Gambling Jurisdictions for Online Operators
Jurisdictions that License Online Gambling Sites
A number of areas in the world have the infrastructure and legislation in place to license and regulate online gambling operations. These areas are called gambling jurisdictions. The jurisdictions essentially charge online gambling operators a fee to receive a license, while taxes are also part of the deal. In return, the license allows the operator to provide internet gambling services from the jurisdiction, and display the fact that it is licensed on its website.
Gambling jurisdictions differ from one another in a number of spheres. Some are considered stricter than others, in that they regulate the operators constantly and demand that they reach certain levels of fair gaming, testing and support.
Despite World Trade Organization agreements, the majority of gambling jurisdictions in the world are not allowed to serve US residents. This is despite the fact that most of them appear on the United Kingdom’s white-list, meaning that they reach all the tough standards demanded by that country’s strict Gambling Commission, that allow operators to advertise their services in the UK.
Some of the more common gambling jurisdictions include the following:
Antigua & Barbuda Online Gambling
Costa Rica Online Gambling Law
Gibraltar Gaming Laws and Taxes
Curacao Gambling and Fees
Malta Gaming Law & License
Australia Gambling Laws Online
Isle of Man Gambling Jurisdiction
Israel Online Gambling
Kahnawake Gambling Online
UK Gambling License
Antigua and Barbuda was one of the first online gambling licensing jurisdictions, and operates under the Financial Services Regulatory Commission. Operators need to ensure that their software meets internationally recognized standards of fairness, and that their physical headquarters are situated in Antigua. The operators are subject to all gaming laws in Antigua and Barbuda, including anti money laundering regulations.
Costa Rican laws allow companies that reside within the country to legally offer online wagers to global customers, but not residents of the country itself. In general, operators are allowed a greater degree of freedom because there is a lack of regulation in this jurisdiction.
Gibraltar is a well recognized online gambling jurisdiction and as a part of the European Union, is recognized by the UK Gambling Act (2005) as a ‘white listed’ jurisdiction. This means that all licensed operators are allowed to advertise in the UK. The Gibraltar Licensing Authority provides licenses on a number of levels, specific to the type of gaming operation (eg. Lottery, remote gambling, bookmaker, poker, etc.).
The Curacao eGaming Licensing Authority in the Netherlands Antilles is considered one of the oldest license providers in the industry, and offers a license that covers a wide range of gambling options, including games of skill, chance, sports betting and software providers.
Malta was the first member of the European Union to regulate remote gambling, and this white listed jurisdiction offers gaming licenses for a range of gambling services such as betting, online casinos, casino games, lotteries, gaming platforms and more.
As online gambling and poker become more popular among players, countries are beginning to see the huge potential there is to become recognized remote gaming jurisdictions. Besides the financial benefits that the country can reap, thousands of jobs can be secured for local residents. An area that becomes a well established licensing and regulatory jurisdiction can put itself in the forefront of the ever growing and changing remote gaming industry and ensure that the industry remains fair and secure for players and operators alike.