Goodbye China (Macau & Taiwan) says William Hill

William Hill are closing all services (sports betting and casino) to customers living in China.

They have advised relevant parties  (including effected players no doubt) that effective from 19 August, Chinese resident players will no longer be able to access any William Hill services.

“We regret to inform you that William Hill has taken a decision to withdraw all of its online betting and gaming services for all residents of China for the foreseeable future.

We will be suspending all accounts of all residents of China from midday Monday 19th August, 2013. After this date, bettors will not be able to use their accounts to access our online sportsbook or gaming rooms.

Bettors will be able to check their accounts and withdraw any outstanding balance at any time, unless we notify you otherwise in future, by logging in, selecting ‘My Account’ and then ‘Withdraw’ to request a return of their outstanding balance.”

The decision was said to be taken “for regulatory reasons”.

Not aware of any online gambling regulatory changes that have occurred recently in China. Perhaps the new policy is based on a more conservative interpretation existing laws?

The legal eagles at William Hill have also seen fit to take  a more conservative interpretation of online gambling laws in Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong. The door will be closed for residents in those countries/regions also.

So a good chunk of East Asia will no longer be able too access the opulent surrounds of the Willam Hill live casino.

Oh well, more tables for the rest of us I guess.