Various Online Casino Regulations
Many folks who gamble online do not give much thought to the e-gaming industry regulations. In an ideal world, you wouldn't have to as the industry would be evenly regulated across the global spectrum. However, that's not the case, which means you should give some serious thought to online casino regulations.
While the activity is outlawed in some parts of the world, it's fully legalized in others. As such, different countries have different online gambling laws and guidelines.
Local Casino Regulations
As it is, there isn't a global body governing the e-gaming industry, and there's never likely going to be - too many separate parties and factors would need to be considered, which is close to impossible.
Countries like the United States regulate online gaming at two levels; federal and state. The legislation at the federal level applies countrywide while the state statutes are relevant at the state level. Note that state laws are clearer as opposed to federal legislation, which are somewhat open to interpretation making them somewhat confusing.
When it comes to Canadian online casino regulations, it's done at the provincial level via provincial lotteries jurisdictions. Sports parlays, poker and casino games are operated under licenses where they're specifically approved. Remote games are licensed by the lotteries in Manitoba, British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario. These are the only game sites run by the Canadian government.
The United Kingdom also has its own regulatory body - the UK Gambling Commission, established via the Gaming Act of 2005. This body is responsible for issuing licenses to betting houses that wish to offer gambling services within the United Kingdom borders.
Offshore Gambling Licensing
You'll also come across casinos that are licensed oversees. Such operators are allowed to offer services to global markets such as Canada, Australia, South Africa, the UK and a majority of the European countries. The remote regulatory bodies include;
- Alderney
- Gibraltar
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Isle of Man
- Tasmania
If you want to know whether a casino is licensed, you just have to visit their website and scroll to the bottom. Their credentials should be displayed in the footer. Additionally, the UK Gambling Commission has a search page, where you can find any licensed brands and their location.
Other Certifications
Besides the local and overseas casino regulations, several independent assessment bodies ensure online gambling establishments commit to various operating standards.
The eCOGRA is famous for testing gaming platforms to ensure fair play. Therefore, the next time you set out to find a reliable operator, it would be in your best interests to look out for the eCOGRA seal of approval.
There is also the European Sports Security Association (ESSA), which monitors suspicious betting patterns. Also, local betting associations and voluntary regulatory bodies such as Gibraltar's GBGA champion best practices amongst their members.
Why Online Casino Regulation is Important
Online gambling, involves entrusting your hard-earned cash to 'faceless' third parties - meaning you have no idea about whom you give your money to or their motives. Players need to know that they can do business with reputable organizations. Basically, casino regulations serve three main purposes as outlined below;
- To prevent minors as well as vulnerable people from being exploited
- To curb criminal activities
- To ensure online gamblers are safe and treated fairly
As much as these laws are meant to protect you, they can only do so when you stick to licensed online betting houses.
