Speculation that chinese government may be considering further game restrictions

Share prices in some Chinese online companies declined by up to 12.5 percent Friday on news that the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism may be tightening regulations on slot and poker-related online games.

The speculation was triggered by reports of a meeting to exchange views between the Ministry and 15 major internet companies, in which the companies were reportedly warned that all “Texas-style” games will have to be withdrawn by June 1 this year, and no longer made available to the public.

The Ministry’s position appears to be influenced by suspicions that such games – yet to be precisely defined – constitute games of chance and therefore gambling.

The Ministry has yet to issue a formal statement on the issue.