Over the past few decades, gambling has evolved from a niche hobby to a multi-billion dollar industry. With the growing popularity of virtual online casinos, such as mindagame.com, states in different parts of the world began to actively regulate this sphere, which led to a wide variety of legal approaches. Somewhere such services are strictly prohibited, somewhere are fully legalised, and somewhere – are in the “grey zone” of legal uncertainty.
In this article we will take a closer look at the status of online casinos in different countries and regions, as well as tell you: which jurisdictions provide licences, where users face penalties for gambling online, and where you can play legally and safely.
Status of Gambling in European Countries
Each country is characterised by its own peculiarities in the regulation of online casinos.
UK
The UK is considered to be one of the most mature and highly regulated jurisdictions that fully controls projects representing the gambling industry in the world. All operators operating in the UK market must obtain a licence from the UK Gambling Commission. The legislation here ensures a high level of protection of users’ rights, including measures to combat gambling addiction, a transparent bonus policy and a ban on the use of credit cards.
Germany
Until recently, online casinos in Germany were in a legal vacuum. However, in 2021, the new Interstate Treaty on Gambling came into force, which legalised the projects’ operations across the country. Teams can now obtain licences but must follow strict rules, including betting limits and a ban on automated play.
Netherlands
Since October 2021, the Netherlands has had a regulated gambling market. All projects are required to obtain a licence from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) and users must undergo a full verification procedure. Special attention is paid to advertising and social responsibility.
Peculiarities of Approaches in the USA and Canada
Consider the constraints faced by the projects and their audiences.
USA
In the US, gambling is regulated individually on a state-by-state basis. While Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan have legal and strictly controlled online casinos, most other states still prohibit them; Federal law does not prohibit projects from providing services directly, but leaves decisions up to the regions.
Now online casino activities are allowed in states such as New Jersey, Michigan, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia.
Canada
Canada also delegates gambling regulation to the provincial level. For example, Ontario has its own regulated market with licensing requirements. In other regions, online casinos are operated by provincial lottery corporations or are only allowed through offline formats.
Gambling in Asia
In this region, the attitudes of local jurisdictions towards online casino activities are quite controversial.
India
In India, gambling is regulated at the state level. While most states prohibit the operation of land-based casinos, online casinos are in a grey area. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 makes no mention of online services, allowing some projects to operate through international licences. However, some states, such as Sikkim and Nagaland, have begun to develop their own rules to regulate gambling.
China
Gambling is strictly prohibited in China. The state blocks sites, uses firewalls and actively fights illegal projects. The exception is the special administrative region of Macau, where land-based casinos are legal, but specialised sites and applications are banned even there.
Philippines
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) regulates online casinos in the country. Gambling is allowed, but licences are mainly granted for international audiences. Local users have limited access to such projects.
Australia and New Zealand
Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, local projects are prohibited from offering online casino services to Australian users. However, the audience itself can safely play on international sites that accept Australian users. Some providers such as EvolveCasino and WooCasino are very popular in the country.
In New Zealand, the only project representing the gambling industry is the state lottery operator. However, there is no prohibition on registration on foreign sites unless they are hosted in the country.
Africa
South Africa has legalised betting, but online casinos are banned. Nevertheless, the market continues to grow due to foreign projects that can accept users without restrictions.
Elsewhere in Africa, gambling is booming, especially in mobile format. Laws either do not exist or are just beginning to be developed, which makes online casinos possible, but does not protect the interests of any party on a legal level.
Latin America
Until recently, all gambling formats were banned in Brazil. However, in 2023, an active reform began to legalise and license online casinos. And Colombia became the first country in Latin America to legalise gambling in 2016. Today, there are dozens of licensed projects operating in the country.
Who Licences Online Casinos
Today, international projects can obtain licences from the following regulators:
- Curaçao eGaming – available to many projects, but has weak user protection requirements;
- Malta (MGA) is one of the most reputable jurisdictions and provides a high level of regulation.
- Cyprus, Antigua and Barbuda – also provide licences but less popular;
Isle of Man, Alderney – respected regulators with high transparency and accountability.
Today, we see the gambling industry becoming increasingly fragmented by region, from a strict ban on online casinos in China to a fully open and dynamic market in the UK. It is crucial for users to understand the legal status of gambling in their country in order to avoid risks and make informed choices. If you decide to participate in gaming and betting, choose only licensed sites and apps, keep up to date with changes in laws and remember to be responsible.
