Gambling is a much-loved pastime the world over. Billions of players daily using the convenience of their phones to search for the best games to play. More and more people, with the use of technology, can gamble when a casino isn’t within reach.
As such, with time, America’s attitude towards gambling has changed a lot in recent years. For instance, a couple of years ago, Nevada, was the only place authorized to legally regulate sports bookmakers.
Years ago, the Professional and Amateur sports protection act (PASPA) was passed in 1992, to stop all states, except Nevada, from legalizing gambling facilities for the public to use.
Much later, New Jersey decided to appeal the act, which restricted states from participating in legal gambling. And on the 14th of May 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States banished the act giving each state the right to permit and regulate sports betting.
Since then, multiple states have voted to legalize gambling, such as online casinos and sports betting in their vicinity. However, specific types of gambling which are allowed per state vary, therefore anyone wanting to gamble must, based on their state, adhere to the rules.
At the moment, there are currently seven states that authorize and regulate online casinos. These are;
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- Delaware
- Michigan
- West Virginia
- Nevada
Here’s an overview of how other countries have managed to control gambling activities in their country with legislation, and, in turn, benefit from regulating the industry. Moreover, how the US could benefit from learning other countries’ decisions and actions involving gambling.
Canada
Canada currently has no country-wide legislation when it comes to gambling. Instead, the regulations differ from province to province, and they give out licenses to operators who wish to open a casino venue or offer their services online.
Online casinos can operate in Canada as long as they are issued a license. Given how big Canada is, it’s convenient for locals to be able to play online, rather than having to drive to visit one of the few land-based casinos there.
The rapid expansion of the Canadian online gambling market has meant Canadians can access many new options.
With all this being said, the application process for a license to operate is still very lengthy. On the plus side, this means that casinos that do have a license can be trusted and that Canadian players can feel safe when they gamble.
But on the other hand, there may be fewer options available in Canada, and if you are located outside of Ontario you will likely need to look for other options. Until the legislative landscape changes in other provinces, players will need to continue to look for reputable information sources; like this Slot Hunter Casino Review.
Nevertheless, Canada is slowly warming up to casinos and gambling, so further changes might happen and perhaps processes simplified.
UK
Since 1968 the UK relaxed its gambling laws by instructing the Gaming Act, allowing more casino brands to build on UK soil.
The outcome? The UK gambling industry has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry, which the government benefits from by requesting tax on profits.
Moreover, with years of implementing regulations to protect consumers, and promoting fair gaming, players can enjoy playing on renowned casino sites, without any safety concerns.
The United Gambling Commission emerged following the Gambling Act 2005 and takes care of the industry via the following:
a) Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, or being used to support crime,
b) Ensuring that gambling is conducted fairly and openly
c) Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being exploited by gambling.
As such, players must be at least 18 or over to play, each casino needs a license to operate, and all gambling providers have to advertise responsibility per the license conditions and codes of practice.
By integrating legislation to protect consumers over the years, and adapting to the changes of gambling in-person to online, the UK has done well to protect the public from unsafe, illegal, and dangerous gambling activity.
While also profiting from the money made by casinos, to reinvest back into the country.
Australia
Down Under offers a different take on how to take care of gambling practices online. For instance, in-person gambling is much more regulated and protected than online casino games.
To start with, the interactive gambling act doesn’t allow Australian-based casinos to offer games such as poker, roulette, blackjack, or baccarat.
Moreover, online casinos are not allowed to advertise to players that they can win real money. And Australian-based casino sites may only provide Pokies, the lottery, and bingo.
Where the UK operates on an inclusive basis for all gambling games to be accessed in person and online. Australia like the US, restricts citizens from playing certain games on land or online from Australian providers.
It’s clear, each country has its way of regulating the gambling industry.
Perhaps for Australia, by limiting the number of games on offer, residents have some options and freedom to play safely. And the government can still retain control over what’s played, and how much money is paid into the industry.
On the other hand, some might find it easier to gamble in countries such as the UK, because there’s a reduced need to gamble illegally, as there’s no limit on what games you can play.
African Countries
For a different take on gambling, we have Africa – where online gambling in a lot of African countries is rarely regulated.
Overall, the National Gambling Act 2004 allows African residents to participate in interactive games online, such as games of chance, slots, and card games.
And while Tanzania has pioneered in developing gambling regulations. Other countries such as Nigeria and South Africa have lagged and are yet to control gambling at a federal level.
Countries that have regulated the industry, such as Kenya and Tanzania, have imposed licenses for casinos to operate, and in turn, gain a fair portion of the profits.
But countries yet to govern the online gambling realm, are losing money to unsafe gambling sites. And other issues, such as underage gambling is rife.
The above examples of different countries show the positive impact the United States can have by instilling regulatory bodies for gambling online.
The prime result is resident online players who are protected from illegal gambling apps and websites and unfair gaming practices. And the ability of each state to apply fees, licenses, and tax bills, to extract a fair share of the profits. Which can be used to increase safer gambling practices. But also be used to better each state.
