Mahjong Gambling

Mahjong is one of the oldest, most popular table games, and it’s played for both fun and money around the world. But exactly when was mahjong created? Nobody knows. The game is rumored to be over 2500 years old, though it was first recorded in the 1880s during the Qing Dynasty in China.

Regardless, the game has passed the test of time, and in the 21st century, Philippines legal online mahjong has become big business. As a player, if you’ve ever seen an automatic mahjong table, you’ll know exactly what to expect when gaming on the Internet.

Of course, you can only play mahjong online for real money by joining legal offshore casinos that serve Filipino gamblers. These sites are akin to POGOs, but they are legal and safe for residents of the islands to use. When you sign up with a legitimate online casino that operates offshore, you can have your mahjong cake and eat it, too!

Play Mahjong Online at Indian Casino Online Mahjong games are fun to watch and play with friends. Their popularity is notable globally, thanks to the thousands of people taking part in the games’ different versions available. Some people play mahjong for fun while others up the ante by turning mahjong into a gambler's game. Money is bet at the beginning of each round. There are 16 rounds in a full game of mahjong. The amount of money can be the same for each round or can vary. The amount of money is determined by the player before game play. Player A calls Mahjong with a self drawn tile. The hand was a 25 cent hand which would then be doubled to 50 cents since it was a self drawn tile for Mahjong. Since it was also bet on the bettor would also get 50 cents for the winning hand. SO each player would pay both the winning player and the bettor each 50 cents. Mahjong, an ancient game from China that you play using tiles, gained popularity in the United States in the 1920s. This game of intelligence requires concentration. Mahjong is a difficult game to learn and master, but once you do, your ability to excel in the game is limitless, according to the University of Maryland.

Best Online Mahjong Site For Filipino Players

BetOnline – 100% Bonus Up To $3000 For New Members

BetOnline is the best Philippines online casino, and it’s been serving millions of gamblers from the islands for over a decade. Licensed and regulated in Panama City, Panama, BetOnline has hundreds of table games to choose from – often including mahjong sim titles, mahjong card games, mahjong 3D slots, and more. With so many options, you’ll never run out of new games and variants to try out.

In addition to mahjong gambling and other classic casino games, BetOnline offers Filipinos access to a full online sportsbook with local and international action, a poker room with cash tables and tournament play, and even an international racebook when you want to bet on horses. For one membership that has it all, BetOnline is the place to bet online!

Top Online Casinos That Accept Players From The Philippines

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Is Online Mahjong Legal In The Philippines?

Yes! It is legal to play online mahjong if you live in the Philippines, provided that the casino operator is licensed, registered, and headquartered in another country.

These international casinos are safe and legal per all current Philippines gambling laws, and sites like BetOnline, Intertops, and others have all been accepting Filipino gamblers and mahjong players for years.

While there is no explicit online mahjong law that states the game is legal when played over the Internet, there is no law against it, and Filipino officials are even on record as encouraging residents and citizens to gamble online with the legitimate casino sites you see here.

How To Play Mahjong Online

If you already have a strong mahjong background, it’s very easy to make the transition to playing mahjong online. If you’re a total beginner, however, we recommend checking out some detailed mahjong rules guides. You can find these online, but you can also find the best apps to learn mahjong in the Google Play store or App Store.

Once you have some familiarity with the pastime, Internet-based play comes naturally. The big difference is that instead of playing against two or three other players, you play mahjong online against computer opponents.

These AI challengers are built on software utilizing the best random number generation technology by the top RNG developers in the industry, ensuring fair play across the board. Computer opponents are smart, too, and they will challenge even veteran mahjong players with their intelligent and strategic moves.

Types Of Online Mahjong Games

There are dozens of types of mahjong out there, and different regions favor different variants. Online, you won’t always be able to find all of these (and many sites only offer themed games, like mahjong card games, mahjong slots, mahjong solitaire, and so on).

Nevertheless, you will from time to time come across many versions of mahjong online, and it’s both fun – and potentially very rewarding! – to learn to play as many as you can:

  • American Mahjong
  • Changsha Mahjong
  • Chinese Classical Mahjong
  • Competition Mahjong
  • Filipino Mahjong
  • Fujian Mahjong
  • Hong Kong Mahjong (Cantonese Mahjong)
  • Japanese Classical Mahjong
  • Japanese Mahjong
  • Korean Mahjong
  • Malaysian Mahjong
  • Pussers Bones
  • Shenyang Mahjong
  • Sichuan Mahjong
  • Singaporean Mahjong
  • South African Mahjong
  • Taiwanese Mahjong
  • Taiyuan Lisi Mahjong
  • Thai Mahjong
  • Three-Player Mahjong
  • Tianjin Mahjong
  • Vietnamese Mahjong
  • Western Classical Mahjong
  • Wuhan Mahjong
  • +More

Please be aware that the mahjong gambling rules for each variant are very different – That is, there are no official mahjong rules that work for every game.

While many games go off the original mahjong rules from antiquity, there is so much variation that it’s crucial for you to always read your online casino’s rule guide before playing any online mahjong game, mahjong slots, or mahjong card game derivatives.

Where To Play Real Mahjong Online In The Philippines

You have several choices when in comes to mahjong online play in the Philippines. Of course, most of your options will be various free Flash sites and mahjong apps that don’t actually let you gamble for real money. For gamblers, that’s not ideal.

So, if you want to play your mahjong tiles online with cash on the line, the only places to go are the legal casinos listed on this page. Each is licensed, regulated, and follows industry best practices to ensure that all RNG and live casino games are fair, straightforward, entertaining, and profitable.

Mobile Online Mahjong Apps

There are lots of smartphone and tablet apps out there that will let you play mahjong, whether against the computer or with others (via a mahjong online multiplayer app).

However, these won’t let you win real money, so while they’re great for fun, if you actually want to gamble, you’ll need to use one of the mobile casino web apps offered by the top providers on this page. For real money play, the top mahjong app is always going to be one of these browser-based solutions.

You can even play free online mahjong games with these web apps, so you can practice on the go before you sit down and concentrate on winning the big bucks. To find the best mahjong app, Android and iPhone users merely need to follow any link in the above table, sign up for free, and start playing on the go from anywhere in the islands.

Best of all, virtually any brand of mobile device will work. As long as you have an active Internet connection and an up-to-date web browser, you can pull up a seat to the virtual mahjong tables anywhere, anytime.

How To Fund Online Mahjong Gambling

You don’t need to be able to afford an expensive luxury mahjong set to play the game online, which is a big draw for many eager gamblers. Heck, you don’t even need to shell out for a foldable mahjong table!

Instead, save that money and put it toward gambling on mahjong and related slot machines and table games at the best Philippine online casinos.

To fund your betting account, the top sites give you several banking options to choose from, including the following:

Philippine Online Casino Deposits

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Cryptocurrency altcoins (Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, DASH, Bitcoin Cash, etc.)
  • Credit Cards and Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
  • International Gift Cards
  • Bank Wires
  • Money Orders
  • Cashier’s Checks
  • Person-To-Person Services (P2P)

Philippine Online Casino Payouts

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Cryptocurrency altcoins (Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, DASH, Bitcoin Cash, etc.)
  • Credit and Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc)
  • Bank Wires
  • Money Orders
  • Courier Checks
  • Person-To-Person Services (P2P)

Of these options, we suggest funding your online gambling activities with Bitcoin (BTC) or another cryptocurrency. Bitcoin deposits transfer instantly and securely, and there are no added fees of any kind.

Even better, Bitcoin bonuses are always the best offers around, and BTC is the only same-day payout method for Filipino mahjong players and gamblers!

Online Casino Bonuses For Philippines Mahjong Players

Bonuses are a big deal, no matter which kind of legal online casino gaming you prefer. Whether you’re playing mahjong, slots, blackjack, baccarat, keno, craps, live dealer games, or anything else, bonuses allow you to add real cash to your bankroll so you can play more and win more.

Online casino bonuses are usually structured around welcome bonuses for new players and account reload bonuses for returning patrons. Simply make a deposit, accept any optional casino promotion, and you’ll have extra money added to your account.

The only thing to remember about online casino bonuses is that they come with rollover requirements, so you’ll want to understand the terms and conditions before accepting. However, the rollover is always fair and attainable, so we recommend taking the free money!

Free Mahjong Games Online

Benefits Of Playing Mahjong

If you’re just starting to learn to play mahjong, you don’t have to risk real money right away. You can play mahjong free online at any of the top-ranked offshore casinos we recommend, and this is the route that most new players take.

Best of all, with these free mahjong games online, no download or update is required for your computer, phone, or tablet device. Just head over to your favorite casino website, log in, and put in all the mahjong practice you want.

More Casino Game Guides For Filipino Players

Mahjong Slots

Mahjong is a popular draw-and-discard tile game that originated around the 18th century in China and eventually conquered the western world. The Mahjong game was first played with cards before it evolved into the complex tile game you can find today.

Throughout its long run, dozens of variations of Mahjong have sprouted across the globe, most of which can be found in China. And thanks to modern technology and its popularity in the West, you can now even play it for real money in a number of online casinos.

Some interesting facts about Mahjong are:

  • Mahjong is mostly played by four participants but the game can be played with two, three or sometimes five players too.
  • ‘Mahjong’ goes by several different names in China; ‘majiang’, ‘mah jong’, ‘ma jong’ and ma cheuk’ are commonly used.
  • As the game had a gambling component to it the Chinese government had officially banned Mahjong for almost 40 years from late 40’s till mid 80’s.
Easy to learn and great to play, find out how!Mahjong

What’s the best Mahjong strategy?

Despite what many believe, Mahjong is not just a game of luck but requires skills. How you combine your tiles and what decisions you play an important role in you winning the game or even cashing out more.

So, what exactly can you do to do better in Mahjong? While there’s no failsafe method, the following tips can all help you increase your winning chances and payouts:

  • Always calculate the shortest path to a winning hand.
  • Know the bonus point rules.
  • Know your tiles by heart.
  • Stay disciplined with your money.
  • Try your hand at multiplayer strategies.

The above is a screenshot of the Mahjong game as you can play it at Stargames. The great part of that site is that you are able to play mahjong for money against players from all over the world simultaniously. It doesn’t matter where tyou are located you play in realtime against others that are online too.

You are able to purchase Stars, which are very cheap, and use those as stakes to enter a game. Since Mahjong is a skill game you don’t have to spend a lot of money nor do you risk to lose it. Although Stargames offers Mahjong more as leisure game you are still able to earn a bit of money with it.

Number of tiles
In most case a game set of Mahjong contains 144 tiles. However there are versions where more Flower and/or Joker tiles are avaialble.
Most common Mahjong sets
  • the traditional Chinese set
  • the Japanese Mahjong set
  • the special Hong Kong version
  • the early 1920’s set
  • the Vietnamese game set
Tiles base material
In the old days Ivory was used for the Mahjong tiles but with this becoming a protected material now a days most of the tiles are made of composite, bamboo, bone or pressed fish-bone. Exceptional luxury game-sets can be made of Jade to but due to the extreme high value one does not see those sets often. Let alone you would be able to play with one of those.
Over 40 different game variations
At present there are at least 40 different game versions of Mahjong played worldwide. Here are the most played on a row:
  • Chinese – Chinese Classical, Hong Kong Old Style, Chinese Official and Zung Jung (WSOM rules)
  • Taiwanese – played with 16 tiles opposed to 13
  • Japanese – also know as Riichi or Dora
  • American
  • Western/British – Wright-Patterson, Indian/Mumbai and common Western
  • Filipino – like the Taiwanese also with 16 tiles in the hand. Winds and dragons are treated as flowers in Taiwan
  • Vietnamese – this version starts with 160 or 176 tiles
  • Malaysian – mostly played with three players instead of four

Online Mahjong Variations

Up until a few years back, there were several variations of Mahjong to be found online. However, whether the game lost a bit of its popularity or the non-Asian players had hard time staying on top of the different rules, the choices you have today are far more limited.

The most common Mahjong game you can find today is Solo Mahjong, which is a simplified single-player game. You might also be able to find a multiplayer version, although they are extremely rare.

Most online mahjong games follow Honk Kong scoring rules, simply because they are easier to grasp. Other popular varieties are Classic Mahjong, which like the Honk Kong version allows scoring of four sets and any pairs, and the Japanese Riichi, which is even rarer than multiplayer versions

How to play Mahjong

A game of online Mahjong begins with you receiving 13 tiles with the final goal of discarding and drawing tiles to make a winning hand. The game usually starts with a ready hand, i.e. a hand that’s only missing a single tile. Thus, a winning hand would be one made with 14-tiles.

To get a winning hand, you would have to complete sets of 2, 3, or 4 tiles, or even 4 sets and a pair, as determined by the rules. The most common scoring rules are Honk Kong rules, but you might be able to find other variations as well.

To complete your hand, you can draw tiles from “the Wall”, which is a 24-tile rack that’s placed in front of you in traditional Mahjong, or a virtual table in online Mahjong. When you want to make a pick, you just click or tap the tile. In online Mahjong, if you make a wrong choice, the game might also automatically warn you.

When you make your hand, you will get a pre-defined score, according to the game rules, and once three-four hands are completed the game will be over. The winner is determined by his/her score, with the trick being that you only get a limited number of picks (3-4) before you lose a hand.

Knowing your “tiles” when playing Mahjong

There are up to 144 tiles in a game of Mahjong, which can be overwhelming to the novice player. However, understanding different tiles is nothing too complicated. It all comes with knowledge, hence Mahjong is considered a skilled gambling game. In short, all tiles are divided into three groups:

SUIT TILES

suit tiles have three different suits: bamboo, characters, and dots. All suit tiles are numbered from 1 to 9 and are matched in progression or pairs.

HONOR TILES

there are two types of honor tiles: dragons and winds. The winds are four tiles representing the four winds (north, south, east, and west) and the dragons are three: red, green, and white.

BONUS TILES

these are divided into seasons and flowers tiles, each of which has four different flowers/seasons

Bonus Points when playing Mahjong

Some online Mahjong versions also come with special or bonus points. These can be either Seat Wind or Quarter Wind bonuses, or Dora (bonus tiles) and Honor Streaks. Basically, when you have a set of tiles matching the Seat Wind or Dora tiles, you can get extra points in the game. The exact bonus rules will be available in most of the game’s help menu’s.

Mahjong Fun Facts

  • The earliest tiles of Mahjong that survived into today are dated back to the 1870s.
  • The first Mahjong sets in the U.S. were sold by Abercrombie and Fitch in 1920.
  • Some Malaysian variations include animal tiles in the sets, with symbols representing cats, mice, roosters, etc.
  • Mahjong was so popular in China that people eventually started gambling on it. Thus, the Chinese government enforced a ban on Mahjong during the 1960s and 1970s, which caused its popularity to dwindle a bit.
  • The origin of the name is believed to be the Chinese word “máquè” meaning “sparrow”. A popular belief is that the name was given due to the clinking sounds of the tiles, which reminds one of sparrows clattering.

Conclusion

Mahjong is a great game for anyone looking for something more exotic to play in today’s online world. The game has remained massively popular for centuries for a reason – one which becomes clearly evident on your first try. Fast-paced, stimulating, and entirely unique, Mahjong just has something that other tile games don’t have.

However, before you start playing, keep in mind that the solo version is very easy to grasp and play, while for the multiplayer versions you will need a more thorough strategic approach. But whatever your preference, there’s always plenty of value to be found in a game of Mahjong.