Gambling Regulations around the World

The global gambling industry has witnessed immense growth over the decades. With the evolution of technology and the growing acceptance and legalisation of gambling, the industry has expanded in many parts of the world and is generating incredible figures as revenue. In 2021 alone, the market size of the online gaming industry across the globe peaked at $231 billion.

However, with this enormous market reach and size comes the dangers of being unregulated. Hence the reason for the different legislations adopted by various countries worldwide. The legalisation of gambling has undoubtedly improved over the years, with several countries and states embracing gambling as a source of revenue generation for the government.

There are, however, still countries like North Korea that place a complete ban on gambling and some countries that happen to be in-between, not fully legalising nor banning gambling. The different stances and approaches of governments worldwide regarding gambling have resulted in inconsistent gambling regulations.

This inconsistency has made the subject of regulations guiding gambling a rather complex one since different states in the same country have various approaches to the same thing, and even countries on the same continent have different stances regarding gambling.

The United States is a real example of different states in a country with different gambling laws and regulations. Individual states in the U.S. have distinct laws guiding gambling, with some accepting both physical and online gambling and some states out rightly banning it.

There are thousands of gambling sites, both physical and online, some of which might be legal. Gambling on a licensed or illegal website or casino will lead to a fine or punishment. This is why understanding the different laws regulating gambling in a region, state, country, or continent is imperative, especially for gamblers who wish to gamble safely and without being on the wrong side of the law.

Why gambling regulations are important?

Gambling laws differ from nation to nation, and they’re majorly put in place to protect gamblers, who are the consumers of all products released. The different laws and regulations ensure gamblers are safe online, protected from dubious companies, and assured of fair treatment. These regulations are enforced by authorities vested with the power to give licenses, and introduce a code of conduct for all gambling sites. They are charged with the responsibility of sanctioning those who falter.

Another reason why gambling regulations are essential is the authenticity of a license. Although most gambling sites require a license to operate in an area, some regions, like Nevada, are very strict in giving out licenses; hence, sites from these areas can be trusted. In some places, however, licenses are issued without proper scrutiny.

Gambling Laws around the world

As earlier stated, different countries have varying approaches and stances toward gambling. Below are some of the regulations guiding gambling from different continents:

Regulations in Europe

Several countries make up the European continent, and each of these countries has a diverse stance on gambling, both online and land-based. Some countries like Ukraine place a complete ban on gambling while others, like France, the UK etc., have legalised gambling and put all necessary regulatory bodies in place.

In Europe, the United Kingdom is one of the forerunners when it comes to gambling. Gambling in all its shades and forms is all legalised and regulated. To receive a license, a bookmaker must fully comply with all requirements set by the UK Gambling Commission. The body was set up in 2005 to replace the previous regulatory body, the Gaming Board. See more about UK Casinos on our site.

In France, the regulatory framework is somewhat similar to that of the UK. The country follows a strict license procurement process. Although French citizens are allowed to gamble with foreign companies, these companies must meet all mandatory requirements. However, unlike in the U.K, all kinds of casino games are presently illegal. See more about French Casinos on our site.

Regulations in North America

The United States is the biggest country in North America, with 50 states. This large country, perhaps because of its size, does not have a homogenous law regulating different forms of gambling. However, gambling is legal across the country, except for Utah, where gambling is banned. Each state has the power to pass laws that either regulate or impede gambling in its different forms at the state and regional levels.

Depending on the state or region of residence in the US, legislation will vary since, unlike the UK’s UKGC, there is no established body or organisation in charge of regulating gambling. There also isn’t enough clarity if United States legislations are binding gambling sites operating beyond the country’s borders but have American users. See more about US Casinos on our site.

In Canada, although the central government has laws and regulations, each province still has the power also to enact laws made explicitly for each province. Although any registered or unlicensed casino is considered illegal, the online gambling scene isn’t exactly straightforward. Online gambling isn’t illegal; the law, however, does forbid online betting without a license, except for those belonging to the province. There aren’t specific laws regulating foreign sites with Canadian users; hence the over 1000 foreign sites illegally catering for the country’s citizens. See more about Canadian Casinos on our site.

Regulations in Australia

Gambling laws in Australia are pretty strict. Australian Gambling Sites are bound to offer their services to Australian citizens alone and no overseas users, although there are no rules regarding Australian citizens using an oversea gambling site. Not all forms of gambling are legal; live betting and casino games are both prohibited. The only type of gambling allowed is conventional sports betting and games fashioned after the lottery.

New Zealand has several clearly defined laws regulating internet gambling. The Gambling Act of 2003 is the ultimate legislation that provides clarity on what is considered legal or illegal in the country. The Act classifies gambling, authorises all sites and casinos, prohibits certain forms of gambling, prohibits oversea sites advertising their services in the country etc.

Regulations in Asia

Considering the enormous size of the Asian continent, there are no consistent laws guiding gambling in Asia. Each country is left to decide what it considers gambling and how it is regulated or restrained. China, India, North Korea, and Kuwait all ban gambling, although, in China, there is only one region permitted by the communist government to operate casinos, Macau.

In India, lotteries and horse racing are permitted throughout the country, while the government supervises casinos. North Korea completely bans its citizens from gambling, although visitors or foreigners are permitted. Kuwait bans gambling since the country is an Islamic nation, and the Quran prohibits gaming.

It is considered legal in Singapore, the Philippines, Japan, and Vietnam, although there are certain conditions that gambling sites and casinos must meet. See more about Japanese Casinos on our site.

Regulations in South America

South America has specific restrictions on the various forms of gambling in certain countries. In Ecuador and Brazil, online gambling and casino games are prohibited. The only type of gambling accepted is state lotteries. Bolivia and Nicaragua crack down heavily on online gambling and have put in place the necessary regulatory framework. Argentina’s online gambling laws are made by each individual province. See more about Brazilian Casinos on our site.

Regulations in Africa

Gambling regulations in Africa are sparse, and there is little to no legislation regulating the online gambling industry. South Africa is one of the exceptions, with the country regulating both land-based and online gambling. In some countries, like Nigeria, no encompassing regulatory body governs the gambling industry. There are a limited number of casinos, and they’re all required to get a license from the National Lottery Commission. See more about South African Casinos on our site.