The Ever-Shifting Landscape of iGaming Regulations: 25 Key Rules to Watch

In the fast-paced world of iGaming, the only constant is change. As new technologies emerge, innovative ideas take hold, and fresh approaches to player protection gain traction, the regulatory landscape is always evolving to keep pace.

For those in the industry, whether you're an operator, affiliate, or software provider, staying on top of these shifting rules is a never-ending challenge. Just when you think you've got a handle on the regulations in one jurisdiction, another country updates its laws, forcing you to adapt your strategies and ensure compliance.

It's a complex dance, but one that's essential to master. After all, failing to keep up with the latest regulatory changes can lead to some serious consequences – from financial penalties to reputational damage.

As experts in email marketing software for iGaming platforms, we know that understanding these rules is non-negotiable. That's why, in this blog post, we'll be taking a deep dive into 25 of the most important iGaming regulations from around the globe, giving you the insights you need to stay compliant and successful.

10 Key iGaming Regulations Around The World

From Australia to South Africa, Japan to Nigeria, countries are taking diverse approaches to regulating the iGaming industry, reflecting their unique cultural, social, and economic contexts. In this section, we'll explore 10 notable iGaming regulations from around the world, showcasing the breadth and complexity of the global regulatory landscape.

Australia - Interactive Gambling Act 2001: Australia's Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits online gambling operators from offering their services to Australian residents. However, it does allow online sports betting and lotteries under certain conditions. The act also requires operators to obtain a license from the relevant state or territory gambling authority.

Canada - Provincial iGaming Regulations: In Canada, online gambling is regulated at the provincial level, with each province having the authority to legalize and regulate iGaming within its borders. Provinces like British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario have established their own online gaming platforms, operated by the respective provincial lottery corporations.

South Africa - National Gambling Act 2004: South Africa's National Gambling Act 2004 legalized online gambling, but only under the condition that operators obtain a license from one of the country's provincial gambling boards. However, in practice, no such licenses have been issued, creating a complex and ambiguous regulatory environment.

Japan - Integrated Resort Implementation Act 2018: Japan's Integrated Resort Implementation Act 2018 paved the way for the development of integrated resorts, which include casinos, hotels, and entertainment facilities. While the act primarily focuses on land-based casinos, it also sets the stage for potential online gaming regulations in the future.

Singapore - Remote Gambling Act 2014: Singapore's Remote Gambling Act 2014 prohibits most forms of online gambling, with exemptions for operators licensed by the Singapore Totalisator Board. The act imposes strict penalties for both operators and players involved in illegal online gambling activities.

Russia - Federal Law No. 244-FZ: Russia's Federal Law No. 244-FZ, enacted in 2006, prohibits most forms of online gambling. However, in 2016, amendments were introduced to allow online sports betting and poker, subject to strict regulations and licensing requirements.

Belarus - Decree No. 305: Belarus legalized online gambling in 2018 through Decree No. 305, which established a licensing system for operators. The decree sets out requirements for operator licensing, taxation, and player protection measures.

Kenya - Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act: Kenya's Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act, originally passed in 1966, has been amended to include provisions for online gambling. Operators must obtain a license from the Betting Control and Licensing Board and adhere to regulations related to taxation, player protection, and anti-money laundering measures.

Nigeria - National Lottery Regulation Act 2005: Nigeria's National Lottery Regulation Act 2005 established the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, which is responsible for regulating both land-based and online gambling activities. Operators must obtain a license from the commission and comply with requirements related to taxation, player protection, and responsible gaming.

New Zealand - Gambling Act 2003: New Zealand's Gambling Act 2003 prohibits most forms of online gambling, with the exception of online lottery and sports betting offered by the state-owned Lotto NZ and TAB NZ, respectively. The act also requires offshore gambling operators to block access to their sites for New Zealand residents.

Complex Tapestry of US iGaming Regulations

The US iGaming landscape is a complex patchwork of federal and state-level regulations, creating a challenging environment for operators and affiliates to navigate. While federal laws like the Wire Act and UIGEA set the overall framework, individual states hold the power to legalize and regulate online gambling within their borders.

This has led to a diverse array of approaches, with some states embracing iGaming and others maintaining strict prohibitions.

• Nevada: Known for its land-based casinos, Nevada also allows online poker and mobile sports betting.
• New Jersey: In 2013, New Jersey legalized online casino games and poker, becoming a major hub for iGaming in the US.
• Pennsylvania: Following New Jersey's lead, Pennsylvania legalized online casinos, poker, and sports betting in 2017.
• Delaware: Online poker and casino games are legal in Delaware, with the state lottery overseeing the industry.

5 iGaming Regulations for Latin America

Latin America's iGaming landscape is characterized by a diverse range of regulatory approaches, with some countries embracing legalization and others maintaining restrictive stances. As the region continues to grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by online gaming, a growing number of jurisdictions are moving towards establishing comprehensive regulatory frameworks.

It mandates the use of a centralized control system to monitor all online gaming transactions.

3. In Argentina: iGaming regulation is handled at the provincial level, with each province having the authority to legislate and regulate online gambling within its territory. Provinces like Buenos Aires and Misiones have already established regulatory frameworks for online gaming, which typically include licensing requirements, tax obligations, and player protection measures.
4. Brazil has yet to pass an iGaming legislation: Bill 442/1991, which is currently under consideration, proposes to legalize and regulate various forms of gambling, including online gaming. If passed, the bill would establish a licensing system, set tax rates, and outline player protection requirements for iGaming operators.

5. Chile has a more restrictive approach: While there is no specific legislation addressing iGaming, the general gambling laws prohibit most forms of online gaming.

The state-run lottery, Polla Chilena de Beneficencia, is allowed to offer online lottery games and sports betting. Despite the lack of a formal regulatory framework, some international operators still target the Chilean market.

Decoding the European Union's iGaming Regulatory Landscape

Despite the varied approaches, there's a common trend across the EU towards a more regulated and responsible iGaming industry, with a focus on protecting players and preventing gambling-related harm.

• Malta - Gaming Act 2018: Malta's Gaming Act 2018 introduced a streamlined licensing system, replacing the previous multi-license approach with a single license covering all forms of gaming.

The act also reinforced player protection measures, such as responsible gaming policies, player funds protection, and measures to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Operators must adhere to strict reporting and auditing requirements to maintain their licenses.

• United Kingdom - Gambling Act 2005: The United Kingdom's Gambling Act 2005 serves as a comprehensive piece of legislation governing all forms of gambling, including online gaming. It established the UK Gambling Commission as the central regulatory authority, responsible for issuing licenses and ensuring compliance.

Operators must demonstrate a commitment to preventing underage gambling, promoting responsible gaming, and protecting player funds. The act also imposes strict advertising standards and requires operators to contribute to problem gambling treatment and research.

• Spain - Gambling Regulation Act 2011: Spain's Gambling Regulation Act 2011 legalized and regulated online gambling, creating a licensing system overseen by the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ).

Operators must obtain licenses for each type of game they wish to offer and comply with requirements related to responsible gaming, fraud prevention, and data protection. The act also sets tax rates for online gambling revenue and establishes a national self-exclusion registry.

• Italy - Decree-Law No. 87/2018 (Dignity Decree): Italy's Decree Law No. 87/2018, also known as the Dignity Decree, introduced significant changes to the country's iGaming landscape. The decree banned all forms of gambling advertising and sponsorship, with the aim of protecting vulnerable individuals from the potential harms of gambling.

Operators must also comply with strict player protection measures, such as self-exclusion options and responsible gaming tools.

The Italian gambling regulator, Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), oversees the licensing and regulation of online gaming operators.

• Sweden - Gambling Act 2018: Sweden's Gambling Act 2018 overhauled the country's iGaming regulations, ending the state monopoly and opening the market to private operators. The act introduced a licensing system, requiring operators to obtain licenses from the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen).

Licensees must adhere to strict player protection measures, including responsible gaming tools, self-exclusion options, and deposit limits. The act also imposes a tax rate of 18% on online gaming revenue and sets limits on bonuses and promotional offers.

Tools That Help You Stay Compliant

At SendX, we understand the complex and ever-changing landscape of iGaming regulations worldwide. As you navigate the uncertainties and challenges posed by this dynamic industry, we're here to support you with all your email marketing needs. Our team of experts stays up-to-date with the latest regulatory developments, ensuring that your email campaigns remain compliant and effective.

With SendX, you can focus on growing your iGaming business while we handle the intricacies of email marketing in this exciting and rapidly evolving industry. You get powerful email marketing software to send campaigns, build your list, and automate your marketing. Claim your free trial here.