Online gambling jurisdiction: what does it mean?
Online gaming platforms can be divided into two groups: those that have a license and those that do not have a license. Online casinos holding an authorization are attached to a jurisdiction.
This means that these virtual casinos are subject to the laws of the country which granted them the license. Also, that the courts of the country which grants a license to an online gaming platform, are competent to judge all disputes arising from their activities. As for casinos that operate without a license, they are considered illegal.
In this article, discover the main countries that have adopted online gambling regulations.
France
On January 01, 2020, the Online Gaming Regulatory Authority, abbreviated Arjel, was replaced by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ). Thus, to operate in the French geographical area, online casinos must first have an authorization from the ANJ. The approval is accompanied by specifications that virtual game platforms must scrupulously respect. Failure to comply with the clauses to which casinos are subject leads to penalties which may go as far as withdrawal of approval.
Britain
In Great Britain, online casino promoters obtain their licenses from the Gambling Commission. To regulate the activities of virtual casinos, the Gambling Commission bases its action on the Gambling Act. The Gambling Act is the legal text that brings together all the laws that online gaming platforms must comply with.
Malta
The Malta Gaming Authority, better known by the acronym MGA, is responsible for issuing licenses to online casinos operating in Malta. You will also notice that virtual casinos, which use games published by the Microgaming firm, have Maltese amenities.
As a result, a large part of online gaming platforms are under the control of the Malta Gaming Authority. In fact, the virtual game programming company Microgaming is one of the leaders in this activity in the world.
Curacao
The organization in charge of licensing online casinos on the island of Curaçao is called the Curaçao Internet Gaming Association, or contractually, just say CIGA. CIGA licensed virtual casino sites are very popular with online gamblers. In fact, CIGA, which has been operating since 2001, has particularly distinguished itself by the seriousness of its process for granting approvals. Also, the CIGA’s main concern is the protection of players, against rogue online casinos.
Gibraltar
The Gilbratar Licensing Authority, is the regulator of internet gaming in Gilbratar. Obtaining a Gilbratar Licensing Authority approval by an online casino follows a rigorous process. Indeed, the future casino, as well as its promoter, are first subjected to a meticulous investigation.
This investigation aims to determine whether the promoter has sufficient experience in the field of online gambling. Also, if during its operation, the casino will be able to settle without any difficulty, the gains obtained by the lucky bettors.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has the particularity of not having an organization dedicated to the regulation of online games. Nevertheless the country grants licenses to virtual casinos. This simplification of the procedures for creating online casinos attracts several promoters to Costa Rica. The country is therefore among the jurisdictions that host the largest number of virtual casinos in the world.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is the first jurisdiction in the world, which in 1994 decided to regulate online gambling . It will therefore issue the first licenses for virtual casinos. Thus, the casino called InterCasino is the first to become licensed from Antigua and Barbuda.
Panama
In Panama, the regulator for online gaming platforms is called the Panama Gaming Control Board. Founded in 1998, the Panama Gaming Control Board has a fairly good reputation. It is a regulatory body known for its seriousness in the licensing process. Casinos with a Panama license are regularly audited.
Note that this regulatory body deals with all virtual and physical games of chance. It was in 2002 that it was authorized to issue licenses to online casinos. The first licenses for virtual casinos were handed over in 2003.
Isle of Man
On the Isle of Man, online casinos are under the authority of the Gambling Supervision Commission. The main mission of the Isle of Man Online Gaming Commission is to protect bettors. Thus, it ensures the ability of online casinos, which are under its supervision, to pay the winnings obtained by players.
Indeed, illegal casinos are characterized by the refusal to pay the winnings of online punters. Also, its goal is to fight money laundering via online gaming platforms.
Belize
In Belize the regulation of online casinos is carried out by the Belize Computer Wagering License Board. It is one of the first regulatory bodies in the world. In 1996 a law on online gambling came into force in Belize. This law is known as the Computer Wagering License Act. This is a fairly comprehensive piece of legislation that covers all aspects related to the activities of online casinos. Thus, on virtual gaming platforms accredited in Belize, players bet in safety.
Alderney
In Alderney, there is one of the strictest control authorities in the world. It is commonly referred to as the AGCC. The AGCC stands for: Alderney Gaming Control Commission. AGCC licensed casinos enjoy great popularity with online gamblers. This is because, on these online gaming platforms, they are sure to pocket their winnings.
Conclusion
There is not yet an international authority dedicated to the regulation of online games. However, some jurisdictions have established mechanisms for licensing and controlling virtual casinos. There is cooperation between countries on this issue. Thus, Great Britain regularly draws up a white list. This list identifies the jurisdictions whose casinos are also admitted by the British jurisdiction.