Modern Internet users are constantly looking for new ways to pass the time. Due to the development of Internet technologies and total lockdown, which was caused by Covid-19, many people had to sit at home. Thus, they found an alternative way to entertain themselves and communicate with other people. Internet gambling has experienced significant growth in popularity since 2020. Thus, the issue of the legalization of such activity became acute.
Today, there exist hundreds of popular betting sites, which offer both free slot machines and real-money gambling games to feel the adrenalin and win some cash. However, not all countries consider gambling a legal issue. In many of them, such businesses and even activities are prohibited. Nevertheless, iGaming is still very famous across the world. And in our article, we’ll observe the opportunities, which will discover the legalization of gambling.
The Issue Of iGaming And Its Legality
Online gambling refers to any kind of gambling games and sports betting, which are carried out via the Internet. Despite the impressive popularity of Internet gambling, there’re still many countries, where it’s strictly forbidden. Their list includes
- Singapore
- North Korea
- Lebanon
- Qatar
- Cambodia, etc.
They prohibit not only such businesses but also make everything to prevent their residents from accessing any Internet casino. Today, however, more and more countries tend to legalize or at least allow gambling practices. Some of such countries include
| Country | Legal status |
| The UK | The corresponding act was issued in 2005. Based on it, a special commission was created to regulate gambling in all its forms (including Internet gambling). The activity is allowed. For the establishment of the corresponding business, a UKGC license should be obtained. The latest has very strict requirements, which allowed making the industry secure. |
| Italy | The country faced many proceedings from the European Union before the legalization of Internet gambling. The legalization helped solve many problems. According to the corresponding act, the AAMS became accountable for licensing and the provision of secure services to the residents. |
| France | In this country, only certain types of gambling are allowed. But still, they have a positive influence on the economy. The government defined special bodies for the regulation of sports betting, horseracing, and poker. |
| The USA | In general, gambling activity through the Internet is prohibited in the country. However, there’re certain states, where the definite types of it are legal. Punters can gamble online in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia. Some of them allow only sports betting, while others also accept casino live betting and diverse gamble games. It’s important that the games are properly licensed. |
| Belarus | Internet gambling became legal in 2019. However, in this country, any representatives of the online industry should have land-based venues in order to legally organize online casinos for the residents. |
These are just a few examples of countries with legalized gambling and betting activities & businesses. We can see that there’s a tendency started in 2010 to make such kind of business legal and regulated. There’re many other European countries, which followed the examples of the described jurisdictions.
The Advantages of Legalized Betting
If we consider the situation with gambling in the UK, we can see many positive things connected to the fact the issue is controlled and regulated by the government. Let’s observe the most prominent benefits, which the legalization of any type of gambling might provide:
- A higher level of safety for punters. Thanks to the official regulation, the government can control the service providers, prevent fraud, and ensure the required security measures and high-quality options. The truth is that due to the impressive popularity of gambling, people will still find a way to practice it. And it’s a wise decision to make the industry regulated by the authorities.
- Befits from casino taxes. If the industry is regulated, it should not only meet the requirements but also pay certain taxes. Besides, it’s usually necessary to pay in order to obtain a license for the first time. Such a system works for MGA, Curacao, and many other operating permits. Then, there’re annual fees and taxes for the net profit. As a result, the state economy can get an additional source of income and experience a better development.
- The development of the tourism industry. If we speak about land-based gaming facilities, they might become an attractive issue for thousands of visitors. Just think about Las Vegas, which enjoys millions of people visiting it every year and spending huge sums of money.
There’s an important downside, which stops many governments from dealing with gambling and iGaming. It’s required to remember about addiction this activity might lead to. It’s called ludomania. However, everyone should understand that such a problem might occur even without gambling being legalized because people still find ways to practice this activity. At the same time, with the regulated gambling market, it’s possible to provide better protection for punters. The government can establish special organizations to support people with problems, restrict access to online platforms and land-based venues for certain categories of people, and make gaming facilities provide all the important information concerning responsible gambling.
Conclusion
Gambling is always a risk but it keeps attracting the audience due to the high level of adrenalin they experience and a wide range of options. People who are afraid of gambling use online casino betting calculators to evaluate the level of a suitable bet and possible profit.
With betting to be legalized, the government will have more control over the industry. Thus, not only the economy of the country but also people will benefit from it. Punters will feel safer and get a chance to trust gaming facilities with a local license. In addition, due to being fully allowed, gambling will stop being a so-called ‘forbidden fruit’. And possibly people stop being so mad about it.
