Country Restrictions: Which Countries Allow and Prohibit Online Gambling?
Not all countries have the same laws about online gambling. Some restrict this activity entirely, while others adopt a regulated approach, with specific conditions. Country’s regulations about online gambling determine if you’re eligible to play in an online casino, what payment methods you are allowed to use, or what percentage of winnings you should pay as taxes, if applicable. They also set the stage for responsible gambling measures, such as the minimum legal age. These are only a few of the many laws that regulate online gambling. They differentiate from one country to another; while some countries may not have a regulatory framework at all. Keep reading and find out if online gambling is legal in your country or not.
Legality of Online Gambling by Country
Below you will find detailed information about the legal status of online gambling in different countries around the world. Country restrictions on online gambling may change with the passing of time. We encourage players to always check their country’s latest legal updates.
Online Gambling is Unregulated:
Angola, Aruba, Benin, Bolivia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Ghana, Guyana, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Saint Martin, San Marino, Senegal, Chad, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
These countries have few to no rules on online gambling. And this doesn’t come by choice. Their governments lack the resources to properly regulate and monitor online gambling activities. In other cases, online gambling might be part of an informal economy that operates beyond regulatory oversight.
Little to No Restrictions:
Aland Islands, Alderney, Antigua and Barbuda, Comoros, Isle of Man, Kenya, Montenegro, Georgia, Peru, Seychelles, Egypt, and Swaziland.
These countries have some sort of a regulatory framework that oversees various aspects of gambling activities. The specific regulations may vary, with some only covering land-based gambling.
Light Restrictions:
Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Austria, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, South Africa, Portugal, Romania, Estonia, Slovakia, Norway, North Macedonia, Serbia, Spain, Tanzania, Venezuela, Monaco, Malta, Curacao, Jersey, and Gibraltar.
Online gambling is legal in these countries. They have clear regulations on key aspects that concern online gambling, including the minimum age, advertisements, and taxes. Some even welcome casino and sportsbook operators to test their products and obtain a gambling license from them. Malta, Curacao, Jersey, and Gibraltar, for example, and are well-known for their favorable regulatory environments.
Moderate Restrictions:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Côte d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Iceland, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Philippines, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Taiwan, Uganda, Uruguay, and the United Kingdom.
The following countries have established comprehensive regulatory frameworks that provide guidelines for the operation of online gambling activities. Regulations cover licensing, a variety of legal options, player protection, and responsible gambling measures.
Heavy Restrictions:
Indonesia, Iraq, Kosovo, Jordan, Kuwait, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Sudan, Singapore, South Korea, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
These countries have strict restrictions on gambling, to discourage operators from entering the market. They will often employ advanced digital control tools, such as website blocking, to prevent citizens from participating in online betting. In some cases, players may have access to government-approved casinos, but they are often limited in how much you can deposit or win.
Online Gambling is Banned:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei, China, Cuba, Libya, Mali, Netherlands, Israel, Turkey, Laos, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Virgin Islands.
Gambling is completely prohibited in nations such as Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and China for cultural reasons. Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan, for example, enforce Islamic law, which forbids all forms of gambling. Other countries like China or Algeria consider it a source of social issues.
Cryptocurrencies in Online Gambling: Country Restrictions
The availability of cryptocurrencies in online gambling can vary significantly, from one country to another. Some countries embrace cryptocurrencies, while others have banned their use entirely, including online gambling.
Countries that allow cryptocurrencies: United States, Japan, Switzerland, Singapore, Germany, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, South Korea, Malta, Venezuela, El Salvador, Central African Republic, Italy, and France.
Countries that restrict cryptocurrencies: China, Algeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Morocco, Bolivia, Nepal, Ecuador, Afghanistan, Egypt, North Macedonia, Turkey.
In many other countries, the use of cryptocurrencies exists in a legal gray area, where authorities neither permit nor discourage their use. It is advisable to check your country’s regulations about cryptocurrencies. To determine if you are allowed to use cryptocurrencies in an online casino, you can contact the casino’s customer support; they will check and act accordingly.
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