Online gambling has exploded in popularity over the past decade, thanks largely to advancements in technology and internet availability. With the ability to gamble from the comfort of your home through computers and mobile devices, the online gambling industry raked in over $53 billion in revenue in 2020 alone.
Legality in the united states
In the U.S., the legality of online gambling is dictated on a state-by-state basis. The overall landscape is a bit murky, as some forms of online gambling are outright prohibited while others operate in legal grey areas.
- The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 bans financial institutions from processing payments related to online gambling. However, it doesn’t make online betting itself illegal.
- Online sports betting is fully legalized and regulated in 30 states plus Washington D.C. It is anticipated that additional states will emulate this action.
- Online casinos and poker sites are prohibited in most states, with only a handful allowing online gambling. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut have legalized online casinos.
- Daily fantasy sports sites like DraftKings and FanDuel operate in legal grey areas in most states. Their contests are viewed as games of skill and therefore different than gambling.
If you want to gamble online in the U.S., your best option is to stick to licensed sportsbooks operating legally within your state. Avoid unregulated offshore sites, which are illegal. Always research your state’s laws before participating.
Legality in europe
Many European countries take a more liberal approach to online gambling regulation compared to the U.S. In general, most forms of judi online are legal and regulated at a federal level throughout European Union nations.
- The UK Gambling Act of 2005 legalized online gambling, including casinos, sports betting, poker, bingo and more. Websites are required to acquire a license from the UK Gambling Commission.
- Popular online gambling hubs include Gibraltar, Malta, and Isle of Man. Sites licensed here operate throughout the EU under freedom of movement rules.
- France, Spain, Denmark, Belgium, and Italy regulate online gambling at the federal level and permit licensed sites to offer services.
- Sweden and the Netherlands have monopolies in which all gambling services are provided by state-owned operators. Private offshore sites are prohibited.
- Germany’s complex federal system has led to uneven regulations. Sports betting is legal but online casinos operate in a grey area.
- Some countries like Austria, Greece, and Poland have tighter restrictions and prohibit certain forms of online gambling.
The EU aims to harmonize online gambling laws between member states. But for now, significant differences remain across borders. Always check your country’s regulations before playing on sites based in other jurisdictions.
Legality in canada
Canada has a unique situation in which online gambling falls under provincial jurisdiction. The laws vary across the 10 provinces, creating an inconsistent legal patchwork.
- Single-game sports betting is federally legal but provinces regulate operations. Sites are live in over a dozen provinces.
- Online casinos and poker are available in British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, and other provinces that license sites. But they are prohibited in others.
- International online gambling sites accept players from Canada but legitimacy is questionable. Most offshore sites are not provincially regulated.
- Sites based within Mohawk Territory that hold Kahnawake gaming licenses are viewed as licensed and legally operating in Canada.
Check your provincial laws before using gambling sites based domestically or offshore. Push continues to nationally regulate online gambling in Canada but progress is slow.
