International online gambling law is a hugely complex subject, as each country is different. While some countries have embraced online gambling, others have gone to great lengths to implement a blanket ban. For online casino gamers in Germany, the new regulations might mean that players choose to play in another country. Usually this is done through VPN or simply by visiting the URL of the other country.
Added to the complexity is the fact that one jurisdiction within one country can take an entirely different approach to online gambling than another. An example of this would be the U.S., where complex gambling laws are very much in force. Along with the poorly written and difficult to interpret federal laws, there are also laws within individual states. Yes, online gambling is completely legal within some states. In others, however, the authorities are still attempting to seize the assets of bona fide gambling sites.
So as not to overwhelm you by providing a detailed explanation of how gambling laws work in each country, we’re going to break down the basics of online gambling regulation and legislation, which is useful to know if you’re engaging in gaming or betting online.
The Basics
The thing you should get to grips with when it comes to online gambling regulation and legislation is how it affects you. There are two points in play here.
1. It’s very uncommon that using an online gamble site would be explicitly illegal
2. Regulated and licensed gambling sites are safer than others
The first point should ease your mind if you’re concerned over the legalities of gambling online, and the potential repercussions. You’re actually unlikely to break the law by simply gaming or betting online. Most online gambling legislation is aimed at companies that run online betting sites, as opposed to those who play at them. Of course, it’s worth noting that laws vary from region to region, as mentioned above. So, you should be aware of any local laws that restrict you from online gambling.
With regards to the second point, the majority of sites are regulated and licensed in at least one jurisdiction. To acquire the necessary licensing, they will be required to adhere to criteria set to by the licensing authority within the relevant jurisdiction. Operators tend to make their licensing details public, as it provides reassurance to potential customers that the site is regulated and legal. It essentially provides their operations with some legitimacy.
Some Agencies Are Stricter Than Others
You should also know, however, that the legitimacy of licensing authorities can vary significantly. The fact is that some agencies are stricter than others. The state of Nevada, for example, is extremely strict when assessing poker sites before it decides whether to grant them a license or not. So, any poker site with a license from Nevada has instant credibility.
You should also know that primary importance is placed on the regulation of online gambling. After all, its main purpose is to provide you with protection. You should feel free to gamble online while being fully confident that you will receive fair treatment without being exposed to crooked or dishonest practices. Fortunately, the respectable and established licensing authorities make sure that you get exactly that, whether you're playing the slots or betting on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl. They include a strict code of conduct on their licenses, with the casinos forced to comply with the required regulations if they want to maintain their licensing benefits. That’s why properly regulated and licensed sites are the safest options.
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