Country-by-Country Gambling Regulations: What Players Must Know

Why gambling laws matter to you

Gambling laws protect you. They say where you can play, the legal age, and who keeps sites fair. If you use an illegal site, you may lose money, you may not get help if things go wrong, and you may break the law. Rules also change fast. This guide keeps things simple and clear so you can play safe.

Scope: online casino games, sports betting, and poker. This is general information to help you start. It is not legal advice.

Global picture in one minute

Countries fit into four groups:

• Fully regulated: online gambling is legal with a license (for example, the UK, Sweden, Netherlands).
• Partly regulated: only some products or regions are legal (for example, the US by state; France allows sports betting and poker but not online slots).
• Grey area: laws are unclear or in change (for example, Brazil during rollout).
• Prohibited: gambling is illegal (for example, the UAE).

Always check who the regulator is and if the site shows a valid license. A legal site follows age checks, geolocation, player protection, and anti‑fraud rules.

How to check if a gambling site is legal

1. Find the license: Look in the footer for the regulator name and license number. Example regulators: UKGC (UK), iGaming Ontario (Ontario, Canada), KSA (Netherlands), Spelinspektionen (Sweden).
2. Verify the license: Use the regulator’s public register. For example: UKGC public register, Ontario registered operators, KSA licensees.
3. Check KYC (Know Your Customer): Legal sites ask for ID and proof of address. This protects against fraud and minors.
4. Check geolocation: Legal sites block you if you are outside their area. Do not try to bypass this.
5. Look for player tools: Deposit limits, loss limits, time‑outs, and self‑exclusion. Examples: GAMSTOP (UK), Spelpaus (Sweden), OASIS (Germany), CRUKS (Netherlands).
6. Payments and terms: Fees must be clear. Bonus rules must be fair. A legal site shows complaint steps and an ombudsman/ADR (for example, eCOGRA or IBAS in the UK).
7. Search the regulator site for warnings: Many regulators post blocked or illegal sites lists (for example, ACMA in Australia).

Quick definition: A legal gambling site is one licensed by the official regulator for your country or state and follows rules for KYC, geolocation, and player protection.

Country-by-country snapshots

United States

Status: Legal by state. Sports betting and/or online casino are allowed in some states (for example, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan). Other states ban it.

Regulators: State level (for example, NJDGE, PGCB, MGCB). Federal laws like the Wire Act also matter.

Age: Usually 21 for casinos; 18 or 21 for sports by state.

Protections: Strong KYC, geolocation, self‑exclusion, and dispute steps.

What this means: Check your state regulator list and only use sites on it.

United Kingdom

Status: Fully regulated market.

Regulator: UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

Age: 18+.

Notes: Strict ID checks, safer gambling rules, and limits on ads and bonuses. Players do not pay tax on winnings. Operator rules and complaints: UKGC consumer info.

What this means: Only play on the UKGC public register and consider GAMSTOP for self‑exclusion.

Canada (Ontario focus)

Status: Provinces choose rules. Ontario runs a licensed market. Other provinces often use their lottery sites.

Regulators: AGCO and iGaming Ontario (Ontario).

Age: 19 in Ontario; 18 or 19 elsewhere by province.

Notes: Ontario lists all legal brands. Casual players usually do not pay tax on wins, but check CRA if you are a pro gambler.

What this means: In Ontario, only use the iGaming Ontario list.

Australia

Status: Online casinos are banned. Sports betting is legal with a license. The law is the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA).

Regulator: National actions by ACMA plus state/territory bodies for operators.

Age: 18+.

Notes: ACMA blocks illegal sites and payment lines. Heavy ad rules.

What this means: Use only licensed bookmakers listed by your state and avoid online casino offers.

New Zealand

Status: Lotto NZ and TAB NZ are legal. Casinos on land are legal. Offshore sites are not licensed, and you lack protection if you use them.

Regulator: Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

Age: 20 for casinos; 18 for racing and lottery.

What this means: Stick to DIA‑approved services; think twice before using offshore sites.

Germany

Status: Legal under the 2021 treaty (GlüStV). Online slots and poker allowed with limits.

Regulator: GGL.

Age: 18+.

Notes: Stake and spin limits, ad rules, and the OASIS exclusion system.

What this means: Use the GGL whitelist and set limits.

Netherlands

Status: Legal market since 2021.

Regulator: Kansspelautoriteit (KSA).

Age: 18+.

Notes: Mandatory self‑exclusion via CRUKS, strict bonus and ad rules.

What this means: Only play with KSA licensees and enroll in CRUKS if you need a break.

Sweden

Status: Legal and licensed.

Regulator: Spelinspektionen.

Age: 18+.

Notes: One welcome bonus per brand, strong duty of care, and Spelpaus self‑exclusion.

What this means: Use the regulator’s list and the Spelpaus tool if needed.

Spain

Status: Licensed market for casino, sports, and poker.

Regulator: DGOJ.

Age: 18+.

Notes: Very strict ad rules and safer gambling checks.

What this means: Pick only DGOJ licensees and read bonus terms with care.

Italy

Status: Licensed market.

Regulator: ADM.

Age: 18+.

Notes: Tough ad limits (Dignity Decree). Legal sites show an ADM logo and license number.

What this means: Look for the ADM logo and cross‑check on ADM pages.

France

Status: Sports betting and online poker are legal. Online casino games (like slots) are not.

Regulator: ANJ.

Age: 18+.

Notes: ad limits, deposit controls, and self‑exclusion.

What this means: Use ANJ‑licensed sportsbooks and poker rooms; avoid online slots.

Ireland

Status: In transition to a new system. A new authority (Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland) is being set up.

Current info: See the government’s page on the Gambling Regulation Bill.

Age: 18+.

What this means: Laws may change soon. Check official updates before you play.

Brazil

Status: New laws for sports betting are rolling out. Online casino rules are evolving. Check the latest official notices.

Regulator: Ministry of Finance, Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA).

Updates: See the Ministry page (Portuguese): gov.br/fazenda/apostas.

What this means: Only use brands with a valid Brazilian license once the system is live.

South Africa

Status: Sports betting sites can be licensed. Online casino games are largely illegal.

Regulators: National Gambling Board and provincial boards.

Age: 18+.

What this means: Check a bookmaker’s provincial license. Avoid online casinos.

Japan

Status: Betting is legal only on certain “public sports” (like horse racing) and lotteries. Online casinos are illegal.

Info: See official racing and lottery bodies (for example, Japan Racing Association).

What this means: Use only legal public betting channels. Do not use online casinos.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Status: Gambling is illegal.

Info: See the UAE government portal on crime and law: u.ae.

What this means: Do not gamble. Penalties can apply.

How to choose safe, legal sites in your country

• Check the license and verify it on the regulator site.
• Read the terms: Bonus rules, fees, withdrawal times.
• Look for strong KYC and clear limits (deposit, loss, time).
• Check support: fast chat, local language, fair complaint path (ADR/ombudsman).
• Test banking: small deposit and small withdrawal first.
• See if the brand is on a public safe list by your regulator.

Want a quick local view? For West Africa sports fans, you can find schedules, results, and local betting info on AllSports. It helps you see what brands are active in your area and follow local rules. Always cross‑check any brand on your country’s official regulator list before you join.

Taxes, withdrawals, and your rights

• Taxes: These differ by country. In the US, gambling wins are taxable (see the IRS guide on gambling income). In the UK, players usually do not pay tax on winnings, but operators pay duties (see HMRC gambling duties). Always check local rules or ask a tax pro.
• KYC and withdrawals: Legal sites must verify your ID and may ask for source of funds. This can take time but keeps crime out.
• Disputes: Follow site steps first. If you still have an issue, use an approved dispute body (for example, IBAS or eCOGRA in the UK) or your regulator’s complaint route.

Responsible gambling resources

Gambling should be fun. Set limits before you start. Stop when it is not fun. If you feel stress, chase losses, or hide play, get help.

• UK: GamCare, BeGambleAware, and GAMSTOP.
• US: National Council on Problem Gambling (call/text/chat 1‑800‑GAMBLER).
• EU: Check your national helpline via European Problem Gambling Helpline.
• Sweden: Spelpaus.
• Netherlands: CRUKS.
• Germany: OASIS.
• Australia: Gambling Help Online.

FAQs

Is online gambling legal in my country?
It depends. Some countries fully allow it with a license (for example, the UK and Sweden). Some allow it by state (US). Some ban it (UAE). Check your regulator’s site.

What is the legal gambling age?
Most countries set 18+. Some places require 21 for casinos (many US states). Check local rules.

How do I check if a site is licensed?
Find the license in the site footer, then confirm it on the regulator register (for example, UKGC, Ontario, KSA).

Can I use a VPN to play?
Do not do this. It can break the law and the site’s terms. You can lose your money and your account.

Do I pay tax on winnings?
It varies. In the US, yes. In the UK, usually no for players. Rules change, so ask a tax pro or check your tax office site.

What protections should a legal site have?
KYC, geolocation, deposit/loss limits, time‑out/self‑exclusion, clear terms, and a fair complaint path (ADR).

Sources, method, and update policy

We use primary sources: regulator sites and official laws. We avoid unverified blogs. We check facts against these pages:

• UKGC (UK)
• NJDGE, PGCB, MGCB (US states)
• AGCO, iGaming Ontario (Canada)
• ACMA (Australia)
• DIA (New Zealand)
• GGL (Germany)
• KSA (Netherlands)
• Spelinspektionen (Sweden)
• DGOJ (Spain)
• ANJ (France)
• ADM (Italy)
• Gov.ie: Gambling Regulation Bill (Ireland)
• Brazil Ministry of Finance – SPA
• National Gambling Board (South Africa)

Method: We name each country’s regulator, legal status, age, and key player tools. We verify license lookups and link to official pages. We review and update this guide at least every 3 months or sooner if a law changes.

Last updated: 2026‑01‑14

Disclaimer

This guide is for information only and is not legal or tax advice. Follow your local laws. Gambling carries risk. Set limits and play responsibly. If you feel harm, stop and get help right away.