China prohibits gambling-related material.
China's authorities have introduced a new rule necessitating providers to eliminate gambling content from slot machines and other gaming gadgets. The measure mostly influences local gaming halls providing arcade and other gaming machines. Yet, online video games are also being heavily targeted. The ministry in charge of culture and tourism has issued a report detailing the new regulation.
No Place for Chance
The ministry published the report on gaming machines' administration a week ago. This new rule applies to a range of gaming offerings and will be effective from January 1, 2020. It's not only gaming halls' machines but also video games in internet cafes that are being targeted. Even crane grab machines prevalent in amusement parks and German funfairs fall under this regulation as they partially rely on chance.
According to the report issued, gambling features on slot machines and gaming apparatus are no longer permitted. The government proclaimed its intention to ban all machines where game outcomes are predetermined, including slot machines. Also, minors under 18 years can't access electronic gaming machines outside public holidays at commercial establishments or entertainment venues. Manufacturers of gaming machines are recommended to emphasize traditional Chinese culture values and create games that represent the national spirit positively and healthily.
"Gaming machine manufacturers should create games that are not only intellectual property but also embody the spirit of the nation constructively and healthily."
Continued Measures Against Gambling
The recently published report is seen as an extension of China's campaign against gambling. The focus is on gambling content in electronic gaming devices. For example, converting points or winnings in games into real money is now prohibited. The popular Japanese Pachinko machines, combining arcade games and gambling, are also forbidden under the new measures. Gaming devices with physical prizes, like those in grab crane machines, must now display exact winning odds.
Therefore, gambling is entirely banned in China, except for the two state lotteries. The ministry's report also mentions that electronic devices displaying random outcomes, like roulette, gambling, and horse racing machines, are still illegal in China. It's unclear whether the new regulation encompasses virtual sports games offered by lottery vendors.
The primary objective is to limit minors' access to certain gaming machines. This includes not only gambling machines but also arcade machines with fighting games (Beat 'em Ups). Other devices containing content deemed inappropriate for minors under 18 can also be restricted.
The Chinese government's drive to curb gambling stems from the growing popularity of online gambling among children and teenagers. This has been an ongoing battle as Apple removed several games from their App Store last year. In early November, officials announced further limitations on minors playing video games as part of the campaign to shield them from potential harm.
Minors are currently banned from accessing online games between 10 pm and 8 am. Moreover, video game players can now play for a maximum of 90 minutes per day during the week. On weekends or holidays, the playing time is limited to three hours. These and additional regulations aim to fulfill the population's desire for a better life.
Instruction-breakers could face grim consequences. Operators who defy the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism's rules may end up on a blacklist, effectively shutting down their business. Therefore, all companies involved in the production, sale, and operation of gaming machines or entertainment devices whose outcomes rely on chance must now adapt to the new rules.
The deadline is nearing, but there's a 60-day grace period, so businesses have until March to update their offerings in line with the new regulations. China's battle against gambling is not likely to conclude anytime soon.
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