Taiwan Proposes Criminalizing Online Gambling

Taiwans Justice Department has suggested modifying the law to make online betting a criminal offense, arguing that it is a main cause of social and familial issues in the nation.

The department stated that changes to Articles 266 and 270 of the Taiwanese Criminal Code would “enhance legal responsibility for wagering using telecommunications devices, electronic communications, the internet, or similar methods.”

This would further introduce new punishments, including a fine of NT$1,000 (GBP 25.9 / EUR 29.3 / USD 32.3) for anyone found participating in online gambling and seizure of any equipment used for betting.

While gambling in “public areas or places open to the public” has been prohibited in Taiwan since 1994, and operating gambling establishments is also illegal, there are currently no regulations concerning online gambling, which the Justice Department calls a “gap.”

This analysis highlights that due to the widespread use of technology and the web, anyone with the proper tools can easily access gambling, which will negatively affect Taiwanese society, resulting in an increase in gambling addiction.

The analysis cautions: “In the long term, players may only focus on making money through gambling, so they will not contribute to society, but instead will damage societal values.”

The proposed amendment must be presented to the nation’s legislative body, which must approve the proposal for it to be implemented.

Sign up for the iGaming news newsletter.