Chinese Online Use Surging Forward

An old Chinese proverb says, "If you must play, decide upon three things at the start: The rules of the game, the stakes and the quitting time." Good reasoning on most accounts but are the Chinese gamblers practicing what they preach? The government of China does have a very large territory to deal with and a connected public is a need in a nation so large.

The number of Chinese internet users increased by over 40 million during the first half of 2009, representing a 13.4% growth rate compared to that of 2008. By June, 30, 2009 the total number of Chinese internet users has reached 338 Million. Of those 338 million 320 million have broadband access. 45.9 percent use their mobile devices to go online which has increased by 37 Mil. or 28% in the first half of 2009.

Entertainment, online research and communication account for over 50% of all online activities while levels of online shopping and payment are still comparatively low. Online gaming grew by 30 Million users and in total 181 million Chinese now write their own blog.

While people in general believe the Internet broadens their horizon and it allows them to save time and share information studies have pointed out that one in six users has the tendency to become an Internet addict. Many believe their life is invariably linked to the Internet. The average number of time consumers spent online per week has for example gone from 16 to 18 hours in the last 6 months. Over 80 percent of the internet users in China consider the 'Internet' the most important and most trustworthy source of information available.

Internet gambling is quickly spreading across the Far East, bringing with it games that never end, rules that are very much in flux and, and stakes best suited to players with near-bottomless pockets. The difficulties moving money is the only challenge keeping this gambling market from exploding.