Gambling is a popular activity for millions of people around the world, but not all countries support it. While some provide full legal backing for all kinds of land-based and online gaming activities, others offer partial or no support. This raises a frequently asked question: “Where is online casino legal?”
The gambling industry has been expanding over the years, so it’s crucial to know which countries allow it. This knowledge can help you avoid legal problems, whether you’re an affiliate marketer or an iGaming enthusiast.
Additionally, if you’re seeking to establish lucrative partnerships with online casinos and other gaming platforms, the countries we’ve listed in this article are your safest bet. Most of them have regulations in place for major stakeholders, which include players, operators, and affiliate marketers. Continue reading because it’s about to get more interesting.
How are casinos legal?
State and/or national government agencies license and regulate casinos to make them legal. The government regulates the industry to ensure that casino owners follow rules and regulations, such as paying taxes, preventing money laundering, providing fair games, and ensuring to discourage problem gambling.
Countries where online gambling is legal
There are several countries in favor of legal iGaming activities. Below is our list of the top choices to consider if you’re eager to engage in online gambling as a player, casino operator, or affiliate marketer abroad but are asking what countries allow online gambling.
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Malta
Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea that has become a hub for online gambling. In fact, it has legalized all gaming activities. Both online and land-based gambling are permitted here. Popular activities include poker, casinos, sports betting, and lotteries.
The Malta Gaming Authority is one of the most respected regulators in the world, and it has attracted many of the industry’s biggest names to this jurisdiction. This agency ensures the fairness and transparency of all licensed gaming operations as well as crime prevention. What’s more, not only is gambling legal in Malta, but affiliate partnerships are also encouraged. You don’t need a license to operate your affiliate marketing company in Malta. Now you know why it’s a top pick for anyone looking to get into the industry.
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United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has a rich and fascinating history with gambling, and it’s no surprise that it remains a popular form of entertainment for many in the country. Whether it’s sports betting or casino games, the UK has a wide variety of options to choose from. Its online gambling market is one of the largest in the world, generating revenues of over £5 billion in 2018. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) oversees the gambling industry and works tirelessly to ensure that operators adhere to strict guidelines to prevent problem gambling and protect consumers.
The UK gambling industry is well-suited for affiliate partnerships. Numerous affiliate networks connect publishers with advertisers, providing an opportunity to promote your favorite sites and earn commissions in the process. It’s important to stay on top of regulatory changes in this jurisdiction, however, as the UKGC is highly proactive in this regard and frequently releases new guidelines.
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Italy
In Italy, many people enjoy gambling, which is a legal and popular pastime. The Italian government heavily regulates the industry to ensure fairness and safety for both consumers and affiliate marketers. With various options available, such as sports betting, lotteries, and casino games, there’s something for everyone. The Autonomous Administration of the State Monopolies (Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stado, AAMS) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the gambling industry in Italy. This entity issues licenses to both land-based and online gambling operators and works diligently to ensure strict compliance with all regulations.
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Spain
Spain is another great country for gambling, with a thriving industry that includes everything from sports betting to online casinos. The country’s regulatory body, the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling, which is part of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, is responsible for ensuring that all operators are licensed and operating legally. Online gambling is regulated by the Spanish Gaming Act.
As for whether you can do affiliate marketing in the Spanish gambling industry, yes, you can. It is a popular way for online casino operators to attract new customers in Spain. However, there are certain regulations that govern how affiliate marketing can be conducted, such as the requirement to clearly disclose any financial incentives involved.
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Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located on the southern coast of Spain, and it has become a popular destination for online gambling companies due to its favorable tax laws and regulatory framework. So, gambling is legal in Gibraltar. It is also economically significant because it contributes about 25% of the country’s gross domestic product.
The Gibraltar Gambling Commission is the regulatory body that oversees the gambling industry in Gibraltar, and it is responsible for issuing licenses to gambling operators and ensuring that they comply with all regulations. The Commission also investigates complaints from consumers and has the power to take enforcement action against operators who violate the rules. Affiliate marketing is allowed in this jurisdiction.
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Canada
Canada is known for its friendly approach to gambling, with many provinces offering regulated casinos and sports betting. Keep in mind that online gambling is regulated at the provincial level in Canada, which makes the activity somewhat of a gray area in the country. Still, many operators are based there, and affiliate partnerships are not prohibited. But note that the country has regulations in place regarding disclosure requirements and advertising. All in all, with a growing number of players and a strong regulatory framework, Canada is a great place to be for anyone interested in the industry.
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United States of America
Online gambling and affiliate marketing are both popular industries in the United States. Most of the online gamblers in the world are based in this country. Also, due to access to online gambling websites overseas, Americans spend at least $35 billion on casino gaming annually. A report by Statista says that Americans spent approximately $60.46 billion on casino gaming in 2022.
While online gambling and affiliate marketing continue to thrive in the United States, gambling laws vary by state in similarity with the provincial system in Canada. Some states allow various forms of gambling, including casinos, lotteries, and racetracks, while others prohibit gambling altogether. The federal government also has laws and regulations related to gambling, such as the Federal Wire Act, which prohibits the use of interstate wires for sports betting, and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which regulates online gambling. So, the legality of gambling in the US can be a complicated topic.
Final Words
In this article, we have shown you the countries where online gambling is legal. As you may have found out, there are just a few of the best when it comes to what countries allow online gambling as well as support affiliate partnerships. Whether you’re a player or an affiliate, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the industry and make some money. Just make sure you do your research beforehand, as laws and regulations can vary widely from country to country and from time to time.
