China Bans Online Poker Apps

The game of poker was on an upward trend in Asia, but further growth has been stymied by a recent announcement that China has banned all online poker applications and poker promoted via social media effective June 1.

Up until now, poker for real money was not legal in China, but free play poker was gaining popularity. Players could practice for play chips and converse about the game, with many learning where to play at live events due to those social contacts and communications.

But that will all change in a little over a month when poker apps and social media will have to go mum - or face the consequences.

“It was growing very fast, now it is going to be more difficult for operators in Asia to organise poker events because Chinese players make up over half of the field,” Hong Kong Poker Players Association managing director Stephen Lai told the South China Morning Post. “If you can’t promote those events on social media, Chinese players won’t know they are on so they won’t go."

High Stakes For Real Money Rumors

While an official announcement from the government has yet to be released, some of the gaming companies servicing the Chinese market have already removed their apps from distribution channels. The removal of those apps may also spell the end for a number of illicit private clubs that were believed to be operating on the play money platforms.

Rumor has it that some free play apps are being used as a front for private high stakes cash games for real money. By invitation only, the games are allegedly run by so-called agents who are paying players in real money, placing values in US dollars on the play money chips. An online version of Molly's Game, so to speak.

The ban on poker in mainland China will likely be felt throughout Asia and perhaps beyond, with a number of the high stakes real money cash game players believed to be located within the US. Also, live events in regions such as the Philippines and Macau may see player numbers decrease due to the lack of exposure in China.