The Ministry of Culture and Tourism ("MCT") has recently issued the Administrative Measures for Gaming and Amusement Equipment (the "Measures"), with effect from January 1, 2020.
The Measures are divided into five chapters, including general provisions, censorship of content, supervision and administration, legal liability, and supplementary provisions. Among others, the Measures state that gaming and amusement equipment shall be administered by category. Provincial administrative departments of culture and tourism shall give preliminary opinions regarding censorship of content and the classification of equipment models and types, within five working days from the acceptance of applications. As for gaming and amusement equipment supplied to entertainment venues or other business places, their manufacturers or importers shall label the gaming and amusement equipment, in a prominent position thereon, with the "electronic mark for gaming and amusement equipment", and according to the categories of equipment models and types determined by the provincial administrative departments of culture and tourism, clearly specify such words as "Amusement and Recreation Equipment" thereon. Furthermore, the Measures require establishing a sound standard for content censorship, and in addition to the content banned by law, safety requirements, etc., identify equipment with gambling features as equipment designed to propagate gambling, thus making the criteria of market access and regulatory law enforcement clearer.