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The Gambling Laws Around the World

The Gambling Laws in Different Countries

By Melati Binti RajaPublished 3 years ago 4 min read

Gambling laws vary widely across the world, with some countries having very strict laws and others having more relaxed regulations. Here are some examples of laws in different parts of the world:

  • United States: In the United States, laws are determined on a state-by-state basis. Some states allow casinos and sports betting, while others prohibit most forms of gambling. Additionally, each state may have a different tax rate for online gaming, as well as for in-person gaming. In most states, casinos are regulated by the state lottery commission or other gaming regulatory agency. The state receives enormous revenues from such businesses.
  • United Kingdom: The United Kingdom has a well-regulated industry, with a variety of legal options for gamblers, including casinos, sports betting, and esports.
  • Australia: In Australia, it is regulated by the states and territories, with a variety of legal options available, including casinos, sports betting, and lotteries. Australia has some of the most relaxed gaming laws in the world. Casinos are allowed for all adults aged 18 and over, but certain restrictions do apply to online gaming. For example, interactive services cannot be provided to Australian citizens unless they are operated by an authorized provider.
  • China: In China, all gambling varieties are mostly illegal, with the exception of a few government-run lotteries and casinos in the territory of Macau. The Macau government regulates all operations and most casinos must abide by the Gambling Law of 2007. These regulations include strict guidelines on how casinos should be run, including a 35% tax rate for casino revenues.
  • Japan: Japan has some of the strictest laws in the world, with most forms of gambling being illegal. The only legal form is betting on horse racing and certain lottery games, which are heavily regulated. Additionally, casino resorts are not allowed to be located within Japanese city limits.
  • Singapore: In Singapore, it is legal but heavily regulated. The government allows two casinos to operate and closely monitors all other forms of entertainment.
  • Canada: In general, casinos must abide by provincial laws, which typically limit the types of games that can be offered, set age restrictions on gaming activities, and regulate the flow of money in and out of casinos. Online gaming services are also regulated by provincial governments. Additionally, cities and towns may have their own local regulations within their jurisdiction.
  • Malaysia: Lotteries, casino games, and horse racing are legal in Malaysia, whereas all forms of sports betting (at bookmakers) and online gambling are illegal. However, despite the legal restrictions, many Malaysians continue to access online casinos and sports betting websites, using platforms that allow you to find information about venues, such as Casinosdata-Malaysia.com. These portals tell people about bonuses, payment methods, and games, and most importantly, provide information about whether or not the sites accept Malaysian players.

It is difficult to provide an exact number of countries that have completely banned gambling, as the laws and regulations can vary widely across different regions of the world. Generally, most sources agree that around 25–30 states have some form of ban or restriction on gaming activities. However, there are some of them:

  • Saudi Arabia
  • North Korea
  • Brunei
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Bangladesh
  • Sudan
  • Yemen
  • Libya

Additionally, some countries may only allow certain forms of gambling, such as lotteries or horse racing, while prohibiting other forms like casinos or sports betting. It's important to note that laws regarding gambling can change over time, and may be influenced by cultural, religious, or economic factors.

The Human Factor: Why the Forbidden Attracts

Despite the fact that gambling is illegal in many countries, it remains popular due to its highly accessible nature. Gambling can be done online or through other mediums such as mobile applications, which makes it easy for people to access and participate without having to travel far. Additionally, the increasing availability of online casinos has made gambling more accessible and convenient than ever before.

There are several reasons why gambling remains popular even in countries where it is prohibited:

  • The desire for excitement and risk-taking: For some people, the thrill of taking risks and the excitement of the unknown is what draws them to gambling. This desire can be so strong that players will seek out illegal gaming options even in governments where it is prohibited.
  • The availability: With the rise of online casinos, users can access the venues from anywhere in the world, regardless of whether it is legal in their country. This has made it easier for people to gamble in secret and avoid detection by law enforcement.
  • The hope of winning big: The possibility of winning large sums of money is a powerful motivator for many players, regardless of the legal status in their state.
  • The social aspect: For some, it can be a social activity that provides an opportunity to bond with friends or family members. This social aspect can make it difficult for people to give up even when it is illegal.

When casinos are forbidden or restricted, they can become more exclusive and desirable to some people, who may see gambling in a prohibited location as a status symbol or a way to show off their wealth or daring.

After all, no matter where you are in the world, it's important to understand the laws related to gambling in your area before doing it. Knowing and following the relevant regulations can help ensure that your experience is safe and legal.

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About the Creator

Melati Binti Raja

I'm Melati Binti Raja, the Marketing Manager for casinosdata-malaysia.com and my responsibilities include developing marketing strategies to reach new customers as well as finding ways to grow our business.

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