Free play refers to a specific type of promotion that is offered by some casinos, in which players are given a certain amount of money to use on certain games, usually slot machines. This money is not real money, but rather a form of "play money" that can be used to play the games but cannot be cashed out or withdrawn.

Gambling in Macau has been legal since the 1850s when the Portuguese government legalised the activity in the autonomous colony. Since then, Macau has become known worldwide as the "Gambling capital of the world". It is the only place in China where casino gambling is legal.

At least 19 people were killed and many others are feared dead in a fire at a Cambodian casino, with a rescuer describing how victims hurled themselves from a ledge in a desperate bid to escape the flames.