Online Gambling Laws and Jurisdictions

Although the internet is available on a global scale, there is no common piece of legislation of online gambling for all countries. Instead, each country provides their own laws that deal with internet betting, online casinos, lotteries, etc. These laws may significantly vary from one region to another, so in order to become aware of what’s legal and what’s illegal, you must learn the local laws where you live. Also, many territories regularly introduce changes in gambling laws.

On our site, we always keep our readers up to date in terms of legal and regulatory changes in the casino industry. Here, we’d like to introduce the latest updates on gambling jurisdiction in your country and provide details on how the gambling is regulated up to now. There will be information about the reliable gambling jurisdictions and licensing authorities that’s essential to learn if you enjoy betting on the internet, play online casino slot machines, or take part in poker tournaments.

You can find an overview on gambling in your country down below, with all covered aspects and specific information on gambling legislation. Also, we’ll cover the major question of how to legally gamble online, if your country does not support gambling locally. Firstly, let’s find out what is gambling jurisdiction and who has rights to license the online gambling platforms. Check out the licensed online pokies Australia. 

What is Online Gambling Jurisdiction?

Generally, there are several regions that have a possibility to license and regulate online gambling sites, as well as to provide gambling software. These regions are so-called gambling jurisdictions or licensing jurisdictions. It refers to some organizations that are responsible for issuing licenses and monitoring the work of the licensed gambling site. In other words, licensing authorities give permission to gambling sites to operate legally. As a rule, if the site obtains the license, it has to base some of their operation within this jurisdiction. Therefore, many gambling sites select their locations based on the location of licensing authority. It’s a common practice in the online gambling industry.

In What Way Gambling Legislation Affects You?

The major part of online gambling licensing refers to organizations that provide online gambling services over the country. Usually, the government of the country with gambling jurisdiction has no objections to the gambling for its residents. As a result, residents of such countries can easily participate in any type of gambling activities. So, it’s important to find out the latest legal peculiarities in your place of living. You definitely don’t want to unknowingly break the law.

Moreover, we suggest you analyse the regulatory practices in other jurisdictions. It will open your eyes to what is going on in other countries. Take into account that some jurisdictions are more strict than others, while others are more relaxed. Therefore, different gambling sites are licensed by jurisdiction of different levels. It will help you to make a choice when searching for an online casino to play for real money. Also, read the description of a regulator to find out its attitude towards gambling. Sometimes, it’s better to choose the casino that is licensed by a serious gambling jurisdiction that has strict rules.

Gambling Jurisdictions in Australia and New Zealand

Gambling laws in Australia are covered by Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 (IGA). In general, companies which are registered inside Australian territory are not allowed to offer gambling services to Australian residents. However, Aussies can legally place bets on sports and buy lotteries. These gambling activities are regulated by local and central governments. But, players from Australia are allowed to play offshore online casinos without breaking the law. Basically, there is no law that prohibits overseas gambling sites, as long as they have a proper license by a reliable gambling jurisdiction.

The gambling act in New Zealand is clear and straightforward. The Gambling Act of 2003 does not allow Kiwis to play on online betting sites that are based in New Zealand. However, it only applies to companies within the region. There is no document that prohibits Kiwis from using offshore gambling sites.