The police launched a special investigation to catch the suspects in Hunan, Jiangxi and Guangdong provinces.

The suspects called in gamblers through social network chats and organised virtual poker gaming rooms, which have been running since May 2017.

Stakes were between 2000 yuan and 5000 yuan in a single hand, with 5% of the biggest winnings at the table taken by the gang organising the games.

One of the suspects is currently on bail pending trial, while the remaining 16 are under criminal detention for allegedly committing casino crimes.

Police continue to clamp down on illegal gambling in Asia, with 267 arrested in Hong Kong last month for setting up and running illegal gambling dens.