Not all countries are as lucky as the UK when it comes to online gaming
In the UK, we tend to take online casino gaming for granted: we're lucky that our laws permit open gambling on the internet, giving players access to a world of slots, blackjack, roulette and more. But not all countries are as fortunate.
China is the latest place looking to strengthen its resistance to websites that the draconian administration there considers to be hostile. New rules announced by the government will increase restrictions on internet pages which do not originate domestically, with a particular emphasis on online casino portals and politically-slanted material.
The head of the Chinese government Information Office remarked:
"We will strengthen the blocking of harmful information from outside China to prevent harmful information from being disseminated in China and withstand online penetration by overseas hostile forces."
Google recently announced that it would no longer be cooperating with China due to such restrictions, relocating its operations to Hong Kong. However, strict online casino laws are not just common in less liberal states, as a number of Western countries are still not as open as the UK.
- In the US, online sports betting is strictly prohibited. However, laws regarding games of chance are slightly more relaxed, with the activity regulated on a state-by-state basis.
- The activity is banned altogether in Russia under legislation passed in 2006.
- Australian law is murky on the subject, forbidding operators based in the country from offering online gambling services, but not expressly outlawing Australians playing. This has led to an increase in offshore online casino website activity, and effectively mirrors Canada's current stance on the topic.
- French players looking to indulge in online slots can do so, but only on licensed websites the government considers to be "respecting public and social order".
So, next time players consider a spot of online blackjack or slots, they should consider themselves lucky to be living in a country where the games are not outlawed.