Is Online Gambling Legal – Everyone wants to know
There is little doubt that something that is the size of the online gaming industry would be in complete chaos without some type of regulatory action. This is where the International Association of Gaming Regulators, in conjunction with european regulators are of such importance. They are able to supply the need for a central point of gaming regulations from the different countries. This allows for the exchange of ideas as well as the individual Countries standpoints on gaming as it pertains to their jurisdiction. Are they able to address the question is online gambling legal though?
Their power and importance should not be underestimated. Amongst their many attributes, they oversee the cooperation between the regulators of the various countries. They are a central gathering point that any Country’s government can make inquiries of.
How is online gambling managed?
There is no one internet gambling regulation that can be applied as universal. To try to keep it within legal limits most casinos and online gambling sites will advise their members to comply with the laws in their jurisdiction. Therefore, if one is illegally gambling according to the rules to which they are bound by then they could end up forfeiting their winnings. This has caused problems for players in the US, some of which are in legal battles over winnings. You will see the various compliance rules that each casino governs itself by in their terms and conditions sections.
Worldwide there are approx. 70 countries that will allow the setting up of gaming sites on their territory. These are countries such as South Korea, France, and a few Canadian provinces. It would seem though that regulatory bodies in any country when it comes to gaming can have a change of mind quite readily.
Different Online Gambling Laws for Different Countries
Every country has its own approach to their gambling restrictions in respect to online gambling law. For example in Australia, one is allowed to play poker or casinos online, but they have strict rules against interactive gambling services.
France on the other hand has taken a different approach. Instead of banning gambling sites, they are imposing licensing. This way they can collect a tax.
India has the Bombay Wager Act, which prohibits online gaming, but the other related acts within the country have not made any stipulations.
Israel has not extended its gambling laws to include the internet however all online gambling operations were closed and financial institutions were not to deal with the gaming sites.
In Russia, any type of gambling online is currently taboo.
In Canada, online gaming is prohibited as well but there are many gray areas to the laws of gambling in this regard as well.
Finally, in the US, things are still gray as well due to the UIEGA, which some feel makes online gambling illegal, although many citizens still play and many casinos still allow them to.
It would seem though that it is probably one of the hottest political topics in the sense of where it stands in combination with the WTO. Another thing is there does not look like there is going to be any end to online gambling, or any definitive answer to the question is online gambling legal? It really depends on where you live and where you are gambling.