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An Overview of the Latest Gambling Laws around the World

02 May 2018, 13:10 CET

There is an interesting aspect about the different gambling laws seen around the world: they can vary greatly, and what's notable is that about half of the world's population is actually banned from gambling, especially when it comes to online casinos. On the other hand, there are over 60 countries which offer online gambling, and in these countries, this form of gambling is fully licensed.

Gambling tokens - Image Pixabay.com

Another notable fact is that in some countries, casinos, whether brick and mortar or online, are banned outright, whilst in other countries, both are allowed. In some countries where casinos are allowed, local firms are not allowed to be involved while foreign firms are accepted. As you can clearly see, casino legislation really does change dramatically from one country to another. So, what else should you know about the latest gambling laws around the world? Here's a casino legislation overview which can be immensely useful if you're travelling and planning to make a few bets here and there.

The three categories

In essence, when it comes to gambling regulation, all countries can be divided into 3 distinct categories: countries in which all land-based and online casinos are widely regulated and legal, countries in which online casino gambling is simply illegal although there is no regulation for citizens who play in a casino which is based in or operated by another country, and countries in which any form of casino isn't legal, and individuals who gamble in any form will be prosecuted.

These are the 3 main categories, although there are some distinctions as well. For instance, in countries where online casinos are okay as long as they are not locally-based, casinos which are land-based can sometimes also be legal, but the general look of things classifies gambling into these 3 main distinctions.

Casino gambling in the European continent

In Europe, gambling is generally permitted, and gambling is often regulated and legal. The biggest European markets for gambling are Spain, Germany, and the UK, and all these countries are counted on to have a well-regulated and completely legal gambling industry.

In other European countries such as Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Finland, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Sweden, and the Netherlands, gambling is also completely legalized, regardless if it's online or land-based. If you're a resident of any of the above-mentioned countries, you can easily place a bet, whether you're doing it in an actual casino or through the Internet. But, as always, there are some exceptions once again. Two countries – Iceland and France – have some differences. In both of these countries, online casinos are banned outright, while land-based casino gambling is allowed, along with other types of gambling such as sports betting and bingo. Other countries like the Czech Republic and Russia as well as Poland, Ukraine, and Switzerland technically do not allow online gambling, but foreign website gambling is hardly a problem. There's really only one other country in Europe where you have to be extra careful: Turkey, since it's a primarily Muslim country, which often means it frowns upon gambling in any form.

Casino gambling in North and South America

North American countries like Canada and Mexico are generally fine with gambling since gambling has been legalized in these countries and it's certainly regulated as well. But the United States is a bit of an exception since the country can't really decide on its gambling laws. For example, states like Nevada are undoubtedly fine with gambling in any form, while other states such as New Jersey, Georgia, Delaware, New York, and Illinois have declared that online gambling is fine as well. There are even a number of online casinos which target the US market. But while many foreign casinos online don't allow players from the US, the rule isn't as strict, and no one can stop any player from playing in a foreign casino online even if they reside in a US state where gambling online isn't legal.

In South America, things are divided as well. Most countries in this portion of the Americas are fine with gambling, while others generally operate on the principle of 'ignorance is bliss'. Countries like Argentina, Panama, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Peru have legal gambling and offer a good number of online casinos, while Brazil and Chile aren't too fond of gambling but don't really mind if residents play in casinos off-shore. Ecuador is a different matter, however, as it allowed casinos until 2010. In 2010, the president banned all gambling forms, but once again, gambling on foreign sites isn't really a big issue.

Casino gambling in Australia

Australia is a gambling casino's dream, as it is quite relaxed in terms of gambling, both online and land-based. The only rule is for both land-based as well as online casinos to have the proper licenses and be duly taxed. But Australia's brother, New Zealand, isn't as thrilled with gambling. There are only about 6 land-based casinos in New Zealand, and online casino gambling is in a gray zone, although foreign casino online gambling is allowed.

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