Different countries have varying gambling laws. For some, gambling is totally prohibited, while in others, bettors have different levels of freedom. In countries where gambling is permitted, the sector has thrived, while in those with stringent regulations, it has lagged. Kate Richardson, a sports betting expert who has been providing insights and tips and exploring different gambling markets, observes that even in countries where wagering is allowed, some aspects are not permitted. 

not collide with the authority. In her scrutiny of the gambling laws and the list of online UK bookmakers, Kate observes that UK betting laws are relatively permissive compared to most western countries. She concludes that operators and punters find it easy to engage in gambling activities in the UK than in any other country in the Western sphere. In this article, we focus on UK gambling laws and compare them with regulations in other western countries.

The UK Gambling Commission

Kate Richardson observes that different forms of gambling have enjoyed massive popularity over the years in the United Kingdom. Any person who is over 18 years is eligible for gambling. However, one must gamble on a platform licensed by the gambling authority. The body that is charged with regulating and licensing all gambling activities is the UK Gambling Commission. The regulatory body was founded in 2007. The commission offers licenses to operators and advises the authorities on gambling-related matters. It works together with the police department to curb illegal gambling in the country.

 

In her review of UK gambling, Kate Richardson states that the commission is not only about licensing and regulating; it also offers guidance to people and businesses interested in offering gambling in the country. It does this by providing the interested parties with information to help establish a successful establishment. She has been instrumental to the sports betting fraternity in the United Kingdom and other jurisdictions. Her insights and tips on sports betting have helped beginners and established bettors. To access her profile and some of the articles she has written on sports betting, click here.

Operators find the UK market easy to penetrate compared to other jurisdictions in Europe and the whole of the western sphere. Analysts observe that the licensing process in the UK is straightforward while also listing the transparency that characterizes the market and the policies and standards that guarantee the player protection. 

Any company ready to adhere to the set rules and regulations in the United Kingdom will find it easy to establish its base in the market. For this reason, analysts view the United Kingdom gambling market as welcoming and its laws more permissive than other western countries such as Germany, Australia, Austria, France, Japan, the USA, and Canada, among others. For instance, compared with Austria, UK gambling laws are quite permissive.

Although gambling is allowed in Austria, authorities have stringent online and land-based gambling regulations. For a player looking to wager in such a market, it is advisable to familiarize themself with all the laws governing gambling in the country. Through this, a player can decide on what to venture into, as each gambling platform has its benefits.

France

Like most countries in the western sphere, all forms of gambling in France are highly regulated. For players looking to play in brick-and-mortar platforms, most forms of gambling are available. Online operators are also allowed to offer the same, with the exception of casino games. Generally, France is a gambling-friendly nation, but operators and players are burdened by taxes on their winnings.

• Spain has the Spanish Gambling Act, which regulates all gaming activities in the country. The law stipulates that only regional players can play on licensed platforms.
• Italy, which is home to Baccarat, has a gambling law that regulates sports betting, lotteries, and other games of chance.
• New Zealand does not allow any gambling and betting activities unless they are established in accordance with the NZ Gambling Act 2003. Gambling activities are classified into levels 1-4. Remote gambling remains prohibited in the country.
• The current laws in Canada prohibit all forms of gaming, with the exception of the provincial government, which is allowed to conduct and manage gambling in their jurisdictions.
• Germany only passed a law allowing for partial liberalization of gambling in 2021. The law allows private operators to offer gambling services but to the extent of the licensing and regulatory standards.
• In the United States of America, gambling largely remains legal per federal law, but each state has its own rules and standards.

Although the United Kingdom has similar laws where operators are guided on how to conduct their business, the country has the most permissive gambling regulations.