The legal sports betting landscape is one of the most complex areas to explore in the betting industry. perhaps, it is so because many countries have diverse regulatory frameworks that govern them.
This blog is put together to offer you some deep insights into the topic, including enabling you to understand the sports betting legal aspects of the besting industry,
What Does Legal Sports Betting Mean?
Legal sports betting is a term that refers to a situation whereby government and authorities allow and regulate betting activities.
Legalised sports betting or betting laws are different in regions and countries. Differences may also exist in states and areas of provinces.
In some places, betting suffers strict prohibition, while in others, it is legal (under certain conditions).
Important Note: The legality of sports betting can change over time, so it’s always best to check the current laws and regulations in your specific location.
Where sports betting has been legalised, frameworks are established to protect online gamblers and create tax opportunities for the government or community.
Popular Countries with Legal Sports Betting:
The most popular countries in the world where sports betting is legal include
North America
- Canada
- USA
- Mexico
South America
- Brazil
- Peru
- Costa Rica
Europe
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Nigeria
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Sweden
Asia
- India
- China
Oceania
- Australia
· Most Popular Sports Betting Sites: A dedicated section could highlight the top-rated and most widely used sports betting platforms, discussing their features, benefits, and target audiences.
Sports Betting Regulatory Landscape in the United States
By 2024, most states in the US have or are seriously considering making sports betting legal.
History of sports betting regulations in the US
Several US states with sports betting have launched their industries and others are still working towards it. Meanwhile, currently, 39 out of 50 US states have established legal sports betting markets.
Because the US is a global leading force, legalising sports betting in the states opens up many other opportunities and possibilities in other parts of the world. Predictions show that before or by 2027, 98% of US states will legalise sports betting.
Current regulatory framework for sports betting in US states
In the US, most of the legal sports betting states stipulate betting age to be between 18 to 21. Users are allowed to engage in responsible gambling practices on either casino, online sports gambling or both.
Use laws on sports betting require gamblers to reside in the US or within to be able to wager on approved platforms. Also, bettors can place bets on other platforms outside their states of residence.
Impact of the PASPA repeal on sports betting
Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), is a 1992 federal law in the US. It existed, in the past, to restrict US states from legalising sports betting.
The federal law did not only negatively impact individual participation in sports betting activities in and from the US. It also puts a restriction and limitations on US states, especially on legalising, regulating and taxing sports betting activities.
This led to a situation whereby states and local governments missed out on gaining millions of dollars in generating revenue in taxes from the sports betting industry. PASPA also negatively impacted the US job growth and led to a decrease in US intrastate economic activities.
Looking at the downsides of the Law, everyone, including, Eric Meer, agreed that “PASPA is a bad bet for the United States, and should be repealed”. This was done about six years ago, specifically on May 14, 2018. According to, Patrick Everson, “the 1992 law was repealed based on it violating state’s rights, specifically about allowing legal, regulated sports betting.
The repealing of the federal law changed the US and the global Sports betting industry forever.
Do you need a sports betting app development service that fits into the US legal betting laws? We can offer you the best. Let’s discuss this now.
Sports Betting in the United Kingdom
Hoof! Learning about the legal frameworks for sports betting apps is not always easy. It is one of the most complex landscapes to navigate. It is best to hire expert sports betting app developers for the best results.
From the US regulatory framework, let’s look at the UK. Beginning with a short history though😉.
Evolution of sports betting regulations in the UK
The history of the evolution of gambling, gambling laws and regulations in the UK traces back to centuries ago. Gambling regulation in the UK began with The Unlawful Games Act 1541 declaring all gambling activities illegal in the UK. Although it was not fully enforced.
In the 1700s, additional acts were brought up and implemented in the UK. Their focus was mainly on popular gambling games, financial securities and illegal lotteries.
Following these laws were others and they further shaped the legal frameworks for gambling activities in the UK. Prominent are the Gaming Act of 1845, the Betting and Lottery Act 194 and the Betting and Gaming Act 1960.
Legal sports betting in the UK has evolved. in the 21st century, it is the Gambling Act 2005 and the Gambling Commission that are in control of gambling activities in the area.
Role of the UK Gambling Commission in overseeing sports betting
The main objective of the UK Gambling Commission is to offer gambling licences, and regulations, offer the best advice and provide guidance. The services are for both individuals and businesses in the betting industry of Great Britain.
In other words, the UK Gambling Commission helps you to get “information about gambling in Great Britain and find support when you need it.”
More specifically, The Gambling Commission regulates the following;
- Arcades
- Betting
- Bingo
- Casinos
- Gaming machine providers
- Gambling software providers
- Lottery operators
- External lottery managers
- Remote gambling (online and by phone)
Popular sports betting sites in the UK
- Bet365
- Boylesports
- Betfred
- Betway
- Spreadex
- Unibet
- BetMGM
- Ladbrokes
- BetVictor
- 10bet
- Betano
- LiveScore Bet
- Paddy Power
- Sky Bet
- Betfair
- Bwin
- Coral
- Kwiff
- Parimatch
- BetUK
- CopyBet
- Midnite
- QuinnBet
Betting in Other European Countries
When it comes to sports betting, European countries are progressive and have progressive online gambling laws.
While some may permit all sorts of gambling, some are interested in controlling the industry and maximising tax income profits for the government.
According to Adam Morgan, “The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is an organization set up to try and implement a fair, competitive, and regulated market for online gambling operators wishing to provide their services in Europe.” It came on board in the year 2007 and it is located in Brussels
The European region has a booming betting industry. local authorities have the flexibility of regulation and this increases the demand for legal betting sites.
Europe has a total of 44 countries, and pretty much all of them or over 99% have legalized sports betting under different conditions.
Some popular legal sports betting states in Europe include;
- Italy
- Poland
- The UK
- Germany
- Spain
- Greece
- France
- Belgium
- Portugal
Is Sports Betting Regulations in Asia
Alright. So, away from the UK and Europe. Let us look at the sports betting legal framework in Asia.
Influence of cultural and legal factors on sports betting in Asia
Cultural and legal factors play important roles in driving the sports betting industry in Asia. The region has a population of over 4 billion people, making it the world’s largest marketplace for businesses.
While the betting industry in the UK and the US have gone very far, that of Asia is still evolving and far behind. Asia happens to have distinct and very strict regulatory frameworks on betting activities.
The reason for strict regulations is due to the rising crimes. The strict regulation is to help curb financial crimes and other illegal activities in the betting industry
Examination of betting regulations in key Asian countries
iGaming Regulations in the Philippines
The gambling culture in the Philippines is very rich. If you take a look at the country’s history and culture, you can tie some crucial parts to betting and gambling at an early stage. The principal regulatory and licencing betting body is the Philippine Amusement and iGaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Through the PAGCOR, regulations are in place to ensure safe, secure and responsible gambling practices for all gamblers. For example, all betting app platforms in the Philippines must display the 21years+ logo or provide a date of birth form for users.
Also, the country’s gambling regulation requires legal betting platforms to boldly display the RG slogan “Keep it fun”. The slogan serves as a reminder to both players and sportsbook providers to see betting as a fun activity and avoid gambling addictions.
Gaming Regulations in India
In India, the gambling industry is growing very fast as more and more people are trooping in. Although, like several Asian countries, its regulatory landscape is complex to navigate, the country still boasts of several successful iGaming companies.
The regulation on betting is very strict and not every betting app can operate in India. In the country’s constitution, under Entry 34 of the State List, states have the power to implement laws on making sports betting legal or not.
Online Betting in South Korea
South Koreans are also a betting population and it is sports betting, casino games, and poker that interest them the most.
However, like India, South Korea also has strict betting regulations. There is even an Act on the Punishment of Arranging which is a prohibition for gambling. For example, they are not allowed to travel outside the country and place bets there. If they do, they are subject to prosecution and fines.
South Koreans are also not allowed to own betting shops, land-based casinos or iGaming platforms.
The increasing demand by South Korean people for legal sports betting platforms will continue to grow. The government should implement friendly sports betting app operation and licensing policies. Doing so will not only open many economic opportunities but will help in preventing illicit activities.
Betting Regulation in Japan
In Japan, what governs betting activities is the Criminal Code. Although it comes out strict, it does not affect gambling activities on horse racing, powerboat, bicycle racing and several others.
The legalised betting industry of Japan is funny because it restricts its citizens but makes certain options or betting markets and platforms available to visitors.
Japan is still trying to make any meaningful progress in legalising betting for its citizens. However, there are speculation of talks in progress to work things out and perhaps, change its online gambling and betting regulations.
iGaming Regulations in China
in China, online gambling and betting are just illegal. There is a total ban or prohibition from the Chinese government on all betting activities in the country.
Most of the existing betting platforms in the country are illegal and it’s only a matter of time before the government cracks down on them.
China has a very large population that, shows a potential of being one of the Asian powerhouses of online gambling. This also means that the government can benefit a lot in terms of tax on betting income and operations.
Betting Regulation in Australia
Asia was tough and has a long way to go in terms of legalising sports betting. But the good news is that there is hope, right? Now for Australia, the case is way more different because betting and gambling are legal.
History and current state of sports betting regulations in Australia
Unofficially, Australians have been participating in betting and gambling activities for many years. It was in 2001 that the government decided to step in and regulate the betting and online gambling industry.
In exactly June 2001, the government of Australia passed the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). However, there are some complexities with the law. For example, all betting platforms in Australia must be licensed and adhere to responsible gambling practices.
Betting apps and betting sites must also not offer in-play odds as all gamblers can place their bets before the start of the event. The Australian Interactive Gambling Act 2001 does not penalise gamblers but operators for offering in-play betting options.
This means you can make your sports betting app available to Australians to enable them to enjoy the in-play betting markets.
Impact of technological advancements on the Australian sports betting industry
Technology strengthens the Australian betting industry in many ways. Firstly, it offers the residents and citizens the opportunity to access betting platforms outside the country to explore more markets. Remember, the law prohibiting live-play markets applies to bookmakers and not gamblers.
Also, the evolution of cryptocurrency sports betting is another great way technology impacts the Australian gambling industry. These modern betting platforms bring decentralisation to Australian gamblers, offering them better security, privacy and faster payments.
Other impacts of technological advancements on Australian sports betting include;
- Computerized Scenes and Online Presence
- Mobile Betting Apps
- Advances in Data Analytics
- Integration of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
- Improved User Experience with Virtual Reality
- Impact on Market Competition
- Regulatory Compliance and Ethical Considerations
- Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
- AI and Machine Learning
- User Personalization and Customization
- Enhanced Security Protocols
- Customer Support and Service
- Marketing Strategies and Customer Acquisition
So, both gamblers and sportsbook operators are keying into the adoption and use of modern technologies in betting. This is ushering in a new betting era in the country’s gambling industry. It is also expanding the betting app development market in Australia, enabling innovation and betting user experience.
Regulatory measures to promote responsible gambling in Australia
The sports betting market in Australia is not all loose and unregulated. Online gambling in the country follows strict regulations and betting platforms require a license to operate.
All the players and stakeholders in gambling are regulated by laws set by individual state and territory authorities. There is also an important legal framework by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
To enter the Australian online gambling market as a sportsbook operator, it is best to consult with an expert sportsbook developer to help you navigate the landscape.
All sportsbook operators in Australia prioritise responsible gambling policies to keep the citizens safe and secure from gambling threats and negative effects.
Firms should also pay special attention to responsible gambling policies, as gambling addiction is a problem in Australia, with a recent report finding 184 suicides connected to gambling in Victoria alone.
Is Betting Legal in Africa
As it is in other regions of the world, the legal sports betting landscape in Africa is complex to navigate. Although online gambling is still evolving in the region, sports betting has come a long way.
Several African countries have enacted state laws to address and shape a legalised sports betting industry. This includes ensuring Responsible Gambling Practices, tax remittance, security and fast payment processing.
Let’s look at a few African countries with legal sports betting frameworks, including Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.
The Tanzanian Sports Betting Legal Landscape
Sports betting and online gambling activities are regulated by the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT). This already insinuates that betting and gambling are legal in the African country. The minimum age for betting is 18+
If you intend to launch and operate your online betting app in Tanzania, ensure you get a license approval.
The Nigerian Sports Betting Legal Landscape
Nigeria also tows the road of other countries where betting and online gambling is legalized. The regulatory body for Nigeria is the National Lottery Regulation Commission (NLRC).
Through the agency, the country establishes legal frameworks guiding gambling activities in the country. All online sports betting operators must obtain the appropriate license to smoothly operate in the country.
Currently, there is no tax on winning, unless winnings exceed certain amounts; 10 million naira per annum.
The country’s law requires online gamblers to reach at least 18 years before betting. Also, the betting app platforms are obliged by the law to perform KYC for their users.
The South African Sports Betting Regulatory Landscape
In South Africa, online sports betting is legal. However, all users must engage with a licensed provider.
Although in the early times of the country, gambling was a serious offence, in 1965, things changed and it became legal, beginning with horse racing gambling.
In 1994, South Africa became one of Africa’s official legal sports betting states. The betting laws are strict as it prohibit citizens from using any unlicensed or unauthorised betting site.
Ghanian Legal Sports Betting Landscape
Ghana also has relaxed sports betting laws. But you will need to use only licensed betting platforms. The Ghanaian sports betting industry is regulated by the Lotteries Betting Act 1960.
There is also the Gaming Act (2006) which enables the Ghana Gaming Commission to regulate.
How Can Prometteur Help Your Sports Betting App Development?
We are an expert software development company with ample experience and skilled professionals.
Our team have a mind-blowing history of helping clients around the world to build turnkey sports betting apps, online betting platforms and betting websites for the ideal clients.
We can also help clients to ease the stress of navigating the complex landscape of legal sports betting.
Our solutions come with all the right features and functionalities that your customers yearn to have. We can also integrate your sportsbook with the best tools, as well as offer the most effective marketing and post-maintenance services.
Sounds great to you? Let’s discuss your project now.
