From the bustling casinos of Las Vegas to the vibrant online platforms of Europe, regulations shape the landscape of online gambling. For this reason, every affiliate marketer needs to know and understand the iGaming regulations in their chosen market to run their business smoothly.
In a few minutes, we’ll be taking you on a journey through the intricate web of iGaming regulations, focusing on the most lucrative gambling regions of the world: the United States (US) and the European Union (EU). This post will provide you with valuable insights to enhance your affiliate marketing strategies and boost your earnings without offending Uncle Sam or his allies.
What Are Online Gambling Regulations?
Online gambling regulations refer to the legal frameworks established by governments of different countries or regions in order to control and monitor internet-based gambling activities. In a word, they refer to a set of rules designed to govern the operation of iGaming platforms. These regulations ensure fair play, protect consumers or players, and mitigate the risks of problem gambling through the enforcement of responsible gambling measures.
General rules and regulations for online gambling
The laws governing the iGaming world are complex and vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. Nevertheless, some general rules and regulations for online gambling, which you may find across many regions, are as follows:
Licensing: Operators must obtain the appropriate licenses from regulatory authorities in their chosen market(s).
Age verification: Online casinos must implement robust age verification systems to prevent minors from accessing gambling services.
Fair play and game integrity: Regular audits and testing of games are mandatory to prevent cheating and ensure fairness and randomness in outcomes.
Anti-money laundering (AML) protocols: Casinos must implement strict AML measures to detect and prevent financial crimes.
Advertising standards: Marketing must be truthful and not misleading, promoting responsible gambling.
Data protection: Stringent data protection measures are required to safeguard players’ personal and financial information.
Responsible gambling measures: Operators are required to promote safe gambling practices and provide resources for players who may be at risk, thus protecting the interests of end users.
These regulations aim to foster a safe gambling environment, enabling players to enjoy their gaming experiences while minimizing potential harm. As an affiliate marketer, understanding these rules is essential to ensuring compliance and building trust with your audience.
Who Regulates Gambling in the US?
Online gambling regulation is a complex matter in the United States of America, due to the country’s federal system. The fact is that, in the US, online gambling is regulated at the state level. This means that each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia has its own set of laws, leading to a patchwork of regulations across the country.
The primary authorities overseeing online gaming regulations in the USA include the following:
State Gaming Commissions: As mentioned earlier, each state has its own gaming commission that oversees gambling activities within its borders.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): While not directly regulating online gambling, the FTC monitors unfair or deceptive practices in the industry. It concerns itself with consumer protection and other related issues in the US.
Department of Justice (DOJ): The DOJ enforces federal gambling laws and has played a significant role in shaping online gambling policies.
Frequently Asked Question: Are Online Casinos Regulated in the US?
Yes, online casinos are regulated in several states, with each state establishing its own licensing requirements and regulations. For example, states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania have robust regulatory frameworks that allow for online casinos to operate legally. These regulations help ensure that operators provide fair games and protect players’ interests.
Overview of Online Gambling Regulations in the US
Despite the complexities, promoting iGaming platforms in the US can be a financially rewarding endeavor. If you’re interested in targeting casinos and players in the United States, here is an overview of what its regulatory landscape currently looks like.
Examples of states where online gambling is fully legal and regulated:
New Jersey: Known as a pioneer in online gaming, New Jersey has a well-established framework that permits online casinos, poker, and sports betting. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement oversees the licensing process, ensuring operators comply with strict regulations designed to protect consumers and promote fair play.
Pennsylvania: Following New Jersey’s lead, Pennsylvania legalized online gambling in 2017. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board regulates online casinos and poker, with a focus on responsible gaming practices and consumer protection. The state also features a robust sports betting market.
Michigan: The state of Michigan has quickly become a significant player in the online gambling landscape since legalizing iGaming in 2019. The Michigan Gaming Control Board is responsible for licensing and oversight, ensuring a safe and competitive environment for online casino operations.
West Virginia: West Virginia legalized online gambling in 2019, allowing for both online casinos and poker. The West Virginia Lottery Commission regulates the industry, focusing on player protection and responsible gambling initiatives.
Connecticut: In 2021, Connecticut passed legislation to allow online gambling, including casinos and sports betting. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection manages the regulatory framework, emphasizing player safety and responsible gaming.
Delaware: One of the first states to legalize online gambling, Delaware has a unique system that allows for both online casinos and poker. The Delaware Lottery, which operates within the Department of Finance, oversees the licensing and operations, creating a secure environment for players.
Examples of states where online gambling is partially legal:
Nevada: While Nevada is famous for its casinos, online gambling is limited to online poker. The Nevada Gaming Control Board regulates this segment, ensuring that operators adhere to strict licensing requirements and maintain game integrity.
Rhode Island: Rhode Island has legalized sports betting but does not permit online casino gaming. The Rhode Island Lottery Commission oversees sports betting operations, focusing on transparency and consumer protection.
Examples of states where online gambling is illegal or without specific legislation:
Utah: Known for its strict anti-gambling stance, Utah prohibits all forms of gambling, including online. The state’s laws reflect a strong cultural opposition to gambling, making it one of the most restrictive states in the US.
Hawaii: Similar to Utah, Hawaii has stringent laws against gambling in any form, including online. The state’s laws are influenced by cultural values, resulting in a complete ban on both land-based and online gambling.
Who Regulates Online Gambling in the EU?
In the European Union, online gambling regulation is primarily handled at the national level, with each member state responsible for its own regulatory framework. However, unlike its North American counterpart, the EU does provide some overarching guidelines through these regulatory bodies:
European Commission: While not directly regulating gambling, it ensures that national regulations comply with EU law. The Commission is headquartered in Brussels (the capital and largest city of Belgium). However, its departments and executive agencies are based in Brussels and Luxembourg.
European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA): This is an industry body that promotes fair and competitive practices. It is registered in the European Parliament and Commission Transparency Registry. EGBA is based in Brussels.
National Regulatory Bodies: Each EU country has its own regulatory authority overseeing gambling activities. We will provide more information about some of them in a later section.
Frequently Asked Question: Are Online Casinos Regulated in the EU?
Yes, online casinos are regulated in the EU, but the regulatory landscape varies significantly between member states. Some countries have fully embraced online gambling with comprehensive licensing systems, while others maintain more restrictive approaches. Learn more about this in the next section.
Overview of Online Gambling Regulations in the EU
The regulatory framework for online gambling within the EU is highly varied. Like we did in the case of the US, let’s now explore the different categories of regulations across member states:
Examples of EU countries where online gambling is fully legal and regulated:
Malta: Recognized as a major center for online gaming, Malta’s industry is overseen by the Malta Gaming Authority, which ensures compliance with strict standards.
United Kingdom: Prior to Brexit (British exit from the EU in 2020), the UK operated under regulations enforced by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which provided a robust framework for online gambling.
*Although the UK is no longer a member of the European Union, we included it here because it is an important market in Europe and its gambling regulator is a major, popular player in the global iGaming world.
Sweden: Online gambling is fully legal and regulated by the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen), which implements comprehensive rules to protect consumers. Also, there is a strong licensing system in this jurisdiction.
Examples of EU countries where online gambling is legal with restrictions:
Germany: Online gambling was recently legalized, but with stringent regulations in place to ensure player protection and fair play. The regulator of iGaming in Germany is the GGL (Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder).
Netherlands: In 2021, the Netherlands established a licensing system for online gambling, allowing operators to enter the market under regulated conditions. The regulator of online gambling in the Kingdom of the Netherlands is the Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit).
Spain: The Spanish online gambling market is regulated by the Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego), which oversees all licensed activities.
Examples of EU countries where online gambling is run by a full state monopoly:
Finland: In Finland, only the state-owned company Veikkaus is permitted to provide gambling services, maintaining a complete monopoly over the market. There are no available gambling licenses in this jurisdiction. The Finnish Lotteries Act regulates gambling in Finland through the supervision of the National Police Board.
Hungary: Gambling operations in Hungary are managed exclusively by state-controlled entities, which hold a monopoly on casino activities. The overseer of gambling operations is the Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs (SARA).
Examples of EU countries where online gambling is partially legal:
Poland: This country operates under a state monopoly for certain gambling activities, with partial legalization of online gambling in specific sectors. In this jurisdiction, gambling activities are regulated by the Gambling Act of Poland and supervised by the Minister of Finance in the Polish Ministry of Finance (the licensing authority), the National Revenue Administration, and the Police. You can learn more about this from this law firm in Poland: Dudkowiak Kopec & Putyra Business Lawyers.
France: While online sports betting and poker are permitted, casino games remain illegal in France, creating a segmented market. Here, gambling is regulated by the National Gambling Authority (Autorité Nationale Des Jeux, ANJ).
Slovenia: The regulations in Slovenia render online gambling largely illegal, although there are a few exceptions. There is a Gaming Act, whose implementation is overseen by the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia. For more information, see the Republic of Slovenia.
Examples of EU countries where online gambling is illegal:
Cyprus: In Cyprus, online gambling, including online casino games, is prohibited, with the exception of sports betting, which is legally allowed. The National Betting Authority (NBA) supervises all gambling activities in Cyprus.
Luxembourg: Online casino gaming is entirely banned in Luxembourg, reflecting the country’s strict stance on gambling activities.
Best Affiliate Programs for Online Gambling Regulation Support
For affiliate marketers looking to navigate the complex world of iGaming regulations, partnering with reliable brands can be very helpful. At P4P Partners, we offer outstanding and highly profitable affiliate programs, including the Onedun affiliate program and the Spades Queen casino affiliate program. Both programs provide robust 24/7 support, high commissions, and a commitment to compliance. They are ideal for affiliates aiming to succeed in the regulated online gambling landscape.
Wrapping Up
As an online casino affiliate marketer, remaining informed about the ever-changing legal landscape is important for safeguarding your business and maximizing your iGaming opportunities. We’ve just shown you the online gambling regulations across the US and the EU. However, this article does not cover every detail that your business might need – we only touched on the essentials.
To ensure compliance and stay ahead in your marketing efforts, we strongly encourage you to visit the official websites of the regulatory bodies governing iGaming in your specific country or market of interest. This will provide you with the most detailed and useful information.
To learn more about who regulates online casinos, changes in iGaming regulations across the world, and many other relevant gambling topics, be sure to explore our P4P Partners blog. We regularly share valuable updates and resources to help you thrive as an affiliate marketer.
All the best!
