In some countries it’s easy to pop online for a quick hand of poker whenever you want and wherever you are – but in other places all forms of gambling are totally forbidden.
The recent rapid growth of online poker gaming and general gambling has highlighted major differences around the world.
Some places, like the UK, Malta and Singapore, have thriving, well-regulated gaming industries. Others, like Saudi Arabia, Brunei and North Korea have strict total bans.
Gambling laws clearly vary significantly around the world – but to make it more complex, they are always changing. Here are some of the current differences in the attitude to poker and gambling around the globe.
United States
Within the US gambling laws are largely determined by individual states. Some states have legalized and regulated various forms of gambling, including casinos, lotteries, and online gambling – while others have more restrictive laws.
The states that have legalized and regulated online casinos, poker, and sports betting reap big rewards in terms of increased tax revenues.
The federal government in Washington has some influence over the legislation, particularly in the details of regulating online gambling and sports betting. The US government primarily regulates interstate activities and certain aspects of online gambling.
Europe
Like the American states, the countries of Europe have diverse gambling regulations.
Some countries, like Gibraltar and Malta, it’s easy to have a serious poker session online or at a casino. These states have well established and regulated gambling industries.
The United Kingdom also has a particularly well-established and regulated online gambling market.
The UK Gambling Commission oversees licensing and regulation. Online operators must adhere to strict standards, including responsible gambling measures.
Other countries, such as Norway and Iceland, have much more restrictive laws. The European Union allows member states to set their own gambling regulations – but encourages cooperation to ensure fair competition.
Sweden, for example, re-regulated its market in 2019, allowing private operators to obtain gambling licenses.
Asia
Gambling laws in Asia also vary widely. In some countries, like Macau and Singapore, gambling and poker are completely legal and well-regulated, contributing significantly to the local economy.
China meanwhile has strict laws preventing online gambling.
In other countries, such as Japan, gambling laws have been evolving, with more recent legalization of integrated resorts. Many Asian countries however, like those in the Middle East, strictly prohibit poker and indeed any forms of gambling.
In fact, Saudi Arabia, Brunei and North Korea are among the strictest anti-gambling regimes in the world.
Australia
The Australian authorities maintain a well-regulated gambling industry, with various forms of gambling currently allowed. The law targets operators rather than individual players.
Australia allows online gambling, but the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 regulates and restricts certain aspects. Online sports betting is permitted, but online casinos and poker services are generally prohibited.
Canada
Gambling laws in Canada are determined by each province and territory. Some have legalized and regulated online gambling – while others have more restrictive laws or rely on nationally licensed operators.
Africa
Again, in Africa the laws about poker and gambling can vary greatly by country. Some have well-established gambling industries – while others have more restrictive regulations.
South Africa for example has a well-established gaming industry with world-famous resorts like Sun City. Casinos and poker rooms are permitted but carefully regulated.
Nigeria and Kenya have varied and changing laws. Poker is generally considered legal but there is still discussion about online gaming and enforcement measures vary across the countries.
Other stricter countries, like Tunisia and Algeria, largely prohibit gambling.
South America
Gambling laws and attitudes to poker in South America also vary and are changing.
Some countries, like Uruguay, have well-established gambling industries, while others have more restrictive laws. Peru, Columbia and Uruguay have the most established regulated gambling industries.
Some, like Argentina, have legalized and regulated online gambling, while others, like Brazil, are in the process of considering regulation.
Online Poker and Gambling
Access to online gambling has become a global issue because the internet is such a international marketplace. Countries have approached online gaming differently but they all face the same challenges.
Some, like the UK, have legalized and regulated online gambling, while others have strict prohibitions. In some cases, the legality of online gambling is unclear or not explicitly addressed in the law.
To make things even more complicated, gambling laws are constantly being discussed, adapted, changed and challenged in different areas of the world.
Some countries are also addressing the influence of cryptocurrency on online gambling. Regulations may vary, with some countries allowing or restricting the use of cryptocurrencies in online gambling transactions.
The real-world enforcement of all these laws can vary enormously too.
Some countries have strict regulations on paper – but lack effective enforcement mechanisms or simply don’t have the will to clamp down on their own populations.
