Online gambling, or iGaming, is a thriving global industry. From online casinos to sports betting operators, the opportunities for entertainment and profit in this sector are endless. However, the legal landscape for online gambling varies significantly by region, with some countries fully legalizing it, others partially allowing it, and a few prohibiting it entirely.
This guide will explore where online gambling is fully and partially legal, with a special focus on Latin American countries, and explain the role of NetRefer, a leader in iGaming affiliate software, in helping operators manage their affiliate programs.
Fully Legal Online Gambling Countries
Countries where online gambling is fully legal typically have robust regulatory bodies overseeing licenses, ensuring fair play, and safeguarding player interests. Here are some of the key markets where online gambling is fully legalized.
Europe: The Epicenter of iGaming
United Kingdom
The UK has a well-established and regulated online gambling industry, overseen by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). All operators must be licensed, ensuring they adhere to strict regulations on fairness, security, and responsible gambling.
Malta
Malta is one of the most important jurisdictions for online gambling, offering licenses to many of the world’s top online casinos and sports betting operators. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) regulates the industry, making it a popular base for iGaming companies.
Sweden
Sweden legalized online gambling in 2019 under the supervision of Spelinspektionen, the Swedish Gambling Authority. The country’s regulatory framework allows both local and international operators to offer their services.
Spain
Spain has been a regulated online gambling market since 2011, with the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) managing licensing and compliance for operators offering casino games, sports betting, and poker.
North America: Growing Opportunities
United States
In the U.S., the legal status of online gambling is determined by individual states. States like New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia have fully legalized online casinos, poker, and sports betting, regulated by state authorities. Other states are gradually following suit, making the U.S. a growing market for iGaming.
Canada
In Canada, online gambling regulations are set by individual provinces. Ontario leads the way with a fully regulated market overseen by iGaming Ontario, offering licenses to local operators. Other provinces also allow players to access offshore platforms.
Latin America: A Rapidly Developing Market
Latin America is one of the most exciting emerging markets for online gambling. Several countries in the region are establishing clear regulatory frameworks, while others are gradually opening their markets.
Colombia
Regulatory Body: Coljuegos
Overview: Colombia was the first Latin American country to fully regulate online gambling, legalizing it in 2016. The market is overseen by Coljuegos, which licenses both domestic and international operators offering online casinos and sports betting.
Status: Fully Legal
Argentina
Regulatory Body: Provincial level (e.g., Lotería de la Ciudad in Buenos Aires)
Overview: In Argentina, online gambling is regulated at the provincial level. Buenos Aires is the largest jurisdiction where online casinos and sports betting are fully legal, while other provinces are moving towards similar regulations.
Status: Partially Legal
Mexico
Regulatory Body: Dirección General de Juegos y Sorteos
Overview: Mexico offers a partially regulated market where online sports betting and casino games are legal, but regulation enforcement can be inconsistent. Operators must obtain a license from the government, but many international platforms operate without direct local regulation.
Status: Partially Legal
Peru
Regulatory Body: Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism
Overview: Peru passed legislation in 2022 to regulate online gambling, including sports betting and online casinos. This move has created a clear legal framework, and the country is working on issuing licenses to operators.
Status: Fully Legal
Brazil
Regulatory Body: Expected future regulatory authority (under development)
Overview: Brazil is in the process of legalizing online sports betting and online casinos. Sports betting was legalized in 2018, but regulations for licensing operators are still being finalized. Brazil represents a massive future market for iGaming.
Status: Partially Legal (with potential full legalization on the horizon)
Asia: Selective Legalization
Philippines
The Philippines is one of the few fully regulated online gambling markets in Asia, with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) licensing operators.
Oceania: Complex Regulations
Australia
Australia allows online sports betting, but online casinos and poker are restricted under the Interactive Gambling Act. Offshore gambling platforms are popular among Australian players, despite government efforts to limit access.
Partially Legal Online Gambling Countries
In many countries, online gambling is legal under specific conditions or limited to certain activities. These partially legal markets offer a mix of regulation and prohibition, allowing players to engage in some forms of iGaming while restricting others.
Europe
Germany
Online gambling was largely restricted in Germany until 2021, when the Interstate Treaty on Gambling was introduced. Now, online sports betting and casino games are legal but highly regulated, with limitations on advertising and game offerings.
France
France has a regulated online gambling market for sports betting, horse racing, and poker, but online casino games remain prohibited. The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) regulates the industry.
Latin America
Chile
Online gambling is not fully legalized in Chile, but recent discussions in the legislature suggest that regulation is on the horizon. Currently, players can access international sites without legal consequences.
Status: Partially Legal
Uruguay
Uruguay allows land-based casinos and sports betting, but online gambling regulations are less clear. There are ongoing discussions about legalizing and regulating online casinos and sports betting, signaling potential future changes.
Status: Partially Legal
North America
Mexico
As mentioned earlier, Mexico allows online gambling but has a partially regulated market, with operators needing government-issued licenses.
Asia
India
Online gambling in India is regulated at the state level. Some states like Sikkim and Goa have legalized online lotteries and sports betting, while the overall market remains largely unregulated.
Japan
Japan permits certain types of online betting, such as horse racing and lotteries, but online casino games remain illegal.
Why Licensing is Critical for Operators
For operators, securing the right licenses in fully or partially legal markets is essential to operating legally and building player trust. Licenses from reputable bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), and Curacao eGaming ensure operators follow strict standards for player protection, fairness, and responsible gambling.
How NetRefer Supports iGaming Operators
As the iGaming industry continues to expand globally, managing marketing and affiliate programs becomes increasingly complex, especially in regulated markets. NetRefer provides leading iGaming affiliate software that helps online casinos and sports betting operators manage their affiliate networks, track performance, and ensure compliance with local regulations.
NetRefer’s software enables operators to optimize their affiliate marketing efforts, offering tools to manage campaigns, track player acquisition, and ensure compliance with different legal frameworks across various regions.
In conclusion, the legal status of online gambling varies greatly around the world. While some countries have fully embraced iGaming with well-defined regulations, others are still in the process of establishing clear legal frameworks. Understanding the differences between fully legal and partially legal markets is crucial for both players and operators.