Foreword
Gambling in all spheres of life, be it land-based or online casinos, is widely available and promoted through media and corporate sponsorships.
Players prefer to visit online or crypto casino sites that have security support and a large selection of games, but this is not the case in all countries. Even a friendly game of poker played for real money can get you into big trouble in some places. Read today’s article on the top 5 countries with the most restrictive gambling laws.
1. Japan
Legally, it’s hard to say what is allowed in Japan as far as gambling is concerned. Gambling of any kind was strictly prohibited until recently. However, several exceptions allow gambling to continue in various forms. For example, the historical significance of pachinko makes it a legitimate activity. Betting on horses and other forms of sports betting at the track is also generally accepted. Land-based casino gaming is finally legalized in Japan thanks to the Integrated Resort Planning Act (2016).
2. Singapore
Under the Private Lottery Act, private activities in Singapore are illegal without special permission. Public lotteries are subject to additional provisions of the General Bookmakers Act. This means that bingo, lotteries, machine games and other games are illegal unless expressly permitted by law. Land-based sports betting is also prohibited unless conducted through one of the three authorized gambling operators in Singapore (Singapore Pools, Singapore Turf Club or Singapore Turf Club). The two public casinos (yes, there are only two) are the only places where people can legally gamble on the ground, and even then, only under certain conditions set forth in the Casino Control Act. All forms of online gambling are illegal in Singapore, with the exception of remote sports betting by the Singapore Turf Club or Singapore Pools.
3. Qatar
Qatar is the biggest challenge on the planet when it comes to gambling laws. Sports betting and other forms of gambling are strictly prohibited. Because of the complete ban on gambling, underground gambling has flourished, but many people have paid a price for participating. Even though online gambling is illegal, some people continue to do so because they can still access offshore gambling sites despite the government’s best efforts to stop them.
4. Poland
Land-based and online gambling has historically been legal in Poland, but under a strict monopoly by the Polish government. Gambling with offshore operators is technically allowed but not regulated. The Gambling Act has undergone many changes since it was first passed in 2009 to comply with EU standards.
On April 1, 2017, new regulations for online gambling were introduced, requiring international operators to apply for a sports betting license. Only gambling monopolies sanctioned by the country’s government can offer actual bets on online sports or casino games.
5. Cambodia
Gambling of any kind is now strictly prohibited in Cambodia due to a serious increase in gambling addiction and gambling problems. Still, Cambodians can participate in five private lotteries and other forms of government-sponsored games. However, the Prohibition of Gambling Act of 1996 exempts all non-citizens from compliance.
Conclusion
It’s interesting to learn about the jurisdictions around the world that ban gambling. Although gambling is illegal in many countries, it is still widespread. Despite the risks, people clearly love casinos and online gambling.