speak out for Asians as a whole. They are also not meant to be stereotypical. The idea is to look at some social stigmas within Asian societies in the continent itself and those societies living in places such as the UK or USA. The points merely look at cultural phenomena from a top level, while there are still many Asians that do not gamble and do not agree with betting in any way, shape, or form.
Social Acceptance
Whereas in Western cultures betting is not always accepted, in Asian culture there is far larger number of families that accept betting as a tradition. In fact, betting or gambling in many Asian countries is now outlawed because the tradition of betting has created societal issues.
However, some analysts say that it is outlawed because naturally those in less developed countries with low income tend to bet as an answer to financial problems. Yet, this adds fuel to the fire for Asian countries like Thailand in all forms is illegal.
A Sign of Wealth
In almost all Asian cultures, wealth is a big deal. In fact, it is also a big deal in Western society, but there is not as much stigma put on giving those wealthier than you respect. Whereas in Asian culture, people with money earn respect and are a pillar to society regardless of that person’s personality.
Showing wealth appears more important in Asian society than it does in Western society. In fact, some people don’t mind playing their wealth down in Western cultures. While in Asia, wealth is so important some people’s cars are worth more than the house they live in. Showing wealth can often be more important than investing in a house!
Online Betting in Asian Culture
In most Asian countries like China, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and more, online gambling and sports betting is mostly illegal. While Asians living in Western societies are free to bet according to the laws of the country they live.
For example, in the UK there are now over 50 online bookmakers that accept UK residents. As long as you have a UK address as identification, then anyone can take advantage of bookmakers offers and place bets.
You will find that on Free bets.com there are a large number of the UK’s leading online betting sites offering free bets and deposit match bonus deals. Some of these sites not only specialise in sports betting and Asian betting market in particular, they also have casinos with games such as Sic Bo, Baccarat, Mahjong, lottery, and bingo, which are also traditionally popular in Asian betting culture.
These online bookers are all operated by registered businesses usually operating in the EU member country Malta or in the UK Territory of Gibraltar. While some also operate from the Isle of Man and within the UK itself such as Entain.
Online Betting in Asian Countries
As online betting in Asia is a growing market, although mostly outlawed in Asia, most online casinos operate via a casino agent. The player deposits funds into a bank account; the funds are then withdrawn, and the balance updated on the agent’s website.
The player will then have log on access to multiple online casinos and can request their balance be transferred to the site they want to play. Of course, this comes with some risk because there are rogue agents out there that may not always pay winnings back or worst still they pose as an agent, persuade people to make deposits and run away with the player’s money.