Gambling By Country
- The top 5 countries in total gaming revenue—China, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US—combined account for 69.8 percent of total revenue of top 100 countries worldwide. In 2017, China had the highest total gaming revenue, at an estimated $32.54 billion, or about one-third of total game revenue worldwide.
- The Uni ted States has more casinos within its borders and on Indian reservations than the next ten countries combined. Of the five most populated countries - China, India, United States, Indonesia, and Brazil - only the U.S. And India have licensed casinos, and there are only a few in India. Of course, China is a major feeder market for other Asian gambling jurisdictions including the special administrative.
Appearance and fast development of Internet has led to a forthcoming of particular life things that as a result became an inherent part of our daily routine. Most people couldn’t stand before gambling games and even laws that prohibit gaming business are not able to overcome a gambling passion. As it appeared, approximately a half part of mankind is able to enjoy online gambling in different variations legally in the generally accepted legal age of 18.
Millions of gamblers all over the world are the best evidence of rash online gambling evolution. The improvement of new technologies made online casinos more available for those people who have never dreamt about it. There are currently approximately 70 – 80 world countries where online gambling games are legalized and prospered.
Problem Gambling Prevalence Rate. Some countries show a higher prevalence rate than others, and it may be explained by cultural, economic, political, and legal factors. We’ll provide thorough information about gambling addiction in different parts of the world, based on recent research from 2016.
Play or Not to Play - Gambling Law Question of Gamblers Worldwide
Online gambling is one of the advanced and profitable spheres in a global net but not all countries implement it. For that reason in many countries, the online gambling industry is
in great demand and in other countries officials keep it under lock and key. If you think of becoming a global frequent client of online casino you have to remember about online gambling regulations in different countries and, of course, in your homeland. In today’s globalization and integration of international business each country has its laws that in a general way determine the object of the gambling industry.
The policy of the countries according to online gambling regulation can be divided into several versions:
- Absolute embargo. In this case, there is legislatively fixed restriction in online gambling. However, offline casinos can be legalized.
- Partial restriction. Let us suppose, betting offices and totalizers are permitted, but cards game and roulette are forbidden.
- Indirect restriction. In Belarus President's Edict clearly indicates what gambling games can be permitted. But there is no online gambling in the list. Nevertheless, booking offices are permitted to take online stakes and in that way to pay winnings.
- A tacit agreement. There is no particular law and penal policy of a government. Everybody pay taxes and nobody touches them.
A nightmare of gambler is to find him in a country with illegal online gambling
Online gambling business has substantially taken his stand as the profitable industry and weirdness of his regulation. It is really getting tough for offline casinos that work hard to cut down and restrict Internet use for gambling. But it is just a fight with the windmills.
Online casinos are illegal in 39 countries. So if you are a traveling gambler, firstly check the “black list” of countries before getting into the unfortunate situation.
COUNTRIES RESTRICTED TO PLAY ONLINE CASINO:
In 93 countries situation is more interesting and online gambling is neither prohibited nor permitted. Such territories called “gray” or “hanging”.
HANDING COUNTRIES:
Japan, Canada, and China are relentless foes of online gambling legalization and up to date, wage the war not only against online casinos but also internet banks that support gambling industry.
Russian legislation forbids the activity of providing and organizing gambling games with the application of information-telecommunication systems, including Internet. But there are no restrictions for making bets on foreign gaming resources.
In Lybia, online gambling is compared with a witchcraft or black magic and has criminal responsibility.
Countries of the Muslim world, including Turkey and Egypt, are strictly prohibited playing any gambling game because of laws of the Koran.
The strongest online gambling hit was made by the USA where authorities released a prohibition of unhappy memory called UIGEA that forbids gambling companies to make any money transactions via Internet. In consequence of law- breaking there is an administrative and criminal responsibility (5 years of jail). Many foreign casinos refuse Americans in online gambling participation. However that may be, there is the biggest amount of gamblers in this country.
Each state provides its own policy and online gambling legality can be considered from different points of view. In some US states, gambling games are outlawed. In Nevada legislation permits online gambling inflexibly controls this sphere and gets taxes.
European loyalty and favor to online gambling as a guarantee of efficient benefits
As a rule, the first reaction on new modern ideas in society and technologies is a reaction of European countries including online games. European online gambling regulations are in developmental stage. While the whole world, headed by the USA, tries to find out new methods of combating with online gambling, European countries mind up the decisions for profitable benefits.
Online gambling in the UK is due to a perfect legislative regulation, reasonable tax assessment system and an old history of online gambling. Up to date, online casinos in the UK are permitted in the presence of online gambling licenses from the “white list countries”.
For Italy such games as online roulette, poker, blackjack etc. are absolutely legal but with several limits. For example, fixed limitations on monthly money loss and, in the case of limits reaching, the access to online casino is blocked.
Eastern Europe has a great potential of online gambling development in such countries as Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic. Ukraine is also getting a perspective direction in the development of online gambling games. However, in Poland, the government recognizes online gambling as an illegal affair in order to protect gamblers that unconsciously pour money down the drain.
Gibraltar and Malta are two European countries which called “tax paradise” for online gambling games as there are no limits for its development. Malta was the first country that regulated the law of online gambling. Nowadays the popular online casinos, poker rooms, and betting offices use the licenses of this country. The popularity is explained by low taxes, easy licensing and perfect control system of giving out services. Gamblers here are safe and sound as the reputation of those countries is allowed to trust their funds to companies with secure licenses.
As you can see, European views of online gambling problem are substantially different. And to this day is hard to understand the authorities of some countries that try to take care of their citizens or financial part of this issue. Why do not adopt the experience of countries that luckily regulate online gambling and receive quite good incomes to the budget?
Online gambling is not as black as it painted
On a global basis, controlled and adjustable online gambling business represents a quite nice outlook. The distinctive feature of gambling is an application of latest technological elaborations. Somewhat exactly online gambling galvanizes improving technologies, burnishing it and testing permanently in order to enhance the quality of software. That’s why authorities in different countries come to understanding that necessity of online gambling legalization is not only important but also economically advantageous for countries development.
Gambling has been prevalent since as early as the 11th century, with many forms of gambling being invented ever since. Its almost human nature for humans to gamble on just about everything, with the thrill of winning incomparable to anything else.
As we progress further down the 21st century, the world of Gambling is expanding at an unexpectedly high pace. With countries all over the world relaxing their gambling laws to take advantage of its huge popularity amongst the masses, new gambling-obsessed countries have overtaken the traditional heavyweights in the gambling charts.
- Have you ever wondered which are the most gambling-obsessed nations of the world?
- Did you know that the average Australian adult loses approximately $1300 per year due to gambling ?
- Were you aware that France has more than 300 casinos located in its mainland, more than any other nation ?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, as we have prepared a detailed list of the biggest gambling inclined countries in the world, with a special measuring term of “average yearly gambling loss per person “, in order to get a better idea of just how fanatic the locals of each country are about gambling, be it in casinos, or sports betting, or individual slots and nationwide lotteries.
1. France
Continent : Europe
Preferred Gambling Source : Casinos
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $350
Population : 66.9 million
Area : 212,900 square miles
France is one of the larger countries of Europe, and is famous for its casinos spread over several prominent cities such as Paris and Cannes. There are more than 300 casinos in the wealthy country, and high rollers from different walks of life indulge in extensive casino gambling. Apart from Casinos, sports betting is also very prominent in the country, with several mega sporting events being held there every year such as The French Open, the Rugby Six Nations tournament and The Tour De France, along with high profile horse races such as Chantily and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Poker is also very popular in the country, with some of the best poker players in the world hailing from France. There are more than 170 poker tables across the country and some have extremely high stakes for the highest of rollers.
The gambling laws in France are relatively relaxed, ensuring that the high tourism ratio in the country is also well integrated with the gambling industry.
2. USA
Continent : North America
Preferred Gambling Method : Sports Betting/ Casinos
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $330
Population : 323 million
Area : 3.7 million square miles.
USA is one of the largest and most powerful countries in the world, with a stable economy and overall higher level of development than most other nations. The third most populated country is also a global hub of sports, with several American sports often overshadowing global sports in terms of money and popularity. The Americans love to bet on sports, with events such as the NBA Finals, The NFL Superbowl, the Major League Baseball finals. The NHL finals etc overseeing bets of billions of dollars in total, much more than any other country. As a whole. The United States saw about $117 billion lost to gambling last year, although their per person gambling loss isn’t as high as some other countries.
Apart from sports betting, some of the world’s largest and most extravagant casinos lie in USA, none more so than in Las Vegas, the world’s gambling haven. There are more than a hundred casinos located in Las Vegas alone, with billions of dollars exchanging hands every single week. Americans also love their fair share of lottery tickets, with several state sponsored lotto competitions in the running.
3. Monaco
Continent : Europe
Preferred Gambling Method : Sports Betting / Casinos
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $320
Population : 38,400
Area : 0.78 square miles
Monaco is a tiny independent state bordered by France on 3 sides, with the 4th side adjoining the Mediterranean Sea, ensuring a lovely climate and serene views. Despite its small size, Monaco is the recreational and sporting hub of Europe, especially its cultural center Monte-Carlo. The beautiful city boasts of some of the most amazing casinos in the world, most notably the Casino De Monte-Carlo, a true man made wonder and one of the most popular gambling avenues in the world.
Many major international events such as The Monaco Grand Prix (The most prestigious F1 race on the circuit), World Championship Boxing matches, European PGA tours, as well as the European Poker Tour Grand final take place in Monte Carlo every year. Gambling overall is the primary contributor to the region’s bustling economy.
Monte-Carlo is synonymous with extravagance and outrageous displays of wealth, a sign, which is a huge boost for its gambling industry. The city is full of glamour and luxury, and Monaco as an independent state fully relies on gambling sources and tourism for its economic stability.
4. Singapore
Continent : Asia
Preferred Gambling Method : Casinos / Football Betting / Lottery
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $1100
Population : 5.6 million
Area : 277 square miles
Singapore is a tiny, yet powerful island country located in South East Asia. With one of the strongest economies in the world, Singapore is a wealthy nation with a remarkably high number of millionaires per 100 citizens. This explosion of wealth led the government to look into more avenues and they finally agreed to legalize certain forms of gambling in the country. Singapore Pools, a state sponsored lottery organization operational since 1968, was permitted to begin sports betting as well, leading to a huge response from the football-loving nation. Whether it’s the S-League or the English Premier League, every football match is keenly watched and analyzed by the local bettors and millions of dollars are won and lost every week.
Apart from Singapore Pools, the country also allowed 2 major casinos to be operational recently i.e. Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands. The Marina Bay Sands casino is one the biggest and most expensive casinos in the world, with over 2500 gaming machines spread over 6 interior branches. Multi-millionaires can be seen here every week playing with very high stakes, as the country also has one of the highest annual gambling losses per person in the world.
5. Canada
Continent : North America
Preferred Gambling Method : Sports Betting / Lottery
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $568
Population : 36.29 million
Area : 3.8 million square miles
The second largest nation in the world, Canada is a highly developed and a wealthy nation. Regularly rates as one of the best places to live with the highest quality of life, Canada’s economy is booming and people are friendly and satisfied with their lives. With wealth in abundance, Canadians often prefer to indulge in lotteries and sports betting, for fun as well as to earn some extra dough. Lottery is almost an addiction for Canadians, with a study finding out that more than 75% of adult Canadians have gambled in some form at least once in their lives. Many scratch and win games are also extremely popular in the region, and its common practice for parents to include lottery tickets attached to Christmas presents for their kids, implying that lottery is a big part of the family culture in the country.
Canadians are also very obsessed with all American sports, especially Ice Hockey, which sees millions of dollars gambled on NHL results every single year. Many other winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding tournaments also attract many exclusive betting markets.
6. Australia
Continent : Australia / Oceania
Preferred Gambling Method : Sports Betting / Slot machines
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $1288
Population : 24.13 million
Area : 2.97 million square miles
Australia is the most powerful country in the Southern Hemisphere. It is also one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with great stability and a huge emphasis put on recreation. Almost 80% of adult Australians are known to indulge in some form of gambling, unsurprisingly, considering the country’s healthy economy and high quality of life, leading to overall satisfaction. The country has many casinos, with New South Wales in particular boasting of a mammoth 100,000 poker machines to keep gamblers hooked. Slot machines are extremely popular amongst Aussies and can be found all over the land.
Gambling By Country
Apart from casinos, Australia is one of the leading nations when it comes to sports. With cricket and Aussie rules football being followed religiously, the sports betting market is one of the biggest in the world. Apart from that, major international sporting events such as The Australian Open and the Ashes cricket series have their own exclusive betting markets.
7. Ireland
Continent : Europe
Preferred Gambling Method : Sports Betting
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $588
Population : 4.7 million
Area : 27,100 square miles
The Republic Of Ireland is a passionate sporting nation off the coast of England, with citizens known to be extremely vocal about their sporting passions. Football, rugby and horseracing are among the most popular sports out in this country and followed ferociously. The ‘lad’ culture as its called, involves young Irish men often consuming large quantities of alcohol, before betting large sums of money on sports and then supporting their respective teams. This saw the emergence of Paddy Power, one of the biggest online betting firms in the world, which accepts bets on almost everything under the sun. The emergence of global superstar Connor McGregor has single-handedly revolutionized the sports betting culture in Ireland.
The casino industry in the country is unregulated, as an old gambling law from 1956 is still under use. Casinos are not very reputed in the region yet revelers find their way up to trusted sources and end up paying massive amounts of money, with the average Irish gambling loss per person recorded at $588 for the year.
8. Greece
Continent : Europe
Preferred Gambling Method : Sports Betting / Slots
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $420
Population : 10.75 million
Area : 50,950 square miles
Greece is one of the most important historic countries in the world. With some of the most remarkable ancient monuments still standing, Greece was once the most prosperous and developed land on this planet, with a rich culture and varied traditions. The ancient Greeks were among the first men to begin gambling of any sorts, and that carried down through various kingdoms over the centuries.
The modern day Greece, however, is a far-cry from its rich history, with the country in crippling debts running into billions of dollars in recent years. However, that has done nothing to curb the nation’s youth from blowing away their savings on gambling, with the average annual loss per Greek citizen almost $420. The country has 1 casino each in 8 major cities, with the biggest one being Regency Casino Mont Parnes, with more than 700 slots and game machines, the biggest attraction for the locals. Apart from casinos, they also indulge in large scale football betting, and the government is trying hard to curb these activities to prevent addiction.
9. Spain
Continent : Europe
Preferred Gambling Method : Sports Betting / Lottery
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $418
Population : 46.5 million
Area : 195,364 square miles
Spain is one of the most culturally rich countries in the region, with a deep and colorful history when it comes to gambling, involving many former emperors and their families. Spaniards are historically very obsessed with any form of lottery and luck-oriented games. Gambling in the country was only legalized in 1981, but had been going on for centuries unregulated. The country’s famous Christmas lottery “El Gordo”, awards prizes up to a mammoth $1 billion. It is estimated that almost 80% adult Spaniards purchase the tickets of this particular lottery every year.
Spain is also a heavyweight when it comes to sporting events. 3 of the best football clubs in the world operate in the country with passionate fans betting huge sums on them. Major international events such as the Spanish Grand Prix and the Madrid Masters attract a lot of bettors as well. Millions of dollars are staked in traditional bullfights every year as well, taking the overall gambling loss per person to $418 per year on average.
10. Italy
Continent : Europe
Preferred Gambling Method : Slots / Roulette / Baccarat
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $517
Population : 60.6 million
Area : 116,300 square miles
Gambling Addiction By Country
Italy has a very rich gambling history, with many innovators and inventors of certain casino games originating from Italy. For example, the game of Baccarat is an Italian creation, played at the first ever state sanctioned casino in Venice, way back in the 17th century. The famous roulette systems like the Fibonacci were also invented by Italian gamblers.
The country’s gambling laws were relaxed significantly in 2008, and since then the industry has seen a major surge. Italians are primarily obsessed with slot machines, and the country’s gambling revenue in 2013 was as high as $23.9 billion, the highest in Europe, and more than half of that is attributed to slot machines. Milan and Venice are the primary gambling cities in Italy, with 15 elegant casinos between them. Italians are also very passionate about sports, particularly football. The Rome Masters tennis tournament also attracts high profile bettors, along with certain elegant horse races.