Chinese Police Dismantle Illegal Mahjong Gambling Rings

Chinese police have reported a significant increase in illegal gambling activities, particularly involving a high-speed version of the traditional tile game Mahjong. Officers in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, recently issued a warning after raiding 16 suspected gambling dens specializing in the new variant called "Zhuanzhuan Mahjong."

During the raids, 204 suspected gamblers and 21 alleged organizers of the gambling rings were arrested, as reported by the Chinese media outlet Ningbo News Network. Officials in Yinzhou District estimate that the operators of these dens generated profits of 1.12 million yuan, equivalent to approximately 165,000 US dollars. Police noted that operators instructed players to start with small stakes, gradually increasing them to nearly 100 US dollars per game.

Numbers and facts

A spokesperson for the Yinzhou District Public Security Bureau stated that new illegal betting operators often disguise themselves as "card game clubs" or "social entertainment providers." They used highly deceptive methods to conceal their illicit activities. These raids come weeks after a Chinese court warned of a rise in Go clubs that allow customers to bet on games if they pay club owners entry or commission fees.

All forms of gambling are illegal in China, with the exception of state-run lotteries, which are classified as a form of fundraising. Around 200 police officers participated in the raids. Many of the dens operated in stores that advertised themselves as "just-for-fun" Mahjong gaming clubs, where patrons could play the tile game while enjoying tea and other beverages. However, police said, patrons were actually encouraged to play Zhuanzhuan Mahjong for cash.

The popularity of Zhuanzhuan Mahjong has grown steadily since 2010, when police first became aware of the existence of such betting rings and raided a store in Shimen County, Hunan. The owner at that time generated profits of around 100,000 yuan, or almost 15,000 US dollars. Since then, many more betting rings have been discovered in Hunan and beyond.

Background

Zhuanzhuan Mahjong originated in China's Hunan Province, about 1,000 kilometers from Ningbo. While conventional Mahjong uses a 136-144 tile set, including 108 tiles in three suits and two sets of honor tiles, the high-speed version of the game uses only the 108 suit tiles. This allows players to complete hands with "breathtaking alacrity."

In Zhuanzhuan Mahjong gambling dens, bettors typically stake anywhere from 60 to 600 yuan (about 9-90 US dollars) per hand. Winners collect the pot, minus a "commission fee" payable to the den's operator. In February, police in Hunan arrested 16 people who were found playing a high-speed Mahjong variation for stakes up to 500 yuan (74 US dollars) per game. Police found three betting tables in an upstairs room of a shop in a vegetable market in the city of Zhangjiajie. Operators then collected a 200 yuan (30 US dollars) cut per hand from each table.

Courts show little leniency to organizers. District court judges have handed down prison sentences for den owners ranging from one to four years. In all previous cases, courts have also transferred thousands of US dollars worth of gambling profits to the treasury.

"Some new illegal betting operators are now calling themselves 'card game clubs' or 'social entertainment providers'," said a Yinzhou District Public Security Bureau spokesperson. "They are using highly deceptive methods."

Why it matters for German players

The raids in China clearly illustrate the serious consequences of illegal gambling. In Germany, the market has been strictly regulated since the introduction of the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). Players should only use casinos with a German license from the Joint Gaming Authority of the Federal States (GGL). These casinos are listed on the official GGL Whitelist, which ensures transparency and security.

German licensing means comprehensive protection for players. This includes deposit limits of a maximum of 1,000 euros per month and a stake limit of 1 euro per spin for online slot machines. The central blocking system LUGAS (Cross-State Gambling Supervision System) is also an essential component. It prevents players from being active simultaneously in several online casinos and quickly exceeding their limits. Those who play in unlicensed casinos not only expose themselves to the risks of the unregulated market but also to the danger of legal prosecution or not recovering their stakes.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators of GGL-licensed casinos, strict adherence to regulations is of paramount importance. This includes transparent rules for deposits, stakes, and the handling of player data via LUGAS. While illegal operators in China operate under the guise of entertainment, German licensees must clearly identify themselves as gambling providers and comply with all stipulations of the GlüStV 2021. Reports from other countries fighting illegal activities reinforce the German regulatory approach. It aims to protect consumers and prevent crime in the gambling sector. The GGL is an important control body here.

The goal is to create a safe and responsible gaming environment that clearly distinguishes itself from the methods reported from China. The GGL sets high standards for game fairness, youth and player protection, and the fight against money laundering. These strict requirements are intended to strengthen players' trust in the regulated market and deter them from illegal offerings. Every incident of illegal gambling in other regions underscores the need for strong and effective gambling regulation.