How popular is gambling among Hong Kong expats living in London? | London Daily News

Simply put, gambling is a very popular activity in London, regardless of nationality or any other factor. Hongkongers in London are not an exception. Luckily, this is one of the world’s leading cities in terms of gambling, and some might say it is even more developed than Hong Kong.

Expats can come across everything from prestigious land-based casinos to safe sports betting online platforms. Many Hongkongers are familiar with licensed and regulated betting, and they know how to set a legitimate place apart from the scam. Yet, living in London offers even broader access to all sorts of gambling opportunities.

Understanding how this group of expats adapts to London’s diverse gambling landscape is important for exploring cultural influences and responsible gambling practices, among other interesting things. That’s what this article is all about.

Preferred Places for Gambling Among Hongkongers in London

Firstly, let’s discuss the physical casinos, racecourses and other gambling venues that offer similar betting opportunities to the most famous gambling sites in Hong Kong. It comes down to places like The Hippodrome Casino, The Grosvenor Victoria Casino, and Kempton Park Racecourse, among others.

Many cultural factors influence the gambling habits of Londoners, and horse racing is a very important one. Hong Kong expats also have solid traditions in gambling, such as playing Mahjong as a social game. However, the options in London are pretty much unlimited. Here are the top five most preferred places to gamble in this city.

1. The Hippodrome Casino – this is London’s largest and most iconic casino establishment. With its six floors with gambling attractions, it certainly offers a wide variety of games, including the most popular types – poker, roulette, and blackjack. It also features a dedicated poker room, a restaurant, and regular entertainment shows, making it a go-to spot for tourists, expats, and locals alike.
2. London Poker Room – it is situated within the Grosvenor Victoria Casino and is widely known for its poker rooms, hosting daily tournaments and cash games. It’s popular among both serious players and those looking for a casual poker experience in a lively environment.
3. Aspers Casino – Without a doubt, Aspers is one of the largest casinos not only in London but all over the UK and is the top gambling destination for Hong Kong expats located in Westfield Stratford City. It offers an extensive selection of slots, electronic games, and live tables, including poker tournaments and a large sports betting lounge for watching live sports events.
4. Ascot Racecourse – this racecourse is highly recommended for horse racing enthusiasts, as it hosts some of the UK’s most prestigious horse racing events, such as the Royal Ascot. Hong Kong expats can come across several on-site betting facilities and place wagers on top races while experiencing the thrill of live horse racing on-site.
5. Coral Betting Shops – London is dotted with Coral betting shops. They are very popular among motorsport enthusiasts, as they offer a range of betting options for events like Formula 1, MotoGP, and other racing series. Yet, Coral’s shops are just one of the many betting venues of this kind that are signature for the city.

Hong Kong expats in London have more freedom and access to diverse gambling establishments, including some of the world’s most famous casino venues, betting sites and, of course, online platforms like the reliable gambling operators listed here. Betting online is widely popular, especially among modern gamblers, who prefer to play through their mobile devices, regardless of the gambling category.

Many Hong Kong Expats in London Prefer Online Gambling

Undoubtedly, gambling is a big thing in London. Online platforms, in particular, enjoy great popularity, as expats from all over the world prefer the convenience of playing on the go or from the comfort of their homes. Serious players have access to trustworthy and legitimate websites.

Expats can even choose to play at some of the best gambling sites in Hong Kong and enjoy the nostalgia for home-based games like Mahjong. There are many other reasons why online gambling is so popular among Hong Kong expats in London, and here are a few essential ones:

• Social connection with other fellow Hongkongers
• Access to new forms of gambling
• Greater comfort when playing from home at legal gambling sites in Hong Kong
• Playing with welcome bonuses and other regular perks
• Immediate transactions via all kinds of digital payment methods
• Access to safe, legitimate gambling websites, also regulated by the UKGC

Gambling within the expat community can also be driven by the influence of personal recommendations, community events, and even some small-scale gatherings or online betting pools. The latter is available mostly for sports and lotto betting activities, however, the top online gambling sites always come up with something new and extravagant.

Sports Betting Activities Among Hongkongers in London

There are different areas with a significant HK expat presence in London, and sports betting is the most preferred activity for those who love gambling. Here are the most common betting sports available online and on-site:

• Football
• Horse racing
• Basketball
• Boxing
• Tennis
• Badminton
• eSports

Gambling Tips for Expats in London

This article wouldn’t be complete without some gambling tips and bits of advice for Hong Kong expats in London. So, please keep in mind the following:

• Adapt to London/UK gambling regulations in advance.
• Make sure to know how to cope with the social pressures of gambling, such as managing spending habits.
• Address potential challenges, such as currency exchange, shorter work and commuting hours (in comparison to Hong Kong), and responsible gaming.
• Make an agenda and prioritize which gambling venues you want to visit first.

Conclusion – Gambling is a Big Thing for HK Expats

Hongkongers in London can find that escaping from the hustle and bustle of the big city is much more difficult than in Hong Kong. That’s why gambling became one of the most popular and easiest ways to do so. It is an important part of the social and daily life of Hong Kong expats in London, but you should be aware of the challenges that come with it as well.