Every industry must be regulated, and online gambling is no exception to this rule. After all, an online casino accesses players’ funds and sets the conditions for winning more. There’s room for potential speculation, manipulations, and unreasonable bans for low-quality sites. That’s why regulations exist. They are aimed at protecting customers and ensuring the highest level of safety.
Top global casinos operating in multiple countries, like Pin-Up, try to meet the requirements of multiple jurisdictions, considering local peculiarities. In most cases, that’s possible, as most regulations aim to provide fair and transparent play and prevent underage gambling and gambling addictions. Still, local regulation policies have nuances and special features, and we will discuss them all in this guide.
Places Where Safety Comes First: Countries with Strict iGaming Regulations:
There are countries where gambling is illegal, for example, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and many more Muslim countries, as well as China, Poland, Cambodia, Japan, etc.. There are places where it’s currently illegal, but the government is considering potential legalizations, like Vietnam and Brazil. Also, there are countries with strict iGaming regulations like the following ones:
- The UK. The United Kingdom Gambling Commission is a famous regulatory authority that issues licenses for land-based and online casinos. The license is basically a sign that the casino follows all the rules—it takes responsible gambling measures, follows strict marketing rules, provides mandatory age verification, has the right deposit limits, and more.
- Canada. This is the country with the most rapidly growing gambling market. It’s also the place where regulations largely depend on the rules set at the provincial level. Most provinces allow gambling, but private operators aren’t always regulated. Also, casinos must adhere to many anti-fraud, fairness, and safety rules.
- The US. Gambling is legal under federal law, but in the US, everything depends on the state. For instance, gambling is prohibited in Utah. In Nevada and New Jersey, both offline and online gambling is allowed. There are also multiple state-specific regulations.
- Germany. You can play at a land-based casino or enjoy gambling online in Germany. However, online casinos are regulated strictly. These include tight bet limits, strict licensing requirements, and multiple mandatory responsible gambling features.
Many other countries, like France, Australia, Italy, Sweden, South Africa, etc., also fall under this category, and each sets its own rules. So, there are multiple local peculiarities to consider.
Moreover, there are also countries where online gambling is in the so-called gray area. For example, in India, anti-gambling laws address only land-based casinos. A lot also depends on the state-specific regulations, and games of skills are legal in more states than the number of states that also allow playing games of chance.
That’s why it’s so important to consider local rules. Though the primary intent of regulations is the same, every country’s government or state government has its own vision of controlling gambling correctly.
iGaming Legalization with Strict Rules: What Distinguishes Strictly Regulated Markets:
So, what are the key features of a strictly regulated market? How do you know if a particular country falls under this category or not? Learn the local gambling regulation policy and see whether it matches the following points:
- Licensing is mandatory. No exception to this rule.
- Players’ age and identity verification are necessary for all gamblers who will play for real money (free demo versions of games may be available for non-registered users).
- A casino must follow the KYC (know your client) policy, allow self-exclusion and self-limitation, and add cool-off features.
- Only games with safe and legit RNG and transparent RTPs are allowed.
- The strict anti-money laundering and financial oversight rules must be followed.
- Certain types of online gambling and offline gambling are allowed, and specific other types are usually restricted.
- No predatory and too-active marketing practices are allowed.
More specific rules may exist regarding market monopolies, taxation, revenue reporting, etc. However, the things we listed above are still the main features of strict yet reasonable regulation policies.
How a Local Online Casino May Meet Regulations: Challenges for Gambling Sites:
Though the regulations are fair and aimed at protecting players, meeting them may raise certain challenges for casinos, namely:
● high license fees and higher taxes;
● adherence to multiple different limits — bet limits, deposit limits, etc.
● complexities of all transactions monitoring;
● restrictions on many game times and even specific games from certain providers;
● tight advertising and marketing control;
● mandatory verification that makes registration more time-consuming for a user;
● operational challenges due to local rules.
Generally speaking, entering the strictly regulated market is more expensive, complex, and time-consuming overall. Also, fines for non-compliance are high, and that’s not the only legal action against an online casino that’s likely to be taken. However, it’s still worth the effort for many reputable gambling sites.
The Rise of Offshore Casinos: A Way to Avoid Local iGaming Legal Compliance:
Offshore casinos are gambling platforms licensed and operated in a country with more favorable gambling laws than the laws of the country where most players are located. They are on the rise, as this type of operation allows for avoiding most of the challenges listed above.
For instance, taxes and operating costs may be much lower, more games can be offered, and marketing strategies become more advanced, etc. Of course, some offshore casinos may use their location as a way to circumvent safety regulations, but most companies still use this scheme mostly to cut costs and stand out from the competition. Most are licensed, meaning scam games and solutions still won’t be offered to players.
What Is iGaming Regulation of the Future: Forecasts & Final Thoughts:
What can we expect in the future in strictly regulated countries and worldwide? There’s no sign that gambling will become illegal. It’s a huge part of the entertainment industry and even cultures in many countries all over the globe. Still, the policies may change a bit.
For example, we may see increased global regulation, advanced technology used to track rule violations, and better responsible gambling measures. A lot will depend on Artificial Intelligence and its growing analytics opportunities. What will they be like in a decade? Nobody knows for sure.
Still, restrictions will exist. They are necessary for safety reasons. Casinos, in turn, will continue to find ways to meet all the requirements and maintain high quality standards to attract players.
Disclaimer:
CBD:
Qrius does not provide medical advice.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis products in India. CBD oil, manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, can be legally used in India for medicinal purposes only with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the legalities here.
The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Gambling:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, prohibit gambling. Land-based casinos are legalized in Goa and Daman under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976. In Sikkim, land-based casinos, online gambling, and e-gaming (games of chance) are legalized under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009. Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries, subject to state laws. Refer to the legalities here. Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in licensed premises in select states. Refer to the 1996 Supreme Court judgment for more information.
This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or its staff.
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