Taiwan's gaming industry is still strictly regulated by law, Article 266 of the Criminal Code explicitly prohibits illegal gambling, allowing only government-regulated public welfare lotteries (such as Taiwan Lottery) and a few licensed institutions to operate.
However, in recent years, with the rise of online gambling, many international gambling companies have attracted Taiwanese players through online platforms. This article will introduce companies related to the gaming industry in Taichung, Taipei, and Neihu, including legal lotteries, online gambling platforms, and surrounding service providers.
1. Taipei City: The Core of the Gaming Industry
As the economic center of Taiwan, Taipei hosts several enterprises related to gambling, including legal lottery distributors and offices of international gambling companies.
(1) Taiwan Lottery
Parent company: CTBC Bank
Business scope: Lotto, Super Lotto, Bingo Bingo, Sports Lottery, etc.
Features: The only legal lottery distributor in Taiwan, with physical betting stations throughout Taiwan
(2) Waybo Casino
Type: Online gambling platform (registered abroad)
Market positioning: Mainly targeting Taiwanese players, offering live entertainment, sports betting, electronic games
Controversy: Since online casinos are prohibited in Taiwan, such platforms are usually registered in the Philippines, Malta, etc.
(3) Gaming Technology Service Company
Such as: Allbet Gaming
Business: Provides online casino systems, live dealer technical support
Partners: Some international gambling platforms
2. Taichung City: Gambling-related Enterprises and the Underground Market
Due to the developed entertainment industry in Taichung, some companies are involved in gambling-related services, but the problem of underground casinos is also prominent.
(1) StarCity Online
Type: Social entertainment game (non-real money gambling)
Operator: Webank International
Features: Imitates slot machines, poker, etc., but limited to virtual currency
(2) Underground Casinos and Online Agents
Status: Multiple underground casino cases have been detected in Taichung, with some gangs operating online gambling agents
Case: In 2023, Taichung police cracked a cross-border gambling group, involving over 1 billion New Taiwan dollars
3. Neihu Science Park: Gambling Technology and Payment Services
Neihu is a stronghold of Taiwan's technology industry, with some companies involved in gambling payments, software development, etc.
(1) Payment Service Company
Such as: ECPay
Business: Provides payment interfaces for some overseas gambling platforms (must comply with Taiwanese regulations)
(2) Game Development Company
Such as: IGS
Products: Commercial electronic gaming machines (some sold to legal casino countries)
4. Trends and Risks in Taiwan's Gambling Market
Legal aspect: Limited to public welfare lotteries, online gambling is still illegal
Underground market: Some overseas platforms operate through agents, with ongoing police crackdowns
Technology impact: Blockchain and cryptocurrencies increase regulatory challenges
Conclusion
The gambling industry in Taiwan is primarily based on legal lotteries, but the underground market and overseas platforms still exist. Among the three locations, Taipei, Taichung, and Neihu, Taipei is the center for lottery operations, Taichung has more entertainment game companies, and Neihu gathers payment and technology service providers. Players should be aware of legal risks and avoid participating in illegal gambling activities.
