The online gambling industry has developed quickly due to several reasons, among which we remind better mobile technology, cryptocurrency, and better internet accessibility. According to Harvard Kennedy School professor Malcolm Sparrow, by 2028, gamblers could lose up to $700 billion each year, raising serious concerns.

Although gambling is legal in 80% of countries, online platforms allow people to gamble across borders, making it a global issue. This definitely sparked a debate among people. Thus, should gambling be seen as a public health concern or an economic opportunity?

This article will explore the impact of online gambling, the arguments on both sides of the debate, and how governments are responding to the issue. It surely is an intriguing topic, so if you’re curious about how countries are managing the expansion of online gambling, we invite you to continue reading.

The Global Gambling Expansion and Its Challenges

Along with the evolution of online gambling, many challenges have become real for policymakers. Gambling has become more accessible than ever due to the fast internet, and now, thanks to mobile apps and cryptocurrency transactions, everything is easier to reach. However, these new features made it easier to avoid traditional rules, which makes it easier for everyone, including teenagers, to gamble.

Research shows that one in four young gamblers could develop serious gambling problems. The effects of problem gambling go beyond the person gambling, impacting their families, workplaces, and communities.

In 2023, the Gambling Commission worked with Ipsos to carry out the annual Young People and Gambling Survey. The survey asked 3,869 students aged 11 to 17 in England, Scotland, and Wales about their exposure to and involvement in gambling and analyzed how gambling impacts young people. The data shows that more and more young people are gambling, which brings new risks and calls for continued focus on this issue.

Trends in Online Gambling Laws

Online gambling expansion has become a global phenomenon, and governments are still trying to figure out how to regulate it best. Countries are taking different approaches based on their unique concerts, but some key ideas might become universal when it comes to governments' respond to online gambling.

Stricter Rules

Some countries put stricter rules in place to limit gambling and prevent addiction or financial loss. These regulations will protect people from the negative side effects of gambling, especially those who may be more vulnerable.

These rules will definitely include setting stricter limits on betting habits, banning certain types of gambling, and improving age checks. Some will also try to change how players interact with bonuses, as a free bonus on registration no deposit might be too tempting for some. In the case of promotions, regulators need to make operators show exactly what the deal includes and the disadvantages that also come with it.

For instance, in countries like Sweden and the Netherlands, gambling ads are strictly regulated to ensure they don’t encourage excessive gambling. The UK and Australia also have strict rules to prevent problem gambling, such as allowing people to block themselves from gambling sites. Operators also need to provide valuable information to players on how to gamble responsibly.

Creating Legal Structures

Other countries are taking a different approach. They have set up clear rules and legal systems to manage online gambling in a way that allows the industry to grow while still keeping everything under control. This legal system’s purpose is to strike the perfect balance between allowing gambling businesses to operate and ensuring they act responsibly.

In the UK, for example, the Gambling Commission oversees online gambling companies, ensuring they follow rules about fairness, transparency, and player protection.

Countries such as Malta, Gibraltar, and Curacao have also established similar systems to regulate international gambling companies. These rules help prevent illegal gambling operations from taking over and ensure that legal companies pay their taxes and operate fairly.

On the other hand, in places such as Canada and the US states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, online gambling is now legal, but it needs to follow strict rules. They must protect players and ensure businesses are operating fairly. At the same time, some of the money from gambling taxes goes straight to fund programs to help people who struggle with addiction, offering benefits to the community.

Which Markets Introduce New Regulations?

As already mentioned earlier in this article, governments are trying to introduce new regulations to balance industry growth with consumer protection. Regions all across the globe adopted different approaches based on their legal frameworks, economic goals, and concerns about problem gambling.

Below, you will find an overview of the main markets that are adding new regulations and how they will shape the future of digital gambling:

Europe

In Europe, more specifically in countries such as Norway, the UK, and Germany, they have tightened the rules and made some changes as well. For instance:

Norway’s State-Controlled Model: Norsk Tipping is a government-run platform that implemented strong responsible gambling measures to minimise harm.
United Kingdom: The UK has much stricter advertising rules, introduced affordability checks, and placed stake limits on online slots.
Germany: It has a licensing system that regulates online gambling while ensuring strong customer protection.

The United States

In the US, online gambling is regulated on a state-by-state basis, leading to a patchwork of laws. There are states that are considering introducing limits on credit-based gambling to improve consumer protection measures.

Australia & Canada

Both these countries have introduced stricter regulations on gambling ads and also banned gambling on credit to reduce financial harm.

Asian Markets

In China, the government enforces heavy restrictions on gambling. They impose strong government crackdowns on illegal online platforms. Also, in Japan and India, new frameworks appear to regulate and legalize aspects of online gambling while maintaining consumer protections.

Is Gambling a Health Issue or a Business Opportunity?

As you know, the biggest debate around online gambling is whether it should be treated as a public health issue or an economic opportunity. Everyone involved, including governments, lawmakers, and even the public, has different views on this matter.

Some experts believe that gambling, especially online gambling, can be very addictive and harmful to people and society. They argue that it should be treated as a public health issue, and the focus should be on limiting the damage it causes.

This view supports laws that make it easy for people to get help if they have gambling problems, encourage responsible gambling practices, and restrict certain types of gambling to reduce the risk of addiction.

On the other hand, some see this field as a way to increase the economy. The online gambling industry can also create jobs, generate tax income, and help tourism, especially when it’s properly regulated. Countries such as the UK, Australia, and some states in the US agree with this view. They see online betting as an industry that can create revenue if controlled carefully. A balanced approach can really help the industry grow even more while still protecting people from harm.

So, the views are still very different. But soon, lawmakers worldwide will create a legal system that allows the gambling industry to grow in a safe and regulated way.

Final Words

The online gambling market is growing quickly, so governments worldwide need to rethink their laws and regulations. While some are making stricter laws to reduce social problems, others are creating clear regulations to manage the industry responsibly.

Of course, the challenge remains in finding the perfect balance between seeing the industry as a source of money and providing proper protection to people.

While every country comes up with its own solution, international cooperation and tougher enforcement of gambling laws can create a better future for this industry.