Let’s discover the most important licenses for casinos around the world in this dedicated article. Here are all the details and what you need to know
Gambling and casino regulation laws around the world are constantly changing. Regulations relating to online gambling, to casinos and iGaming they are not uniform and can differ significantly between countries around the world. Some areas have strict restrictions, while others have chosen to liberalize their markets. Whether you are aiming to enter space iGaming As a casino owner, operator, user or affiliate, navigating this intricate web of international gambling laws and regulations is essential.
In this blog post, we will review the most important legal frameworks around the world and provide an overview tailored to our industry. This will allow you to identify individual operators when checking their licensing section, which is something we always recommend you do before getting started. It is good to know that even non-AAMS casinos can have a valid license, as reported by gamerbrain.net.
The casino licensing system in Europe: the most important licenses
iGaming licensing regulations vary greatly across the EU. Each country has its own regulatory authority that issues licenses and oversees the operations of iGaming. Here are some examples:
United Kingdom: The UK Gambling Commission is responsible for licensing and regulating iGaming in the UK. To obtain a license, operators must meet rigorous standards of fairness, transparency and responsible gaming.
Malta: The Malta Gaming Authority is among the most respected licensing authorities in the iGaming sector. It offers licenses to operators around the world and is known for its rigorous regulatory standards.
Sweden: The Swedish gambling authority, Spelinspektionen, oversees the licensing of iGaming operators in Sweden. It aims to ensure the legality, safety and reliability of the Swedish gaming and gambling market.
Italia: The AAMS regulates all forms of gambling in Italy. Online casinos, sports betting and poker are allowed with a license. AAMS
Spain: The DGOJ regulates online gambling. Online casinos, sports betting and poker are allowed with a license.
Asia: Online Gaming Licensing System
The gambling regulatory system in China
China has long taken a tough stance against gambling, considering it a threat to social order. All forms of gambling are illegal on the mainland, although Macau operates as a special administrative region with its own laws allowing casino gambling.
However, China has exerted greater control over Macau’s gaming industry in recent years. Regulations imposed in 2019 require closer scrutiny of customers and their funding sources to curb money laundering. China has also banned proxy betting, where players use phones or agents to place bets.
South Korea bans most forms of gambling
Only select forms of gambling are allowed in South Korea, such as horse racing, cycling and the lottery. Casinos are prohibited except for a foreigners-only casino. An anti-gambling law passed in 1995 banned all other forms of gambling.
However, Online gambling and sports betting continue to take place through offshore websites, although they remain illegal. There have been periodic discussions about legalizing casino gambling to boost tourism, but public opinion remains strongly against it.
The scenario of gaming regulation in Japan
Japan passed a law in 2018 to allow integrated resorts (IRs) that include casinos. After years of debate, the government saw it as a way to boost tourism and tax revenue. However, the law imposes many restrictions, such as limiting space in casinos, banning entry to Japanese citizens, and a high tax rate.
As you can see, most Asian countries maintain a ban or high regulation of gambling due to cultural attitudes and concerns about addiction and crime. While some have legalized casinos to boost tourism, governments are proceeding carefully with rigorous controls and oversight. As new forms of online and mobile gambling emerge, Asian nations are grappling with how or whether to even allow these games. Overall, Asia is likely to remain a difficult region to penetrate the iGaming industry.
Latin America: Online Gaming Licensing System
As iGaming continues to grow around the world, more and more countries are legalizing and regulating online gambling. Several Latin American nations have recently established regulated markets, allowing operators to apply for licenses. This is exciting news for operators looking to expand into new territories.
Costa Rica: Long an igaming hub, Costa Rica officially regulated sports betting in 2020. The new laws allow operators to apply for licenses, although the market remains quite small.
Colombia: Colombia legalized online gambling and began issuing licenses in 2017. The market has grown rapidly and now includes online casinos, sports betting, poker and bingo. Betting on local sports is especially popular.
Mexico: The regulated Mexican igaming market was launched in 2004 but has remained limited. In 2020, new laws expanded online gambling by allowing private operators to apply for licenses for the first time. However, the regulations are still in development, so the full impact remains to be seen.
Argentina: Argentina legalized online gambling in 2019 and began issuing licenses for online casinos and sports betting in 2021. As the second largest economy in Latin America, Argentina’s new market represents an exciting opportunities despite economic uncertainty.
While regulation often means higher compliance costs, Latin America’s developing markets offer opportunities for business growth and expansion that outweigh the challenges. Of course, there is no “one size fits all” approach, therefore operators must consider each country’s regulations, cultural preferences and economic climate individually. With a mix of skill and luck, Latin America’s regulated markets could be the next big thing in igaming.
Gambling regulation in the United States
When it comes to online gambling regulations, the United States makes things complicated. Let us therefore analyze the complex system of laws in force in the federal republic of the United States.
The Federal Wire Act of 1961 banned interstate sports betting via telecommunications, but was recently reinterpreted to allow states to legalize online sports betting and even casino gaming. However, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 prohibits gambling companies from accepting payments for illegal online bets. Different rules apply for online lotteries, daily fantasy sports, poker, sports betting and casino games.
Here are some of the major federal regulations and laws that impact online gambling:
L’Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) del 2006: This law prohibits gambling businesses from knowingly accepting payments in connection with illegal Internet gambling. It does not define what constitutes legal or illegal online gambling, leaving that up to individual states.
Il Federal Wire Act del 1961 aimed at interstate sports betting via telephone, later extended to online gambling. 2011 limited the Wire Act to sports betting, but an opinion in 2018 created uncertainty. The 1992 PASPA banned states from sponsoring sports betting, then rescinded in 2018, allowing state legalization. The IHA of 1978 regulates interstate wagering on horses, including online gambling.
The 1988 IGRA oversees gaming on native lands, influencing tribes online gaming. The IGBA of 1970 affects large-scale gambling operations, also applicable online. RAWA tries to ban much online gambling but it is not law. COPPA limits advertising of games, including gambling, to children under 13. Truth in advertising laws, administered by the FTC, require truthful advertisements for online gambling.
State regulations vary, with states such as New Jersey, Nevada e Pennsylvania which have specific laws on online gambling, covering licensing, operations and taxes. iGaming laws in the United States are complex and have many gray areas. But as more and more states legalize online gambling and casinos, the future looks promising for this industry.
In conclusion
Want to learn more about gambling rules and regulations around the world? Here are the most useful resources that you can consult for yourself to learn about the most influential regulatory systems in international gaming.
- UK Gambling Commission: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA): www.mga.org.mt
- Nevada Gaming Control Board: gaming.nv.gov
- New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement: www.nj.gov/oag/ge
- Alderney Gambling Control Commission: www.gamblingcontrol.org
- Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission: www.gamblingcommission.im
- Gibraltar Regulatory Authority: www.gra.gi
- European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA): www.egba.eu
- American Gaming Association (AGA): www.americangaming.org
- International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR): www.iagr.org
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – U.S.: www.ftc.gov
- Australian Communications and Media Authority: www.acma.gov.au
- Spelinspektionen: www.spelinspektionen.se
- ARJEL: www.anj.fr
- GLI (Gaming Laboratories International): www.gaminglabs.com
- Canadian Gaming Association: www.canadiangaming.ca
- Gaming Authority: www.kansspelautoriteit.nl
- UNLV Center for Gaming Research: gaming.unlv.edu
- Belgian Gaming Commission: www.gamingcommission.be
- eCOGRA: www.ecogra.org