Even though gambling and sports betting have been around for quite a while, they’re still greatly stigmatized in many countries. With the expansion of online casinos, countries around the world are reconsidering their current laws about gambling. This is mainly because of the economical profit that each country could have if gambling would become legal, and residents wouldn’t have to travel abroad in order to play their favorite casino games.
One of the main reasons people don’t know what to do when they visit an online casino is because the law is different from one country to the next. So, in this article, we’ll take a look at the legal status of gambling in various countries, to see where you’re allowed to make an occasional bet and where it’s absolutely prohibited.
Gambling and Betting in the UK
Before 1961, the only place where you could place a bet in the UK was a horse racecourse. After betting shops opened in the ‘60s, people were able to go into one and place a bet on any sport. The gambling and betting law in the UK has evolved since then, allowing everyone to place a bet as long as they are of legal age (in the UK this means over the age of 18).
Unlike most of the countries around the world that only allow residents to bet on websites that are located offshore, the UK also has this sorted out. If you live in the UK, you’re free to visit any online casino. This means that casino owners are welcome to offer their online and land-based services to UK residents as long as their business complies with the rules of the Gambling Commission. There are still some minor restrictions, but they are only there to protect the people who live in the UK. For example, according to the Gambling Act of 2005, residents who’re over 16 are allowed to participate in the National Lotter, do Football Pools, and purchase scratchcards.
Gambling Laws in the USA
The USA has had quite a turbulent decade when it comes to legalizing gambling. The main problem is that every state has its own separate attitude and law towards this activity. And this can be confusing to many people. After 2006 when UIGEA was passed, prohibiting gambling sites to have a financial transaction with any bank or financial group in the US, it became clear that every state has to determine its own position when it comes to playing slots, poker, or any other casino game. Therefore, you’re free to play an online casino game at Michigan gambling sites, but you couldn’t do it in the state of Texas. You can bet on a racetrack in Colorado but you shouldn’t do any type of gambling in Hawaii. So, every state has its own rules, and the best course of action for people in the USA is to take a look at their state’s law before participating in any type of betting or gambling.
The Legal Status of Gambling in Australia
When it comes to Australia, gambling laws are really strict. At the moment only the lottery and sports betting are allowed. Casino games, as well as live betting, are prohibited for all residents of Australia. However, there aren’t any laws that make it illegal for Australians from visiting offshore casino sites.
New Zealand, on the other hand, brought a straightforward law allowing residents to place bets of play casino games on all overseas sites. There is one restriction though. Any of those sites are banned for any form of advertising in New Zealand.
Gambling in South America
The general attitude towards gambling in South America is quite liberal. Of course, every country has some restrictions on certain types of bets and games, but the overall opinion is an accepting one. This means, that if you wish to bet in any land-based venue or online, and you live in South America, you should first take a look at the legal status of gambling in that country. For example, who could have guessed that casino games are completely forbidden in Brazil?