With over 380 million Internet users, China represents one of the most attractive markets for the online gambling industry. In addition, from a cultural point of view, Chinese citizens are traditionally fans of gambling.

Gambling was made illegal in 1949, the year of the Communist Party’s ascension to power. This has not prevented the growth of an underground gambling industry which, thanks to the Internet, online casinos have joined.

The Chinese government decided to put an end to illegal gambling, and began a 6 month campaign against it last August. According to the authorities, illegal online gaming at foreign sites has led to large financial losses (about 1.5 billion dollars) for the country and disturbed social and economic order.

Many Internet gambling sites operate from abroad, and rely on local partners. These partners are being targeted in the vast campaign started in August 2009. Even operators of payment systems are being sought, along with the Internet providers that offer access to gambling sites.

China, which has a long tradition of censorship, has also declared war on porn and web sites showcasing violence. The system of censorship, called “The Great Firewall of China” has gained recognition worldwide.