Chinese embassies in both Singapore and Vietnam have issued public advisories urging Chinese nationals to refrain from gambling during the Chinese New Year (CNY) period, reinforcing Beijing’s long-standing policy stance against overseas gaming activities.

Statements released by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Singapore and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Vietnam reminded citizens to comply with local laws while also highlighting China’s domestic restrictions on gambling and cross-border gaming promotion.

Reinforcing China’s Anti-Gambling Position

The advisories come during one of the busiest outbound travel periods of the year, when Chinese tourists travel extensively across Asia-Pacific destinations. While gambling is legal in Singapore at properties such as:

• Genting Singapore (operator of Resorts World Sentosa)

• Las Vegas Sands (operator of Marina Bay Sands)

China maintains strict prohibitions on organizing or soliciting citizens for overseas gambling.

Similarly, Vietnam has a developing casino sector aimed largely at foreign passport holders, though regulatory controls remain tight and subject to ongoing policy adjustments.

Policy Context and Regional Impact

The warnings align with Beijing’s broader crackdown on cross-border gambling activities over the past several years. Chinese authorities have repeatedly emphasized:

• Combating overseas gambling marketing targeting Mainland citizens

• Restricting underground banking channels

• Strengthening surveillance on cross-border capital flows

For regional integrated resort (IR) operators, such advisories serve as a reminder of the sensitivity surrounding Chinese VIP and premium mass segments.

Singapore’s regulatory framework, overseen by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore, remains strict and compliance-driven, with strong anti-money laundering controls and social safeguards. Operators are required to enforce robust customer due diligence processes.

In Vietnam, authorities continue to balance tourism growth with financial supervision, as casino development remains a controlled sector primarily catering to foreigners.

CNY Travel and IR Sensitivities

Chinese New Year is traditionally a peak season for gaming and hospitality across Asia. However, recent years have seen a structural shift:

• Reduced junket reliance

• Increased direct premium mass play

• Greater scrutiny over fund transfers

Embassy advisories during CNY underscore the political dimension that continues to shape regional gaming flows.

Industry Outlook

While the immediate impact on Singapore’s and Vietnam’s CNY visitation figures is unlikely to be dramatic, analysts suggest such diplomatic reminders reinforce a longer-term normalization of Chinese outbound gaming activity under stricter oversight.

For investors and industry observers, the episode highlights the continued intersection of policy, tourism and gaming in Asia-Pacific — particularly as regional markets seek to grow premium tourism segments while navigating regulatory sensitivities tied to Mainland China.