We have compiled an online overview to the Gambling Authorities and Gambling Commissions around the world with common questions answered. All gambling operations in Gibraltar require licensing under the Gambling Act 2005 ('the Act').

International internet gambling law is a subject of immense complexity, because every nation has its own
take on the subject. Some parts of the world embrace online gambling while others do everything they
can to ban it entirely. On top of that, different jurisdictions within a single nation sometimes take radically
different approaches to internet gaming.

The United States is a great example of how complex gambling law can be within a single nation. Not only
are the federal laws poorly written and difficult to interpret, but individual states have their own laws as
well. In some states, online gambling is 100% legal and available to anyone inside state lines. In others, the
authorities are still trying to seize the assets of legitimate shidli.

Our goal with this part of our website is to take this massive subject and break it down for our readers.
We start this page by explaining some of the basics of online gambling legislation and regulation, which are useful to understand if you’re interested in
betting or gaming online. There is then some information on the gambling laws in various regions around the world. We’ve also included links to additional
pages where you can learn more about the legal status of both offline and online gambling in specific countries.

This page is divided into the following sections, to make it easy to find the specific region you may be looking for.

Asia
South America
Africa

Online Gambling Legislation and Regulation: The Basics

The most important thing for you to understand about online gambling legislation and regulation is how it affects you. There are two key points to consider
in this respect.

  1. It is rare for it to be explicitly illegal to USE an online gambling site
  2. Licensed and regulated shidli are BY FAR the safest

The first point here is hopefully one that will put your mind at rest if you are worried about the legalities of gambling online, and the potential for
repercussions. The fact is that you are very unlikely to breaking the law simply by betting or gaming online. The vast majority of online gambling legislation
is target squarely at the companies that operate sites, and not the individuals who use them. Of course, laws do vary from one region to the next as we’ve
explained. It’s important to know your local laws do prohibit you from gambling online, which is precisely we’ve provided the relevant much information in
this section

In relation to the second point, most sites are licensed and regulated in at least one jurisdiction. To obtain the necessary license, they will have to meet
specific criteria as laid out by the licensing authority within the relevant jurisdiction. Operators will generally advertise details of their licensing, as it helps
to reassure potential customers that are legal and regulated. It basically lends some legitimacy to their operations. That’s what you’ll often see something
like the following on gambling websites.

You should know, however, that the actual legitimacy of licensing authorities varies quite significantly. The simple fact of the matter is some agencies are
much more stringent than others. For example, the state of Nevada puts any potential online poker site through the wringer before it issues a license to
operate. So a Nevada license has genuine sign validity. Other gambling authorities basically sell licenses to anyone with enough money, so these don’t
really mean much at all.

With that in mind, we decided to put together a comprehensive guide to licensing authorities around the world. We want you to know what it really means
when a site says it has a license to do business. You can use this information to assist in the search for a safe gambling site.

Alderney – Alderney Gaming Control Comm
Antigua & Barbuda – Antigua Directorate of Offshore Ga
Curacao – Curacao e-Gaming Licesing Aut
Isle of Man – Gambling Supervision Comm
Malta – Lotteries & Gaming Authority
Panama – Panama Gaming Control Board
Costa Rica
Kahnawake – Kahnawake Gaming Commission

You should also understand why online gambling regulation is so important. Its primary purpose is to protect YOU, the consumers. You should be able to
gamble online with the confidence that you will be treated fairly not be exposed to dishonest or crooked practices. Thankfully, the established and
reputable licensing authorities ensure that you can do exactly that. They impose a strict code of conduct on the licensees, who have to adhere to the
necessary regulations if they are to maintain their licenses. That’s why properly licensed and regulated sites are the safest options.

Further InformationCuracao gaming commissionerCuracao Gambling Commission

For a more in-depth explanation of this subject, please see our page on how online gambling is regulated

Gambling Laws in North America

There are several countries in North America that have wildly different laws relating to gambling.
The United States is obviously the biggest country in this region, and as we’ve already mentioned
the laws here are very confusing. This is partly down to the fact that there are so many states,
each with their own attitude to gambling, but there is more to it than that. There is just a distinct
lack of clarity in so much of the relevant legislation. There is also much debate about whether
US laws actually apply to shidli that operate outside the region.

Things are not much better in Canada either. There is legislation in place that has been passed by
central government, but each individual province has the authority to regulate gambling in their
own regions. As with the US, the use of overseas sites is very much a grey area.

We’ve provided additional pages that explain the relevant legal situations in these two countries in much
more detail, and we’ve also covered some other countries in North America too.

Gambling Laws in Europe and the UK

Europe also has many countries with different approaches to the legality of online gambling.
Some countries outright ban it, while others have formally legalized it and put proper regulatory
frameworks in place. The United Kingdom is the best example of the latter. All forms of online
betting and gaming are completely legal, and very well regulated. Any site wishing to provide its
services to UK residents must meet requirements set out by the Gambling Commission. This
organization was established in 2005, replacing the existing Gaming Board.

There are other European countries with similar setups to the UK too. France, for example, has a
strict licensing process, but does allow overseas companies to accept French customers if they
meet the necessary criteria. For some reason, though, all forms of casino games are currently
banned. They at least have clear laws though, whereas things are decidedly murky in other countries.

We’ve provide a detailed overview of European gambling laws, and also information on the laws in each of the following specific countries.

United Kingdom
Germany
France
Russia
Poland
Finland
Ukraine
Norway
Sweden

Gambling Laws in Australia/Oceania

The laws for Australian gambling companies are very strict. They’re allowed to offer some gambling
services to Australian residents, but currently only traditional sports betting and lottery-style
games are permitted. Live sports betting is not allowed, and nor are casino games. There are no
laws that prevent Australians from using overseas sites though, as these fall outside the jurisdiction
of Australia’s government.

In New Zealand, unlike so many other regions, there is clear and precise legislation relating to
online gambling. The country passed a new act in 2003 to make sure that their laws were explicit and
easy to understand. Unusually, the act very plainly stated that the use of overseas sites is entirely
legal. Such sites are, however, banned from advertising in New Zealand.

You can read more about the country specific laws in this part of the world on the following pages.

Gambling Laws in Asia

There is very little consistency in the gambling laws throughout Asia. This is perhaps
not surprising, given the size of the continent and the number of different countries
it’s home to. Compiling an overview of Asian gambling laws would be a futile
exercise, but we have provided pages covering each of the following countries
separately.

Gambling Laws in South America

The general approach to gambling throughout South America is reasonably liberal.
There are restrictions on certain types of betting and gaming in some countries in the
region though. For example, casino games are prohibited in Brazil. Our guide to the
gambling laws in South America explains about these restrictions in more detail, and
also covers any relevant online gambling legislation.

Gambling Laws in Africa

Few countries in Africa have passed any kind of legislation relating on online gambling,
although South Africa is one notable exception. Land based gambling is another
matter though, with various forms fully legalized throughout the region. There are
casino venues, for example, in several countries. We’ve provided details on the various
gambling laws throughout Africa on the following page.

Important Notice

We recommend that you have at least passing familiarity with the legal climate with regards to gambling in
your location. A working knowledge of the law in your area may help to keep you safe from any legal trouble,
and will make it easier for you to find the sites that cater for customers in your part of the world.

Please be aware, though, that nothing contained in this part of shidli.ru should be considered as
actual legal advice. We’ve carried out extensive research and consulted experts when compiling all of
this information, but we are not qualified to provide legal advice. If you have any concerns about the
legalities of gambling online where you live, it would be best to speak to a licensed lawyer.

The nation of Curacao has been synonymous with online gambling since the pastime was in its infancy. Curacao sits on an island paradise in the southern Caribbean Sea. Their government provides a wide range of services to any operator who can meet their requirements and pay the necessary licensing fees.

Where is Curacao?

The nation of Curacao is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This makes it reliant on the larger political entity for military defense and foreign policy matters, and it shares this status with fellow islands such as Aruba and Sint Maarten. All these islands were once part of the Netherlands Antilles (along with Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius), although in 2010 this autonomous Caribbean country dissolved.

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Located off the coast of Venezuela, the country of Curacao consists of two islands. The nation’s namesake is 171 square miles, with a population of over 150,000. The other island, known as “Little Curacao,” is empty except for a lighthouse and diving spots that frequently attract tourists.

The capital of Willemstad was founded in 1634 when the once-powerful Dutch West India Company seized the land from Spain. Tourism and international trade are major components of the economy, while a large—and legal—open-air brothel known as “Le Mirage” draws in sizable crowds due to its location near the airport.

History of Curacao eGaming Regulation

Curacao created legislation for regulating online gambling in 1993, although it became more official with the establishment of the eGaming Licensing Authority in 1996. The Curacao Gaming Control Board regulated online gambling during the early years, but the Curacao eGaming Licensing Authority took this responsibility following decentralization in 2002. Since then, the business of hosting and licensing Internet gambling has contributed a major boost to the nation’s economy.

Curacao Gaming Commissioner

While the Gaming Control Board no longer involves itself in the business of online gambling, it does oversee all land-based casinos within the nation. They collect taxes on behalf of the government, prevent fraud and money laundering, and also combat gambling addiction.

The creation of the CIGA institution – eGambling Jurisdiction

In 2001, the Curacao Internet Gaming Association (CIGA) was established. A member of the Interactive Gaming Council, its responsibility is to ensure that online gambling operations within the nation adhere to a code of conduct and meet all licensing requirements. They also act as an advocate for their members, working with lawmakers within the government to assure gaming-friendly policies.

Legal Online Poker Sites in Curacao — Licensed by CIGA

To visitors, Curacao is a Dutch Caribbean Island that is fun to visit for a relaxing beach vacation, with beautiful coral reefs and quality marine life. For online poker operators, Curacao is a desirable location to acquire licensing. Curacao is a top option for online poker operators who want to be considered a safe and trusted site among players, with a simple process for obtaining gambling licenses. The Curacao Internet Gaming Association or CIGA, is in charge of the internet and online gaming industry in Curacao. The group ensures that all members agree to abide by code of conduct regulations and stay in compliance with the requirements set forth for licensing.

Commission

Gaming companies like the low tax rate that is available in Curacao as well as the ability to gain licensing plus hosting capabilities, via the gambling commission. The Curacao Gaming Authority provides a nice environment for online gaming companies to obtain licensing, with the process being both quick and inexpensive. Several top online poker sites are licensed in Curacao including PokerStars, PartyPoker, 32Red Poker and Unibet.

The Different Payment Methods Available for Curacao Poker Players

When players visit Curacao poker sites, they will find certain payment methods are on offer. From credit cards to eWallets, online poker rooms with Curacao licensing offer nice alternatives for depositing cash. Being able to deposit with ease is a plus, as players want to quickly begin playing their favorite poker games. It is important to find the right deposit method that suites the individual player’s needs. One option that players will find on offer via sites like PokerStars and William Hill Poker is Western Union. With Western Union Curacao, you will have the option to complete a cash transfer to load your online poker gaming account. Visit the Cashier and choose the Western Union deposit method and simply follow the instructions on how to complete the cash transfer deposit.

Western Union Payment on Curacao

Many online poker rooms do not show Western Union as an available deposit method, but will allow the option to be used. To find out if a poker room offers Western Union for deposit, email or use Live Chat to ask a customer service representative. If you want to use a physical Western Union location for deposit, you will need to email the poker room and determine if you have the ability to do so. A name will be provided as to who you will need to send the money to. You will then need to visit a Western Union location to make the deposit.

In Curacao, there are three Western Union physical locations in Willemstad. Online poker players can easily visit any of these three locations in Curacao to be able to deposit funds for online poker game play.

Obtaining an Online Gaming License in Curacao

If a company wants to run their gambling (specially an egambling license) operation out of Curacao, they must first get a license. In this section, we’ll look at how the process works.

The first step is to register with the Chamber of Commerce as a legal entity within the nation. Once this is done, and the necessary application has been filled out, an investigation is conducted by the Department of Justice. This normally takes about six weeks to complete, at which time the applicant is either rejected or issued a provisional license. To qualify, the following requirements must be met by the applicant:

  • A backup of the customer and transaction database must be hosted in Curacao.
  • The site’s primary market must be listed.
  • Bank references of the owners, no older than three months, must be included.
  • Copies of the owner’s utility bills, no older than three months, must be provided.
  • The applicant must provide details about the online software being used.
  • A third party must provide verification that the random number generator software being used is fair.
  • The owners of the company cannot have a criminal record.
  • A copy of the owner’s passport must be provided.
  • The owner must verify that minors have been blocked from playing at their casino.
  • Information on problem gambling must be displayed on the gaming site.
  • A description of the games being offered must be provided.

The nation only offers one type of license, and it includes games of chance, skill games, and sports betting. A master license applies to the company itself, but obtaining a sub-license allows the owner to bring third-party operators on board (although they must still adhere to the rules and regulations set forth for the master license holder).

Advantages

Curacao Gaming Commission

In addition to the CIGA working on behalf of its members, available hosting and IT infrastructure also make the nation an appealing option for operators. The corporate tax rate is 2% of net profits, and there are no import duties or sales tax.

How much does it cost to get a gambling license in Curacao?

In case you’ve ever wondered about the cost of running an online casino (online poker rooms for example) out of Curacao, this section is meant to provide an itemized breakdown. Keep in mind, however, that these prices will change over time.

The overall cost for setting up a casino in Curacao is around $36,000, although please note that this does not include costly elements such as employee salaries or casino software. This sum is made up of the following:

  • $10,000 – Appointment fee and eGambling license application
  • $3,150 – Incorporation service fee (which includes articles and certificate of incorporation)
  • $4,150 – Annual management fee (includes Chamber of Commerce fee, document custodial services, management fee, and provision of resident corporate director)
  • $2,500 – eZone application fee
  • $1,500 – Preparing annual tax returns
  • $2,500 – Bookkeeping fee
  • $1,900 – Application for bank account
  • $2,500 – Application for merchant account
  • $8,400 – Additional services

Curacao Online Gambling Commission

Curacao Gaming Jurisdiction Gaming Authority and Players

While the country has taken great pains to ensure that online casinos within their borders are able to operate without incident, the same can’t be said for the patrons of these gaming sites. Curacao takes a hands-off approach to disputes between Internet casinos and their patrons, urging the two to reach a resolution without involving the tiny island nation. This might work out fine as long as the casino is a reputable entity, but there are also a number of shady organizations that have obtained a license and are more than happy to cheat their players.

The ultimate lesson to be learned here is this: “Always conduct research before opening an account with an online casino.” Almost all gambling sites are licensed by someone, but this doesn’t mean much if the entity who issued the license is unwilling to get involved on behalf of the customer.

Are you looking for information on another jurisdictions?

You can find out information about different and main jurisdictions where online poker rooms are available legally you can easily see our descriptive help towards open information.

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