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The casino industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years, aided by technology in every sphere.
Many online casinos have new customer offers that potential players can take advantage of to play and enjoy their favorite casino games.
As a result, some countries have set rules and regulations to guide the online casino industry within their territories. This article covers some of these rules and regulations.
The United Kingdom and Europe
Online betting is legal in the United Kingdom, though age restrictions measures are in place for European operators. The online gambling market in the United Kingdom remains one of the best performers worldwide. The industry has been regulated after the enactment of the Gambling Act 2005.
The UK Gambling Commission’s new rules as of September 2022 are primarily aimed at protecting at-risk customers. Operators are required to:
- Keep track of a particular range of risk indicators that pinpoint gambling harm.
- Enforce automated processes for all strong indicators of harm
- Take up new bonuses and prevent marketing of at-risk customers.
- Offer evidence of customer interaction for risk to the UK Gambling Commission.
- Flag every risk indicator and place requirements to take action on time
- Evaluate all interactions and ensure online casino operators interact with customers at the level of problem gambling for the relevant activity
- Comply with every requirement stipulated above at all times, including ensuring the compliance of every third-party provider.
Operators must limit bonuses and marketing for at-risk customers.
The United States (North America)
North America shares similar rules and regulations with some countries. The United States has a highly complicated legal system, primarily due to the incredibly large number of states. Each of these states has unique stances on the online casino industry. Some regulations in the United States apply to casinos operating outside this region, though most of the pertinent legislation here is quite unclear.
Australia and Oceania
Gambling – and every activity associated with online casinos – are under strict laws in Australia. Traditional sports betting – and games similar in quality to lotteries – are permitted and offered to Australian residents. However, online sports betting and casino games are severely prohibited.
No rules and regulations prevent Australians from visiting online casinos since those platforms are not under the control or jurisdiction of the Australian government.
New Zealand
New Zealand legally or officially regulates online sports betting. However, its government passed new legislation supporting this development in 2003 to make the New Zealand laws easy to comprehend and transparent.
This regulation in New Zealand made the use of online casinos explicitly legal for the first time. However, running ads on these gaming platforms are severely prohibited.
Canada
Situations in Canada are not all that different from that of their neighboring country, the United States. There is legislation in existence that the federal government already approves.
However, every province is at liberty to control gambling – and online casinos – in its own areas. Using foreign online gaming platforms is also a grey issue, much like in the United States.
Africa
Africa may be home to 54 countries, but only 30 of these nations allow betting online and offline. For instance, South Africa alone has over 40 fully-functioning casinos within its territory.
The most important online casino markets in Africa are:
- Egypt
- Ghana
- Botswana
- Uganda
- Morocco
- Kenya
- Zimbabwe
- Cameroon
- South Africa
- Namibia
There are zero doubts that Africa will soon establish itself as one of the fastest-growing centers in the gambling industry.
South America
Some countries – such as Argentina, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Panama have tolerated and sanctioned gambling – and online casino activities.
However, no one is permitted to bet in Brazil and Chile if the online casino operates within those countries. But if the online casinos are hosted outside these countries, you can engage in gambling activities.
Ecuador has a more stringent stand regarding online casinos and gambling in general. The country doesn’t permit any form of gambling within its borders.
Malaysia
Online gambling is growing in popularity on a daily basis in Malaysia. More and more online casinos are springing out of the woodwork in this country. The percentage of individuals participating in this type of gaming and living in Malaysia keeps expanding daily, even though most of the Malaysian population are Muslims.
Nevertheless, although the Islamic religion may have prohibited gambling and all related activities, the rules and regulations on online casinos are not strict. The Malaysian government has online casino laws that permit non-Muslims to participate in online casino games.
Running online casinos within Malaysia is illegal and prohibited. But this doesn’t prevent several online casinos outside Malaysian borders from welcoming players living in Malaysia.
It is crucial to stay up to date with the rules and regulations guiding the operations of online casinos in your region.
Many countries permit offshore gambling, but several regulations also govern them. Sticking with these rules and regulations guarantees your safety when playing your favorite casino games on such gaming platforms.
Allison is the Publisher of Eclipse Magazine. She loves going to the Races and is learning to bet (despite being officially the worst bettor in the History of the Universe), there’s a lot more to learn…
