International Betting Sites & Global Sports Betting Directory For June 2023
Online sports betting has grown massively in popularity in recent years. However, not all countries have introduced laws and regulations around sports betting, meaning it is still not allowed in many parts of the world. Online bookmakers continue to expand in countries where sports betting is legal and the rest of the world is gradually catching up with the likes of the UK and regulating it fully.
Best Global Online Bookmakers
- Among largest selection of sports in the industry
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Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Must be 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NV, NY or ON.
- Full suite of betting options after relaunch in 2021
- Extensive in-play markets on US sports
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Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.
- Multiple sign-up bonus options
- Focused on major US sports
- Refer a friend bonus available
Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.
- Sportsbook Pools offers cash prizes for free
- Stats Hub provides advanced stats to help you with your wagers
- Exclusive price boosts with the teams DraftKings has partnerships with
Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.
- Unique betting features like Captain Morgan’s Soccer Pick’em
- Exclusive odds boosts for FanDuel customers
- Market leader available in majority of states
Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.
- App is very well laid out and incredibly easy to use
- Wide range of live-streaming options
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Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.
Commercial content notice: Taking up one of these offers may result in a payment to
bookmakers.com. Over 21s only please gamble responsibly.
Offers updated 01st June.
Country Specific Betting Guides
At Bookmakers.com, we have researched online gambling laws and regulations from all over the world so you don’t have to. You will find the most up to date information on whether online sports betting is legal, regulated or even allowed, right here in our sports betting Global Directory.
Afghanistan
Some leading global online bookmakers will accept new players from Afghanistan but do so outside of formal regulation within the territory and only in foreign currency transactions for deposit and withdrawal methods, either Euro or more commonly US Dollars.
The law in Afghanistan does not allow for games of chance to be participated in and that includes, as you might expect, all known forms of gambling. The future for online sportsbooks in Afghanistan is still very unlikely to include advancement in the coming years ahead.
Albania
The Albanian government recently banned sports betting and casino in this country. Previously to this, there were over 4,000 sportsbook offices in operation although this all changed at the beginning of 2019. This sea change meant that the Balkan country passed bills which prohibited any form of wagering. Offshore operators are also banned from accepting customers and bets from this territory.
Algeria
There is no legal online gaming in Algeria right now. This African country has gambling laws which are based on the Sharia and this Islamic rule decrees that gambling is illegal. While all Algerian citizens are prohibited from placing sports and casino wagers, tourists to this country are able to visit land-based casinos providing they have evidence that they’re not a resident.
Andorra
Andorra is something of a grey country due to the fact that this landlocked European state has partial regulation in place. It seems inevitable that they will eventually open for business, with legislation having been passed which would allow online gambling in this principality. However, there continues to be a debate over which form of gambling will be allowed and casino is the most popular among bettors.
Angola
Right now, there are no licensing or regulations in place when it comes to Angola. This African country does have a number of land-based casinos in place and might soon seek to achieve regulation in order to boost the revenue stream of a previously war-torn country. Online gambling is not illegal in this country although there is no safety net for customers if they open an overseas betting account.
Antigua and Barbuda
This is a gambling-friendly country, with the state issuing licenses since 1994. Indeed, many operators seek to land a license here and then appeal to a wider customer base, with lower taxes leading to this becoming something of a haven. More recently, the Antigua and Barbuda licensing authority has become whitelisted in the UK which means that the benchmark is a lot higher.
Argentina
Argentina currently has friendly gambling laws which allows for lots of different types of wagering in this vast South American country. The government have previously attempted to ban offshore operators from taking bets from Argentine customers, with the state lottery having recently been dissolved. It seems a matter of time before they allow a small number of operators to legally operate in this territory.
Armenia
As recently as 2020, the Armenian government moved to tighten their gambling laws. It meant that bookmakers had to operate at a distance and well apart from heavily populated areas. However, gambling remains legal in this country but only with state-approved operators. Betting with offshore bookies is currently considered illegal.
Australia
Online sports betting is fully legal across the breadth of Australia, with sports bettors able to wager on sports such as cricket betting and soccer. In recent years, the country banned online casino gambling, but sports betting, perhaps as a result, has become more and more popular. The biggest operators in online betting all offer their services in Australia, regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
Austria
Online betting is legal in Austria but only with an operator who has achieved a state license. Right now, the government have regulated a number of operators and this only applies to sports betting. Austrian residents are unable to access sportsbooks outside of their own country and many of the leading bookmakers are currently not in this territory.
Azerbaijan
The betting industry is completely regulated in Azerbaijan and that’s principally down to the government being unable to prevent customers from wagering online. Many online gambling sites have achieved complete licensing and that clearly affords residents a layer of protection which isn’t available in other countries, with sports betting and casino popular.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is one of those countries which has a large number of land-based casinos although they are primarily for the purpose of tourists and overseas visitors. As far as online sports betting is concerned, it’s fairly restricted although there is the opportunity to gamble with state-approved operators. It’s illegal for Bahamian customers to bet with offshore operators.
Bahrain
It is illegal to place sports bets in Bahrain. Some customers will use a VPN to get around this, although the state do not authorise online betting or casino. Gambling is seen as a completely taboo thing by the state and there are harsh penalties for anyone who is caught placing illegal bets. There are no operators or casinos within this state.
Bangladesh
This is not a gambling-friendly country although it’s interesting to note that there are no specific online gaming laws. Even so, all forms of gambling are strictly forbidden and it means that fines and even imprisonment can be administered if a resident is found guilty of placing bets.
Barbados
Barbados is one of the few Caribbean islands which takes a dim view when it comes to gambling in its many forms. While others took on the e-gaming licensing as a revenue stream, online wagering continues to be illegal and that’s down to the country having wealth from other channels. There are land-based casinos and race tracks where wagering is accepted.
Belarus
Belarus is one of those countries currently caught in the middle. There is partial regulation although this has been the case for several years and the government are not yet in a position to hand out licenses. Right now, it appears that government-operated games and betting is the only thing available to residents and it will remain a grey area for the foreseeable future.
Belgium
Online gambling was legalised in Belgium in 2011, with this European country identifying the benefits of allowing customers to place sports bets and enjoy online casino. However, if a company wants to offer online betting to players, they must have a brick-and-mortar establishment actually set up in the country.
The Belgian Gambling Commission continue to keep close tabs on the legislation, with many operators prepared to have a land-based operation for the sake of accepting online bets, while there is a demand for horse racing betting and soccer within this territory as well as playing online casino games.
Belize
Belize is a country which has moved with the times. Taking their lead from Caribbean nations, they have been fairly quick to grant licenses to e-gaming companies and therefore legalise the process. It means that customers can bet with offshore operators, although they are quirkily prohibited from opening an account with a state-run bookmaker.
Benin
Benin is one of the more advanced African countries when it comes to land-based gambling. There are bricks and mortar casinos dotted up and down the land along with a state lottery. There is also a laissez-faire attitude when it comes to offshore operators. This means that customers can place wagers with any bookmaker without any legal repercussions.
Bhutan
Any resident in Bhutan is heavily restricted by where they can gamble. The only route available is the state lottery, with sports betting and casino currently illegal when it comes to land-based operations and online. It’s unlikely that these laws will change any time soon, although some customers have found a way to bet with offshore operators.
Bolivia
Bolivia has recently made moves towards online gambling legalisation, appreciating that this would represent a positive step for a relatively poor country. Customers are already able to bet with offshore operators and visit land-based casinos, although regulation would ensure that a select number of bookmakers would be able to earn a license instead.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina are one of the European countries which is undefined as far as online betting is concerned. As such, bettors in this country are able to go ahead and place bets with their preferred overseas operator. There is no regulatory framework in place right now, with state-licensed sportsbooks also in operation.
Botswana
Botswana is a country where gambling practices have been regulated although there are no specific gambling acts relating to this. Therefore, residents have to tread carefully when it comes to overseas operators. However, the state makes provision for in-house gambling due to the land-based casinos dotted all over the country.
Brazil
Brazil is currently a country where customers are prohibited from indulging in the majority of gambling exercises. There are lotteries which are available through the state monopoly, while horse racing betting is also allowed under state supervision. However, Brazilians can’t bet on sports such as soccer betting although many overseas operators are open for business.
It tends to be the case that bookmakers who offer their service in Portuguese are popular with Brazil-based bettors, with no geo-restrictions in place so that means that residents are able to link through and open up accounts although there is no state protection.
Brunei
Brunei is not a country to be diced with when it comes to their anti-gambling laws. Any form of betting is strictly prohibited and there are harsh penalties for customers who attempt to bet on sports or play casino. This Asian territory is fiercely opposed to gambling and there is no prospect of this changing any time soon.
Bulgaria
Online betting has been available in Bulgaria for a number of years, with overseas operators entering the market in 2012 when the regulation and licensing came into effect. Although there are state-approved bookmakers, they only account for a small percentage of overall turnover, with some of the world’s biggest bookmakers creating a Bulgarian language site and generating revenue.
Burkina Faso
There are no state laws with regard to online betting in Burkina Faso. However, the vast majority of customers are unable to get broadband access or have a smartphone. Therefore, the ones that do are in the position where they can access bookmaker websites. Land-based gambling is also legal and there is no attempt from the government to clamp down on any form of wagering that takes place.
Burundi
Burundi is a complicated country when it comes to betting. A political act was passed in 2008 which banned all forms of gambling, although there is still a national lottery called LONA which is in operation. There is also the fact that residents can access overseas betting websites and not be penalised, although no licensing looks to be on the cards here.
Cabo Verde
All forms of gambling are currently allowed in Cabo Verde. This applies to customers wanting to bet or play casino at land-based establishments along with online wagering. The only way to play online casino is through overseas sites in order to protect the many bricks and mortar establishments, while the same applies to sports betting.
Cambodia
Online gambling is legal in Cambodia for tourists and foreigners, although anyone residing in this country will only be able to gamble at commercial properties. A bill was recently passed which opened things up for patrons to have more choice when it came to sports and casino betting. This regulation is largely regarded as a good thing.
Cameroon
Cameroon is another grey country when it comes to gambling. Quite simply, there are no laws to govern whether residents are allowed to place bets. The land-based gambling industry is in good health considering that the state have made moves to regulate operators who offer their services to customers.
Canada
Sports betting is legal in Canada and moves have recently been made to allow single game wagering. The passage of the C-218 bill means that customers will no longer be compelled to place parlay bets when NBA and NHL betting and actually have the opportunity to place single bets which is commonplace in the United States.
There are ten provinces and three territories that will be affected by this legislation. They already offer sports multiples, casino and lottery, with the latter coming from five lottery commissions that exist in the country. What is likely to happen is the lottery commissions add single sports betting to their array of products.
However, each province still has its own powers to decide which way to go when it comes to online sports betting. It also need to be pointed out that there are no specific laws when it comes to Canadian customers placing online bets with offshore operators.
Therefore, Canada online betting continues to be a grey market which means that customers are able to open accounts and place bets with overseas operators. However, they have no protection from the state should there be any issues.
Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is one of many African countries where there is no laws in place with regard to gambling. It means that customers are free to place sports bets and play casino with overseas operators. Regulating online gambling is not a priority for a poor country and residents therefore have to accept their own level of risk.
Chad
Chad has a reputation for having plenty of burgeoning land-based casinos, with this African country having a legal and regulated market when it comes to the bricks and mortar establishments. All the physical places must obtain a license with which to operate, although online betting does not have any rules in place right now.
Chile
The Chilean government have quite a tight hold over proceedings when it comes to betting. They have control over whether residents can bet with offshore operators and there are a number who have obtained a license which means they can accept bets from this South American country.
China
China is a country where gambling has been declared illegal for several decades. The state can be very harsh on individuals or operators that break the rules and there are measures to prohibit the population from betting online. However, there have been instances of cross-border gambling and some leading operators find a loophole to generate revenues from this country.
Macau is a special administrative region and that means that people can head to the many land-based casinos there to place wagers. This is regarded as the Las Vegas of the East, with many wealthy Chinese gamblers heading here to play at the roulette and blackjack tables.
Colombia
Colombia is a forward-thinking country when it comes to online sports betting and casino. This South American state is fully legal and regulated, with players able to enjoy sports, casino and poker with a number of operators. Onshore and offshore operators can apply for a license to operate in this territory and it’s one of the more straightforward countries in terms of legislation.
Comoros
The Comoros Islands are a fully licensed and regulated territory which means that customers have the green light to enjoy land-based and online betting in this country. Anjouan is the main island and they approve the virtual gambling license applications in return for a fee. The rules aren’t too strict and you can therefore get a mixed bag of operators.
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
The DRC is an African country that doesn’t have any particular legislation with onshore or offshore betting. Therefore, customers take their own risks if they want to place bets, with no legal status likely to be in place for some time. There is the odd land-based casino in some of the bigger cities, although no formal licenses have ever been granted.
Congo, Republic of the
There is no legislation when it comes to the Republic of the Congo and customers can therefore bet at their own risk. There are plenty of overseas operators who aim to appeal to the population, although there can often be issues with facilitating payments and deposits. The government have shown no appetite to pass any gambling bill.
Costa Rica
Residents of Costa Rica cannot gamble online right now. It is illegal to do so, with this rule applying to any games that have a random outcome. On the flip side, Costa Rican law stipulates that the physical location of a bookmaker’s server isn’t where the bets are actually placed.
Therefore, while the residents are prohibited from placing bets, it doesn’t mean that betting companies in Costa Rica can’t offer their services to customers overseas. However, there are land-based casinos in this country where residents are able to visit, although there are a scarcity of land-based establishments.
Côte d’Ivoire
Also known as the Ivory Coast, there have been some moves made by the government to regulate online gambling. There is something in place called Loterie National de Cote d'Ivoire which started out as a national lottery. In 2012, the situation changed and customers were able to place sports and casino bets through the portal.
Croatia
Online gambling has been technically legal in Croatia since 2010 but remains a relatively grey area when it comes to online sports betting. To run an online casino in the country, you must run a land-based operation and will require a license from the country’s Ministry of Finance. However sports betting is regulated separately, and can only be played legally through the Croatian Lottery website. This means that many global gambling companies have forgone trying to set up an operation, casino or otherwise, in Croatia, for the simple fact that it is exceptionally complicated and the taxation is high.
Cuba
Online gambling in Cuba is non-existent. Internet bandwidth restrictions, coupled with the fact that gambling is totally illegal, make it impossible to bet on sports online in the country. While, like most areas, there’s probably a market for it, no online gambling companies offer gambling services in Cuba for these reasons.
Cyprus
In Cyprus gambling is operated by the state to a limited extent. However, private operators are permitted to offer betting services there, subject to strict provision of Cypriot law. Horse racing, gaming machines, spread betting, dog racing and cryptocurrency gambling is not allowed on or offline in Cyprus. The Cypriot National Betting Authority is responsible for examining applications for licenses and supervising all online and offline betting operators on the island.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic legalised online betting activity in 2012, yet there are only 3 operators currently allowed to operate online within the country. This is because online betting is taxed heavily in the country and, by some publications’ accounts, mismanaged. If you operate as a betting website in the Czech Republic you cannot offer any betting offers of any kind to players. This means that offshore, unregulated gambling websites are utilised heavily by those within the Czech Republic, as they do offer bonuses. The Ministry of Finance, and some local municipal offices regulated gambling in the Czech Republic.
Denmark
Online betting in Denmark is legal and it has been getting more popular over the last few years, although the government of Denmark still maintains somewhat of a monopoly over the space. The Danish Gambling Authority is responsible for regulating betting activity in the country. The biggest operator in the country is Danske Spill, responsible for nearly two thirds of the online betting market. Unfortunately Danske Spill holds exclusive rights to offer horse and dog racing online, and as such many offshore operators have benefited from customers within Denmark seeking better prices and offers than the operator can provide.
Many larger online bookmakers, such as Bet365, maintain a presence in Denmark with soccer, basketball betting and other sport offerings. In 2020 stricter gambling laws were introduced in Denmark, limiting the potential size of welcome bonuses at casino and betting sites. However, in tandem with this there was some good news for Danish bettors, as the government also set operator-side limits on wagering requirements, reducing the barrier to accessing profits made using welcome bonuses.
Djibouti
It is extremely unclear whether or not it is legal to bet online in Djibouti. As such, we wouldn’t recommend trying to do so there. There are some land-based casinos in the country, but the lack of regulation (and conversation) around online gambling is so sparse that hardly any big betting operators have shown an interest in entering the country’s market.
Dominica
Online gambling is not regulated by Dominica’s laws, and most forms of gambling are totally illegal there. This is interesting, because “The Nature Island” is well known for providing corporate housing for a lot of online gambling operations. Luckily for tourists, the laws only apply to residents of Dominica, and so if you are a tourist or expat without citizenship, you are allowed to play online at your preferred operator (assuming they are available) on the Island.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is well known as a casino resort location, and the accessibility of land-based gaming is a serious driver of tourism within the country. In 2006 the Ministry of Finance of the Dominican Republic was first allowed to give out licenses for games of chance online. Yet nowadays, there are very little regulations around online gambling within the Dominican Republic itself, despite the country being a preferred location for many online betting operators to base their businesses. Not many operators have their services up and running in the country - maybe in part because of the fact that only non-residents within the country (over the age of 18) may engage in forms of online gaming.
East Timor (Timor-Leste)
Offline gambling is not allowed in East Timor, but online gambling is unregulated. With the fact that the island has a poor telecommunications structure, it’s unlikely that the small number of citizens who have access to the internet are even in a position to gamble online with the likes of an illegal offshore operator. In line with the anti-gambling laws there, no respectable online betting operator has tried to offer services in East Timor.
Ecuador
A referendum in 2011 dictated the closure of hundreds of land-based gambling establishments in Ecuador. Yet it is unclear whether or not it is legal to bet online in the South American country. With no existing legislation, you could in theory access an offshore site while in Ecuador to gamble online and possibly escape prosecution - but we absolutely would not recommend it. It’s unclear whether regulated, reputable online betting sites will be available legally in Ecuador in the near future so we at Bookmakers.com would recommend avoiding all forms of online betting in the country at this moment in time.
Egypt
The Egyptian government does not issue licenses to online gambling operators in the country. While there are some land-based betting establishments available as a part of some hotel complexes, they are not available to locals, and there are no officially licensed Egyptian gambling websites. There is virtually no information available that indicates a change-of-heart for the government any time soon that will allow online betting operators to establish themselves within the country.
El Salvador
Online sports betting is not regulated in El Salvador. While land-based gambling is prohibited, there are no existing laws that cover online gambling. This makes it impossible for brands to get a Salvadoran online gambling license, and as such the majority of major betting brands do not operate within the country.
Equatorial Guinea
Compared to most other countries in Africa, land-based betting in Equatorial Guinea is better regulated. There is no Equatoguinean law that specifically outlaws online betting, but that does not make it explicitly legal. Gambling is only permitted in the country in licensed gaming premises, meaning only in land-based casinos for now.
Eritrea
Eritrea, located on the north-east coast of Africa, is a country governed under Islamic law. Islamic law prohibits gambling, teaching that it is wrong. As such, gambling is strictly outlawed in Eritrea. Interestingly enough, there is a scratch-off lottery that exists within the country, but it is extremely unlikely that we will see any laws concerning online betting introduced within the State in the near future.
Estonia
Estonia began to impose legal iGaming directives in 2010. It was in that year that online gambling became legal in Estonia and local betting and casino websites were sanctioned to start offering their services online. In early 2011 the Estonian government opened up the country’s online gambling market to operators that exist outside of the country. The Estonian Tax and Customs Board is the body responsible for issuing licenses to brands that wish to offer sports betting and casino services in the country.
Eswatini
Online gambling is legal in Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), but is only offered by brick and mortar casinos that have obtained an online license. Sports betting and casino gambling in the country is regulated by the Casino Act of 1963, the Lotteries Act of 1963 and the Bookmakers’ and Taxation Act of 1970.
Ethiopia
While no regulation exists for online sports betting in Ethiopia, the National Lottery Administration in the company does retain legal power for offering licenses to online gambling operators. To date, no companies have been afforded this privilege and there is no way of knowing what an online betting company would need to do to enter the Ethiopian market. It is very unlikely that online gambling of any kind will be offered in Ethiopia any time soon.
Fiji
Casino-style gambling and sports betting games in Fiji are allowed if they are not conducted in public, meaning “home” games are allowed. Unfortunately, online and offline gambling is explicitly banned across the entire archipelago. If you engage in any sort of unlicensed gaming you are deemed guilty of an offence and may be fined $5,000 and imprisoned for up to 2 years. Regardless, some black market online gambling websites will accept players from Fiji, but we absolutely do not recommend using them if you are a local or tourist in the area.
Finland
Online sports betting is fully legal in Finland and many major gambling operators operate in the Nordic country. However, Finland retains a state-controlled monopoly on all forms of gambling, both online and offline, so the presence of these operators remains a grey area in terms of the law. Maximum loss limits in Finland were changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, being set at €500 euro. These limits became permanent in Finland in 2021.
France
Gambling, both online and offline, is fully legal in France. In 2010, after pressure from the EU to change its iGaming laws, the government in France passed “law number 2010-476”, also known as the Gambling Act. This created a regulatory body within France, known today as the Regulatory Authority for Online Games. Interestingly, in 2010 French politicians specifically outlawed the inclusion of online casino games such as roulette and slots because the consensus among the government was that those types of games would be too addictive. However the state allows major operators to offer poker, sports and horse racing betting online.
Gabon
Although the internet is available for around 40% of the Gabonese population, online sports betting is not regulated by the gambling laws that exist for the country’s denizens. While laws do not exist preventing locals from accessing offshore sports betting websites, we would strongly advise against trying to bet online in Gabon at this moment in time. With internet penetration continuing to increase it is probable that we will see online gambling legislation introduced in Gabon at some point in the near future.
Gambia
In 2015 all forms of gambling were made illegal in Gambia. All sportsbooks, lotteries, casinos and bingo halls had to close their doors. With online gambling now completely restricted in the eyes of the law, we would not recommend playing online at any offshore websites that offer online sports betting while in Gambia.
Georgia
Georgia offers its residents a regulated lottery, charity gambling and cruise ship gambling. The country’s laws do not explicitly forbid online gambling, but they do not ratify it either. The approach to gambling in Georgia is different to neighbouring, Muslim countries. Expect to see the gambling market in Georgia open up further, and more legislation to be introduced in the coming years.
Germany
All forms of online gambling are completely legal in Germany. Top online sportsbooks and casinos operate in the region, and you can expect to find all of the top brands available there, including the likes of Bet365, 888 and William Hill. The German public are avid gamblers, and we expect that the country's gambling market will grow exponentially over the coming years as more top operators begin to offer their services in the nation. At present, sports bettors can gamble on a wide range of sports, including tennis betting and basketball.
Ghana
The Ghana Gaming Commission is responsible for regulating all forms of online gambling in the country. Sports betting is legal in Ghana, like many other forms of gambling and at present Ghanaians can also enjoy online casino gambling, bingo and poker sites. This is in stark contrast to some of the country's African neighbours, who have strictly outlawed all forms of gambling.
Greece
Greece set out a law to, in theory, legalise online gambling including sports betting in 2011. Despite this, the Act only issued temporary licenses, restricting the amount and type of operator that could offer services in the country. However in 2021, after ten years of state-sanctioned gambling, the Hellenic Gaming Commission began giving out licenses to regulated online bookmakers again, trying once more to develop the country’s gambling industry.
Grenada
While offline gambling has been legal in Grenada since 2014, the stunning small island in the Caribbean does not regulate online gambling. For this reason we would not advise trying to bet in Grenada if you are there. The Gaming Commission on the island is quite strict when giving out licenses, so not top online sportsbooks operate in the country.
Guatemala
You are not allowed to legally gamble in Guatemala. Online gambling in the country is not yet regulated, but judging by offline laws (or the lack thereof) it doesn’t seem like it will be regulated any time soon. For that reason we would avoid gambling at online sportsbooks in Guatemala at all costs.
Guinea
Guinea is a Muslim-majority country. Traditionally in Muslim-majority countries online gambling is strictly forbidden in accordance with the religion’s teachings. However, gambling in Guinea is actually legal and is regulated by the government. We still would not advise playing at offshore casinos and sportsbooks however, as because they are not regulated there are very little player protections available for gamblers in Guinea.
Guyana
If you are a tourist or non-citizen expat in Guyana you are able to gamble online freely while in Guyana. However, if you are a resident of the South American country you will find it more difficult to place bets and play casino games online, as there are no explicit laws set out to regulate all forms of online gambling. While both online lottery and sports betting are legal in the country, not many top operators offer their services.
Haiti
Online sports betting remains unregulated in Haiti. Many offshore sportsbooks will offer their services to Haitian players, however we would recommend steering clear as if you place a bet with an unregulated book you will find it extremely difficult to withdraw your money in the event that you encounter an issue with the operator.
Honduras
If you’re considering placing a bet at an online betting site while in Honduras - think again. Online sports betting is not regulated in the country, and as a result of that there are very little player protections available for those who choose to bet at online gambling sites who accept players in the country. Despite gambling being legal in the nation, we would strongly advise against betting online while in Honduras.
Hungary
Gambling in Hungary is controlled by the NAV and Szerencsejatek Felugyelet (Gambling Supervisory Authority). While private companies can acquire only players in Hungary, it is only if they have a brick and mortar operation running in the country. The caveat? Hungary only permits 11 brick and mortar casinos throughout the country, so in total only 11 operators can offer online services.
Iceland
Although online betting is illegal in Iceland, non-profit charity gambling is allowed in the country, including lottery, bingo, sports betting and slot machines. Because certain EU laws apply to Iceland, it means that you cannot be prosecuted for playing online. However we would strongly advise against online betting within the country’s bounds, as player protections are more limited when betting at offshore operator sites.
India
Gambling laws in India varies by state. This is because each state in the country is entitled to devise their own laws for gambling. Across many regions, cricket betting and soccer betting are particularly popular, but not all parts of India have the same gambling laws. Goa, for example, has legalised casinos. It is not illegal for non-Indian online casino companies to target Indian players, with the sole requirement being that the casino or sportsbook offers Indian Rupees as a form of payment. However, if you are planning to bet online in India you need to be careful as some states such as Telangana and Pradesh have completely banned online gambling. Do your research before betting in India and you’ll be fine, but never assume that what you’re doing is legal without checking first.
Indonesia
Online gambling is definitively illegal in Indonesia. Since 2012 the Indonesian authorities have been taking active steps towards completely banning online gambling, with hundreds of local and offshore sites shut down within the country’s bounds since then. We don’t foresee Indonesia’s gambling laws changing in the near future.
Iran
Online gambling and betting activities have been illegal in Iran since the country’s 1979 revolution. The country’s Central Bank is so hard line about curbing online betting, that they will identify and send the names of active gamblers to local judicial authorities. If you are in Iran, do not attempt to bet online or offline in any capacity.
Iraq
The instability in Iraq in the past 20 years has left little capacity nor appetite for the country’s governors to regulate and license online gambling. Iraq’s Islamic law-based ban on gambling is unlikely to change any time soon, and as such we would highly recommend avoiding online betting activities if you are in the country.
Ireland
Online gambling is fully legal and regulated in Ireland. You can find top Ireland online betting sites, casinos, lottery sites, bingo sites, poker sites and more available across the Emerald Isle. With a massive sporting culture on the island, it’s no surprise that sports fans there enjoy an occasional bet on a host of sports, from horse racing betting to soccer. Many online operators which would usually only be available in the UK are also available in Ireland, with the likes of NetBet operating in Ireland with a UK Gambling Commission license.
Israel
Online sports betting is heavily regulated in the state of Israel. Gambling websites may not operate from within the country, but many online betting websites will offer their services to Israeli citizens. We would however advise you not to bet online while in Israel, as there may be harsh penalties for doing so.
Italy
Online gambling is fully legal in Italy. For both Italy sports betting and casino products. If you’re in Italy you’ll be able to bet on the likes of Serie A and also play slots to your heart’s content. Italy has similarly liberal gambling laws to many other countries, and if you are going there on vacation you’ll be able to avail of top brand online bookie services such as Bet365 and 888sport.
Jamaica
Jamaica’s online betting laws are a grey area. While you can access many betting sites from the Caribbean nation, it is not explicitly legal to do so. As a result, we would recommend steering clear from online betting while visiting the country.
Japan
Japan’s betting and casino laws are quite complicated. It is possible to avail of multiple gambling products in the country, such as lottery and soccer betting pools, but they are run by the government. Most traditional forms of gambling are prohibited in Japan, and while sports bettors will be able to access most of the big online sportsbooks, you should think twice about doing so as player protections are extremely poor should you have trouble withdrawing your money in the country.
Jordan
Gambling is totally illegal in Jordan, as it is a country governed by Islamic law. This includes online and offline gambling and even private home games. If you are considering visiting an online betting site in Jordan we have one piece of advice for you - don’t.
Kazakhstan
In 2007, online casinos based in Kazakhstan were forced to move their servers to outside the country. Sports betting was not affected by this law, so the industry has thrived ever since. With no restrictions on online sports betting, it has grown in popularity over the years and is expected to continue to do so, with online tennis betting in particular popular with bettors in Kazakhstan.
Kenya
Most forms of online betting are legal in Kenya. The country's BCLB (Betting Control and Licensing Board) regulates sports betting and fantasy sports games in Kenya. As one of Africa's wealthier countries, it's not surprise to see online sports betting continue to expand throughout the country.
Kiribati
Despite the fact that online gambling has been legal in Kiribati since the implementation of the Gaming and Lotteries Act in 1988, it remains something which isn't hugely popular in the country. There is a lack of online betting sites which are based in Kiribati, but nothing in the country's laws prohibits it. Bettors in Kiribati should be able to open an online betting account without difficulty.
Korea, North
Citizens of North Korea may not partake in any form of gambling. However, there are some land-based casinos which cater for visitors to the country. Given the country's chequered past when it comes to punishments, it might be best to steer clear of gambling if you are there.
Korea, South
Gambling in various forms has long been popular in South Korea. There are currently two state-run sports betting operators in South Korea, one offering a pool-based system and the other being a more traditional fixed odds platform. These are the only two options within South Korea, though it may be possible to open an account at an overseas betting site, depending on that site's geographical restrictions.
Kosovo
Kosovo recently banned all gambling apart from a small number of licensed issued to brick and mortar casinos. Online sports betting is not regulated in Kosovo. Despite the fact that you may be able to access an overseas betting site and open an account, it may not be worth the risk of punishment.
Kuwait
As with many other Middle Eastern countries, all forms of gambling are banned in Kuwait. Penalties for those found gambling in Kuwait can include hefty fines or perhaps even imprisonment. While many other countries are relaxing their online betting regulations, it is unlikely to happen any time soon in Kuwait.
Kyrgyzstan
Online betting in all forms is currently banned in Kyrgyzstan. Residents may be able to access online sports betting sites which are based overseas, as some sites may accept players. The regulations in place generally prohibit the player from gambling as opposed to the site from accepting your business. With that, there is little in the way of player protection, and those who take the chance do so at their own risk.
Laos
Even though there are some online betting operators in Laos, their services may not be provided to residents of Laos. Instead, betting sites based in Laos can offer their products to overseas customers or visiting tourists. With many parts of Asia seemingly keen to allow online betting in some form, it would be no surprise if this were to change at some point in Laos.
Latvia
Online betting has been legal in Latvia for a number of years and its popularity in the country continues to grow. Latvia's Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection board are responsible for issuing licenses and there are a host of online sports betting sites currently offering their products to Latvian bettors.
Lebanon
Lebanon is something of a grey area when it comes to online betting. There are no laws or regulations prohibiting online gambling, accessing online betting sites is generally blocked from within the country. With no regulations regarding betting licenses in Lebanon, it’s unclear how one can be obtained. Residents and tourists can avail of one of Lebanon’s land-based casinos, but online gambling may not be accessible.
Lesotho
Online sports betting isn’t something which really exists in any capacity in Lesotho. Without any gambling legislation, the activity is neither explicitly forbidden or allowed. Gambling was legalised here in the 80’s, but to date, this mainly exists in land-based casinos and poker rooms.
Liberia
At present, there are no laws pertaining to online betting in Liberia. There are a number of physical bookmakers dotted around the country, but operators must obtain a license in order to operate, in accordance with the 2015 Gambling Act. Without anything specifically referencing online betting, Liberian bettors should be able to open an online betting account with a foreign bookmaker.
Libya
Lots of countries in the Middle East do not have specific laws regarding online betting, as Islamic Law prohibits it. However, Libya does have laws prohibiting all gambling activities, which have been in place since 2011. As such, there are no licenses or regulations for it. Those found gambling may be subject to stern punishment.
Liechtenstein
With a population of just under 40,000, regulating online gambling has proved difficult with the collapse of the International Lottery Liechtenstein Foundation in 2011 and a successor has yet to be established. For those wanting to bet online, they do have the option of using foreign sites until a time when the authorities in Liechtenstein decide to think about becoming a bigger regulation beyond their boundaries.
Lithuania
Online betting in Lithuania is not covered by the state-sponsored regulator, but with the support of the European Commission, it is hoped that the country can edge closer to having a formal licensing process that will open up online betting markets. Foreign markets are available to gamblers in Lithuania, but there are risks associated with using foreign sites.
Luxembourg
The good thing about having Germany as a neighbour is the partnership with German betting sites to allow use of their betting site to be used by residents in Luxembourg. This agreement is encouraging as it might lead to the establishing of their own online betting licensing process that will allow betting sites to run legally in the country.
Madagascar
Madagascar is one of the many countries where legislation is vague and that includes betting rules. Online gaming is not mentioned in any of their regulations and there is no licensing process set up to allow betting sites to get started. There is hope that authorities will introduce online betting which will be another option for those using foreign sites which are not against the law.
Malawi
While Malawi has a Gaming Board, the country does not appear to have any regulations in place that makes it illegal to bet online. Malawians, therefore, make the most of foreign betting sites if they want to bet on sports. There is hope in the country that there is a board set up to deal with gambling, the hope is that online betting will be available within their own country.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, it's okay to bet online on foreign sites, but running a sportsbook within the country is illegal. This law is unlikely to change anytime soon because the situation is part of the Sharia law. The Malaysian government seems happy to allow their residents to use foreign betting sites rather than go against Sharia law and allow betting sites to be set up in their country.
Maldives
Online betting in the Maldives is illegal because it is ruled by Islamic law, but stopping people placing wagers on foreign betting sites is not something that will lead to prosecution. There are indications that the laws against online betting could be eased which will boost the country's economy. If the authorities remove the criminal charge for gambling, then gamblers in the Maldives could be allowed to bet freely online with a clear conscience.
Mali
Online betting and gambling of any kind is strictly forbidden as the country adheres to the Islamic law. Accessing foreign betting sites is not as easy as it would be for citizens from other African countries and the punishments and penalties for getting caught should be severe enough to deter bettors from attempting it. It's going to take something very drastic to change the online betting landscape in Mali any time soon.
Malta
A lot of countries could learn a thing or two about the way online betting is treated in Malta where many online betting sites are regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority. This regulator only deals with companies who are reputable and getting a license from Malta can open up many lucrative markets. Needless to say, betting in Malta is completely legal and anyone placing an online bet can be assured that their money is safe as the authorities keep a very close eye on what is going on in the industry and every license granted is reviewed every five years. A failure to comply with their rules can lead to a license being revoked which is very reassuring. Malta is a real hub for online betting, with Betiton, Mr Play and Fansbet, among many others, having a registered address there.
Marshall Islands
Unfortunately, online betting is strictly not allowed in the Marshall Islands. The volcanic country in the Pacific between Hawaii and the Philippines passed their Gaming and Recreation Prohibition Act in 1998 which makes all forms of gambling illegal. Customers found to be violating this law can be fined US$1,000 or a period of time in prison not exceeding one year. Or both. So you have been warned.
Mauritania
In a country where no licensing process is in place for gambling of any kind, however, they might follow the example of Africa where businesses and operators are allowed to operate in order to boost their revenue, but their citizens are not allowed to bet online. That's not to say visitors to Mauritania aren't allowed to bet as a number of hotels are allowed to encourage tourists to bet on their premises.
Mauritius
Online gambling in Mauritius is strictly forbidden for those who live in the country, but the authorities seem happy to offer licenses for companies to operate there even though their residents cannot access the sites because they are blocked. Players who visit any online betting sites do so at their own risk. They will find no protection from a government that feels so strongly about the activity.
Mexico
Neighbouring the United States, the Mexico government will be watching closely the impact legal betting can have. It might encourage the Mexican government to ease their stance on online betting. There are no Mexican betting sites for their citizens to use, but there is nothing stopping them from using foreign betting sites, especially the Spanish speaking sites.
Micronesia, Federated States of
There are no land-based bookies in Micronesia, but that does not mean online betting is illegal in the country. Residents of the Federal States of Micronesia are allowed to open online accounts with offshore betting sites where they will be able to cash in on welcome bonuses and bet on the sports of their choice.
Moldova
Moldova citizens looking to bet on their national soccer team or any sport are able to do so in their own country because all forms of online betting are legal. And there is nothing to stop Moldovans from looking beyond their land boundaries and placing their bets with foreign betting sites and potentially wider sporting markets that include the likes of horse racing, golf betting and tennis.
Monaco
Online betting is available for all residents in Monaco as there are no real rules in place to make it illegal for residents of the Principality to visit foreign betting sites for their betting fix. Nobody seems to have an issue with the way things are in Monaco so it is expected that things will not change any time soon which is good news for gamblers wanting to visit online betting sites.
Mongolia
A bid to legalise online betting has failed in the past, but seeing how successful online betting can become in Macau, the situation could change especially as people in Mongolia bet on foreign sites anyway. There seems to be no obstacles for allowing online betting to be a regular fixture in the country so it's worth keeping an eye on it.
Montenegro
Authorities in Montenegro are very receptive to betting as highlighted by the speed in which they process an application, which can be done within a week and they will act just as quickly if a bookmaker steps out of line. Betting sites are legal in Montenegro where residents can choose to keep it local or visit foreign sites which might offer greater value.
Morocco
There are no regulations in place for online betting in Morocco as it tries to make the internet widely available throughout the country. Therefore, citizens can visit foreign sites for their online bets. If Morocco does decide to regulate online betting internally, it will be to do so to promote it in a positive manner and to protect their citizens.
Mozambique
Online betting is legal in Mozambique thanks to a shift in thinking in 2009 when the laws were modified to allow betting sites establish themselves within the country with tax breaks offered to encourage them to make Mozambique their home. The country leads the way in online betting and it's hoped others will follow their path.
Myanmar (Burma)
Like so many countries across the world, the rules regarding gambling in Myanmar, formerly Burma, are a little confusing. It is illegal to bet in the country, but the government seems happy to let it happen and have not gone after anyone who has placed a bet online. The fact they allow visitors to the country to gamble within their casinos offers hope that online betting will be embraced in future.
Namibia
Online betting was banned in Namibia for almost 10 years until the laws were relaxed in 2006. Not many sportsbooks have emerged since then even though there is nothing stopping them from doing so and providing bettors with betting offers to sign up. As a result, bettors often turn to foreign sites for their online betting requirements although they do so at their own risk.
Nauru
If you are one of the 10,000 or so residents in Nauru - one of the smallest states in the world, the good news is that online betting is allowed. It may not be regulated, but you can go online and place a wager on the sport of your choice. The country has a Gaming Act which was passed in 2011 and the hope moving forward is that more protection will be given to bettors using online betting sites.
Nepal
In Nepal there are no existing laws regarding internet-based betting, although the country does maintain an existing ban for land-based gambling for its citizens. However, like many countries in Asia, some land-based casinos are available for visitors and other foreigners. There is no way to obtain an online gambling license in Nepal, and, with that being the case, the Nepalese government is unlikely to ever offer any sort of help if you encounter problems when you bet online in the country. Nothing suggests that the online gambling landscape in Nepal will change anytime soon. There is no official online sports betting regulator in Nepal but the Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation is responsible for regulating land-based casinos.
Netherlands
Online gambling in the Netherlands is illegal to everyone, residents and visitors alike. That’s not to say the ban won’t be lifted anytime soon. The passing of the Remote Gambling Act in 2019 has raised optimism throughout the country. The Netherlands Gaming Authority is in charge of regulating the industry with more and more operators receiving license to operate in Holland. Some of the bigger betting sites have stopped accepting bets from their Dutch customers in the hope that this will persuade the authorities to grant them a license. The government monitor the industry very closely and will issue heavy fines if operators step out of line.
New Zealand
New Zealanders can bet online on one condition, the operator is based in New Zealand and it’s authorised by and complies with the criteria set out in the Gambling Act 2003 or the Racing Act of the same year which covers New Zealand sports betting. A lot has happened since those acts were passed in terms of technology and a review of the industry is to be carried out by the authorities that could lead to the industry being opened up to allow customers to have a greater choice of operators in New Zealand and further afield. The country is not against online betting and indeed wants to develop it with communities benefitting from the revenue generated while making sure any harm is minimised.
Nicaragua
In 2001, the Nicaraguan government made online betting one of it's priorities and following a vote, Special Law 766 was passed making it legal for all forms of betting and gambling to take place within the country. And that applies to visitors to the largest country in Central America, so you place wagers on your favorite sports such as NFL betting or Golf. Now under the control of the Ministry of Finance, make sure you know what the tax laws are in relation to online betting. If you fail to pay the tax, the authorities might come after you.
Niger
There is little in the way of online betting within Niger which is why their citizens use foreign betting sites if they want to place a bet online. Because the country is made up mostly of Islamics, the government is reluctant to go against the preaching of the Quran and make betting legal. But the authorities have not and do not seem to be bothered about chasing after bettors who frequent foreign betting sites on a regular basis.
Nigeria
The Nigerian government has, in the past, issued gaming licenses which suggests they are not totally opposed to the idea of online betting and everything else. While we wait and see if home-grown betting companies take the bold move to set up in Nigeria, the country's residents will have to make do with visiting foreign betting sites to be on their favourite sports. There is no restrictions in place to prevent people from doing this so until that changes, Nigerians are able to bet online without recriminations.
Norway
The good news in Norway is that online betting is allowed, as long as it's done with Norsk Riskoto which deals with horse racing and Norsk Tipping that concentrates on all other forms of sports betting. The government has banned banks from processing payments to and from foreign betting sites. That's a pretty strong deterrent to stop people from visiting foreign betting sites. However, there are ways around these payment methods that allow Norwegians to bet online outside the country.
North Macedonia
The men's soccer team in North Macedonia made history in the summer of 2021 by featuring in the European Championships for the first time ever. And for the residents of the country, betting on their team was possible. Authorities have tried to block offshore betting sites, but there are plenty of options still available for the citizens of North Macedonia to bet with foreign betting companies. If the country joined the EU, it's expected they would fall in line with how online betting is available elsewhere.
Oman
All forms of online betting is forbidden in Oman as part of the Islamic law that the country adheres to. But that doesn't mean it can't be done. It just means bettors have to look in the right places to do so. Because of their religious beliefs, it seems unlikely that their stance against online betting will change anytime soon. However, there appears to be an apathy to chase after those who do so.
Pakistan
The laws that govern Pakistan are so out of date that they do not mention the evolution of technology and issues relating to the internet. Therefore, there are no rules about online betting in Pakistan so far. Other Asia countries are addressing that situation, and in time Pakistan could follow suit and make it legal to bet online. In the meantime, bettors do visit betting sites and are free to do so as there is no law saying it is illegal for them to do so otherwise the government would have shut those sites down.
Palau
In the Pacific Ocean, the Republic of Palau has tried to open its arms to legalising gambling and maybe it could be a case of third time lucky after unsuccessful attempts to boost tourism in 2003 and 2014. There are no laws in place to prevent citizens of Palau from placing their sports bets with foreign betting sites. Nobody has been prosecuted for doing so and it seems unlikely that anyone will.
Panama
Fancy placing a sports bet online on the likes of the NFL or NHL betting in Panama? No problem. In the Central American country, citizens are free to visit any online betting site in the world. That includes their own country as the industry is fully legal and regulated by the Junta de Control de Juegos, which is the government's gaming commission. The country is also responsible for issuing licenses to other countries to allow them to bet over the internet.
Papua New Guinea
In 2007, the authorities in Papua New Guinea passed their version of a Gaming Control Bill which made it legal for its residents to place sports bets online. Licenses can be granted to companies targeting overseas markets as well as those international firms looking to provide a betting service to the people of PNG. Illegal betting sites will be punished by the authorities as part of the bill.
Paraguay
As it is illegal for citizens of Paraguay to be a customer of an offshore bank, online betting is deemed illegal because money is kept in a foreign bank account. Until this issue is sorted out in the favour of bettors, the better it will be for them. There is no process in place to issue licenses for online betting, but that could change if the authorities can be sure that the betting sites are not an opportunity to launder money, which is why the laws regarding offshore bank accounts exist.
Peru
There aren’t many countries safer than Peru when it comes to online betting. The industry is regulated and there are no restrictions for players who wish to visit foreign betting sites. Since regulations were changed in 2006, Peru is held up as an example of how countries can and should handle online betting. As well as that, Peru is happy to welcome foreign markets for their citizens who will be protected at all times.
Philippines
Online betting is tricky in the Philippines. It’s illegal for non-regulated companies to provide a betting platform which leaves the natives with their state-owned services offered under the PAGCOR umbrella. However, compared to what is available elsewhere, residents can check out foreign sites and non-government supported sites without fear of recriminations because there are no laws in place preventing bettors from looking further afield.
Poland
Online betting in Poland is a bit of a mess because it is not regulated like it is in other countries. Sports betting is legal, but with licenses being issued at very high fees, few can be tempted to run a sportsbook in the country. Only a handful of operators have decided to do business in Poland but that could increase if the authorities decide to regulate online betting sites which wouldn’t be the most difficult of tasks.
Portugal
The Portuguese government is doing all they can to direct gamblers to their domestic betting sites rather than visit sites run by foreign companies. They are not preventing foreign sites to be accessed in Portugal, but the high taxes leaves very few willing to operate. The incentives and betting offers won’t be as generous as those on offer elsewhere which is another reason why locals are better off sticking with their own sites rather than place their bets with non Portuguese companies.
Qatar
Qatar hosts the 2022 World Cup, which will bring millions of soccer fans to the Middle Eastern country. However, those who like to bet on soccer, might find it difficult as gambling is frowned upon under Islamic law. It’s not impossible to bet in Qatar but those who do, do so knowing they will have no protection if they encounter problems. Authorities will not waste their time chasing bettors who visit betting sites while they are in their country.
Romania
Betting companies were allowed to establish themselves in Romania as long as they had a license, even though there was no licensing body in the country. That quirk was changed when a licensing body was established and operators are free to operate as long as they have connections to land based casinos and the European Commission had a fit. Players looking to wager on their favorite sports like soccer or try online NFL betting will be protected as long as they use these sites rather than foreign operators.
Russia
Online gambling is a no-go in Russia after authorities passed a law in 2006. However, foreign operators are prepared to ignore the legislation and risk the consequences. Sites have been blocked to prevent Russians from logging on to certain websites. Companies who fail to comply with their strict rules will pay a heavy price while customers may find financial transactions are blocked. It might be a while before the rules are relaxed, but maybe if they realise how much money it can generate, the authorities might have a change of heart. Sites that offer information on gambling without offering markets can find themselves on the banned list which shows how far the Russian authorities will go to protect their residents from online gambling.
Rwanda
There are no online betting sites based in Rwanda which is bad news for citizens wanting to bet online and keep the money within the country. But there is nothing stopping people in the country, locals and visitors, to place bets on overseas betting sites. There have been hints in the past that the authorities will open up online betting within the country so watch this space.
Saudi Arabia
As a predominantly Muslim country, all forms of gambling are strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. So this means not only is there no online gambling available, land based casinos, sportsbooks and poker rooms are also all strictly prohibited. The closest thing to gambling enjoyed by residents of Saudi Arabia is the popular card game Baloot, where there are large tournaments with cash prizes available. However this is played without any entry fee, keeping it within their strict gambling laws.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Online betting is encouraged by the authorities in Saint Kitts and Nevis who are happy to open their boundaries to any betting sites willing to operate in the Caribbean islands. The government paved the way for betting companies to be based in Saint Kitts and Nevis after passing the Gaming Control Act in 1999. Anyone company that does, has to have a bank account in the country and keep in contact with the government on a regular basis with what content they intend to use to promote their site.
Saint Lucia
Gambling in Saint Lucia fell under the jurisdiction of UK law before the country gained it’s independence in 1979. Gambling was forbidden from then until Saint Lucia established its own Gaming Control Act in 1998, which allows residents to gamble freely on the sports the most like, be it golf, the NBA or cricket betting. It’s another of those countries that doesn’t have laws for online betting and those who want to, need to visit foreign sites to place their bets.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Like many countries in the Caribbean, online gambling does not seem to be regulated by the authorities. This means gamblers are free to visit sites especially as the country rates highly on the internet freedom scale which will not block foreign betting sites. With a wide range of sites to choose from, online bettors won’t be left disappointed.
Samoa
Until a time when online betting becomes part of Samoa’s Gambling Control Authority, it will remain okay to place a bet from within Samoa. Unlicensed gambling is illegal in the Pacific country but it’s unlikely anyone caught visiting foreign sites will face any punishment. If this was a big deal, the authorities would block foreign sites, but they don’t.
San Marino
As one of the smallest countries in the world, San Marino has no rules in place regarding online betting for its 50,000 population. Therefore, the residents of the microstate are permitted to bet online with whoever they like while foreign operators are not charged high taxes to allow their markets to be accessed within the country. Being such a small country, there seems little point in regulating the industry.
Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome has a gambling act which was passed in 2004 which makes it legal to bet on the Portuguese-speaking island in the Gulf of Guinea. Online gambling is highlighted in the legislation and the good news for foreign operators is that there is nothing stopping their sites from being accessed by natives on the island. Their sites have not and presumably will not be blocked as online betting in not an illegal act.
Senegal
Senegal is one of the few African countries where gambling is fully legal, with both land-based casinos and national lotteries enjoyed by its residents. As there is no explicit mention of online gambling within their longstanding gambling laws, it is also deemed to be legal although not fully regulated.
Serbia
Gambling was originally regulated shortly after World War II in Serbia, as a means to stimulate the post-war economy. In more recent times, residents of Serbia have been able to enjoy licensed and regulated online gambling since 2004. In 2011, a new gambling act was enacted, which allowed foreign gambling operators to apply for online gambling licences in the state which allowed for much more choice for Serbian players wishing to bet on more niche sports in the country like online golf betting and cricket.
Seychelles
Another African nation which offers legal and regulated online gambling, the Seychelles passed an act to regulate the industry in 2003. It was 2009 before this fully came into effect and with it came a strict licensing process which aims to protect players. This is overseen by the Seychelles Financial Authority.
Sierra Leone
At present, as there are no specific regulations prohibiting online gambling, it is deemed to be a legal activity in Sierra Leone. A country with a long standing national lottery and even a land based casino, Sierra Leone seems to not be fully against gambling so it is likely they will look to regulate online gambling in the future.
Singapore
Although a country with a famed land based casino presence, these are more the exception than the rule in Singapore as all forms of gambling, including online are illegal by law. The Remote Gambling act of 2014 formally outlawed all forms of gambling in the state, bar a few exceptions for certain land based casinos and some pools betting through a state owned website.
Slovakia
Since 2005, online gambling has been legal in Slovakia with a 2019 amendment to their laws opening up both sports and casino online gambling to any operator replacing the previous state run model. Fully regulated by the Gambling Regulatory Authority, Slovaks can enjoy safe and fair online gambling with the regulator blocking out any illegal overseas sites allowing only trusted websites to be accessed.
Slovenia
Similar to many other countries, Slovenia does have an official Gambling Act but it does not explicitly address online gambling, leaving it currently legal as things stand. There is a state owned option for its residents but most prefer to use international online sports betting websites. This is because with the international operators, the range of markets, promotions and features greatly outrivals the state owned offering.
Solomon Islands
Online gambling is currently fully legal for residents of the Solomon Islands and although a part of the Commonwealth, they have their own gambling laws completely independent of those in the United Kingdom. Residents here usually enjoy international betting websites rather than those licensed in the country.
Somalia
A predominantly Muslim country, gambling is strictly prohibited in Somalia meaning there are no legal and regulated options for its residents to use. The punishment for being caught gambling in the country is quite severe and with such a small percentage of the country having internet access, online gambling of any kind is not much of a thing in the country.
South Africa
Since 1994 gambling has been regulated and legal in South Africa, however online betting is only legal with an operator licensed with the National Gaming Board. With the country recently raising taxes on land-based casinos, it seems likely that online gambling may become fully open to International operators in the future, with the government keen to cash in on the large taxes that can be gained.
Spain
As a country with such a proud sporting tradition, it was natural that Spanish residents would be welcome to sports betting and since they passed their first internet gambling laws in 2006, this has been the case.
A 2011 revamp of the gambling laws meant that operators required a separate license for each gambling product they offer to customers. This means it is quite common that you will find online bookmakers that will not offer casino and vice versa in the country. To comply with the gambling laws in the country you must only use a website which is licensed by the Spanish regulator, Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego.
Sri Lanka
All forms of gambling have been legal in Sri Lanka since 2010 provided the appropriate licensing is held. Similar to many other countries, online gambling is not explicitly referred to in these laws meaning although currently legal, it is not fully regulated by any official body. Recently raising taxed on land based operators in the country, this may be a sign that the government of Sri Lanka could be ready in the near future to fully regulate sports betting in the online sense.
Sudan
All forms of gambling are strictly prohibited in Sudan with no form of licensed gambling available for its residents whatsoever. With the majority of its residents strictly following the Muslim religion, gambling online is likely to be met with a very strict punishment for anyone attempting to access a website, with may blocked by Sudanese ISP’s.
Sudan, South
Other than a sole lottery operator in the country, in South Sudan there are no other companies with a domestic gaming license. Online sports betting is not strictly forbidden however, with many residents signing up to international bookmakers in order to place their sports bets online. As the country was only founded in 2011, it may be a case that online gambling will become fully regulated in the near future as the country looks to distance itself from its past.
Suriname
Although a country with some regulated land-based casinos, Suriname has no laws governing online betting meaning that although currently legal, online sports betting in the country is not fully regulated. This means its residents can enjoy online sports betting from international operators at present.
Sweden
Sweden was one of the first countries to recognise the huge potential growth in online gambling and passed legislation to regulate the industry as far back as 2001. LeoVegas is one of the country's huge success stories with the Swedish based operator now being one of if not the world leader in online casino and live casino and in recent times, has even began offering sports betting to its customers.
Residents of Sweden have a wide range of International operators also to choose from, all of which will be licensed with the Swedish Gaming Regulator. Depositing to a Sweden online betting site is made easy for users with a wide range of payment methods available including the very popular Trustly platform available at most online betting websites.
Switzerland
Residents of Switzerland have been enjoying online betting for quite some time, with the latest laws regulating online gambling coming in 2018 which liberalised their online gambling market. Currently, any operator wishing to offer their services in the country must apply for a licence from the Swiss Gambling Regulator.
Syria
As is the case with many other predominantly Muslin countries, all forms of gambling are strictly prohibited in Syria. As a country with a low number of internet users, online gambling and the enforcement of laws against it is not a huge issue in Syria, although the punishments are strict for those caught gambling.
Taiwan
In most areas in Taiwan, it’s common to see betting shops owned by the Goverment-run Taiwan sports lottery, with online NBA betting, MLB and Chinese Basketball in particular being hugely popular sports for bettors. However, the odds and varieties in these shops can often be quite poor so many Taiwanese residents will use international online sports betting websites instead. Although not fully regulated, online gambling is not strictly illegal in the country so residents may sign up with an online bookmaker if they wish.
Tajikistan
As there are no specific laws forbidding online sports betting in Tajikistan, its residents are free to sign up to a range of international sports betting websites which accept players from the country. This allows residents of the country to enjoy an online betting experience packed with features and promotions from some of the leading operators in the industry.
Tanzania
Online sports betting and indeed all online gambling is legal in Tanzania and has been for a number of years. Residents of Tanzania can enjoy sports betting from a range of operators including many of which who offer a mobile app, making betting on the go in the country an option.
Thailand
Although a country with a somewhat famous gambling culture, online sports betting is prohibited in Thailand with the exceptions of lottery and horse racing betting betting the only forms of gambling permitted within its borders. Although there is no specific law outlawing online gambling in the state, the countries strict gambling laws are written in such a way that online gambling falls under its restrictions.
Togo
There is no specific law outlawing online gambling in Togo and as a result of this, there are some international betting websites which will accept customers located in the country. Due to the countries low GDP and rate of Internet usage amongst the population, online gambling is not hugely popular here however.
Tonga
With a lack of any laws or regulation around online gambling, residents of Tonga at present are free and able to sign up to an online sports betting website. A number of international bookmakers will accept customers from this region so players within the country do have options should they so wish to register.
Trinidad and Tobago
Online sports betting in Trinidad and Tobago currently does not come under any laws or regulation from its government, leaving its residents free to sign up with a wide range of international online bookmakers who offer their services in the country. This allows them to avail of a wide range of promotions and bonuses and bet on well established platforms.
Tunisia
As is the case with many other countries on the African continent, online sports betting is strictly prohibited in Tunisia along with most if not all other forms of gambling. There is no licensing offered for any operators and whilst its punishments for being caught gambling may be slightly less than other countries it still would not be recommended at present in the country.
Turkey
Currently, online sports betting in Turkey is severely limited, with only a small number of options available to its residents. Horse racing betting, along with a small handful of state owned bookmakers and other state licenced bookmakers. Turkey is also unique in that if you are caught gambling on an international sports betting website, it is you the user who is fined instead of the operator, the latter of which is usually the norm.
Turkmenistan
Online sports betting in Turkmenistan is somewhat of a grey area, with a licensing system in place but no real clear steps or measures on how to obtain a license. International online sports betting websites are blocked for the most part in the country making it next to impossible for residents to place an online sports bet.
Tuvalu
There are no specific laws that address online sports betting in Tuvalu, with a small range of International operators allowing customers from this small island nation to register online with them to place sports bets. They do have gaming laws, but as these are still the same as they were when introduced in 1964, online betting is certainly in a grey area in this country.
Uganda
Sports betting is legal in Uganda, provided the bookmaker is regulated with the National Gambling and Lotteries Board. This has allowed a wide range of the most popular names in online betting worldwide to offer their services to residents of the country.
Ukraine
As of 2020, with a new gambling bill online gambling is fully legal and regulated in the Ukraine. Residents here can access the services of a wide range of international sports betting websites, allowing them to avail of a wide range of promotions and bet on a variety of markets on sports such as ice hockey betting and basketball.
United Arab Emirates
Online gambling and indeed all gambling is prohibited in the United Arab Emirates, with strict punishments and hefty fines for operators the norm for those found breaching these rules. Technically, non-nationals are able to bet on international websites should they be at the popular Meydan horse racing meetings or at one of the many other sporting events held in the country but more often than not the websites of gambling websites are blocked by the internet service provider.
United Kingdom
Online sports betting in the UK has been legal and regulated for a long time now, and the country is seen as one of the forefathers of online betting. It is a huge part of the culture in the UK, with over 1,000 betting shops open all over the country. This has continued to grow since off-course bookmakers were legalised in 1960 and has continued to grow to this day.
Now in the digital era, UK sports bettors, or punters as they’re likely to refer to themselves, are often first to get access to new online betting features. These include live streaming, cash out and bet builders. This is due to the fact that the UK has long been the primary focus for online sports betting sites, as it’s a well established, long-standing market for them.
Because it is so engrained in the culture, the UK Gambling Commission outlines certain expectations and responsibilities each bookmaker must adhere to with regards responsible gaming and preventing underage gambling. As such, regulated UK bookmakers will generally be proactive when it comes to customer verification and the like. Failure to do so could result in their license being revoked, and since the UK is so used to betting only with regulated bookmakers, that would be a massive blow for any bookmaker. Sports betting is also available in the UK exclusively at a number of sports betting sites, like Bet UK, which does not accept business from anywhere else in the world.
United States
The United States has long had an appetite for online sports betting, but it has only recently become available. Until recently, the only way to access sports betting was by going to a land-based casino or racetrack and placing your bets there. Online betting could be done, but only with offshore, unregulated bookmakers.
The landscape is much different now, though. Over the last few years, US sports betting has become regulated in a number of US states, with more sure to follow suit in time. The situation will continue to evolve over time. Some states have pending legislation, some have legalized a very select sports betting product, while others have completely regulated it, giving their residents full access to the world of online betting. It’s a situation worth monitoring, as it’s a near certainty that the US market will soon become the main focus for many of the best online bookmakers, given the potentially huge customer base passionate about the likes of the online NFL betting, NBA and NHL that awaits.
Some of the states in which online sports betting has been legalized include New York, Illinois, Ohio and Michigan, while there are also a number of states to have approved sports betting and are awaiting House approval before it is fully legalized, such as North Carolina.
Use the links below for information on state-specific sports betting in the United States.
Uruguay
Although gambling has been legal in Uruguay for centuries, online gambling is still technically illegal in the state. This means residents here do not have regulated, licensed sites to sign up to in the country, with the exception being some small sports markets available at the state run lottery company La Banca.
Uzbekistan
All forms of gambling, online or otherwise, are currently banned in Uzbekistan. The country does not have an internet censoring system in place at present to block out international gambling websites but there are strict punishments in place for accessing such facilities so it is not recommended to attempt to place online sports bets when in the country.
Vanuatu
With laws relating to online gambling passed in 2000, Vanuatu was one of the earliest countries to embrace online sports betting. There is a range of both local and international online sports betting websites that residents and visitors to the country can enjoy with licensed operators available ensuring player safety standards are met.
Vatican City
A sovereign monarchial city-state, Vatican city is famous for being home to the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church, making it the centre of the religion. As the smallest country in the world, online gambling or any laws around it are not something of priority to either outsiders or its few residents, the majority of which are members of the Catholic Church.
Venezuela
Although a country with specific gambling laws, none of these directly relate to online sports betting in Venezuela. This opens the door for its residents to sign up with international sports betting websites, should they accept action from players located within the country.
Vietnam
At present, it is currently illegal to open a sports betting website in Vietnam. However, this does not mean that customers cannot access betting sites from other regions. In fact, many well known online sports betting websites accept players from Vietnam, which is much appreciated by its gambling friendly populace.
Yemen
As is the case in many other Muslim countries, gambling in any form is strictly banned in Yemen as it is deemed both unlawful and against the principles of the religion. The country enforces this with a range of internet banning techniques to ensure its residents cannot access any international sports betting websites.
Zambia
Although there are established gambling laws in the country, there are no specific laws outlawing online sports betting in Zambia, meaning residents are free to sign up to a range of international sports betting websites. The country is also home to a range of land-based casinos with 24 hour service the norm.
Zimbabwe
With no laws directly prohibiting online wagering, residents of ZImbabwe can register to place online sports bets at a wide variety of websites based outside of the country. This allows them to benefit of the wide range of betting markets, promotions and betting features that these established operators offer to their customers.
