Gambling regulations in different countries: Europe, Australia and the Arab Nations
10-03-2025
Gambling is an established global industry, but regulations vary widely around the world. In this article, we look at gambling regulations in three different regions -
Europe, Australia and the Arab world - exploring the nuances in legal frameworks, licensing systems, market dynamics, and taxation policies.
Gambling regulation in Europe Europe`s gambling market is both mature and highly diverse, with no single unified regulatory system. Instead, each nation operates its own unique regulatory framework. For example, countries such as the UK, Germany and, France have well-established but distinctly different approaches to gambling regulation.
Legislative Framework & Licensing in Europe
European nations predominantly follow two regulatory models:
- Open Licensing Model: Private operators can obtain licenses freely if they meet conditions.
- State Monopoly Model: The state controls gambling activities.
For instance, the
UK Gambling Act (2005)v established a robust licensing system regulated by the
UK Gambling Commission. Germany implemented its new Interstate Treaty on Gambling in
2021, which allowed licensed online casino games under strict regulation, whereas Finland maintains a strict state monopoly with the company Veikkaus holding exclusive rights.
European Gambling Market Trends and Figures
Europe boasts significant market growth, particularly in online gambling. Here are some key figures:
- In 2023, total European gambling revenues will exceed €108 billion, representing around 40% of the global online gambling market.
- The UK leads the European online gambling market with annual revenues of around £6.4 billion.
- Mobile betting now accounts for almost 70% of online gambling in Europe.
- The Czech Republic has also emerged as an attractive online gambling market and is experiencing rapid growth with increased participation in online casinos, as detailed on the zahranicni kasina website.
Gambling Taxation Across Europe (Selected Examples)
| Country | Tax on Online Gambling (Gross Revenue) |
|---|
| UK | 21% Remote Gaming Duty |
| France | ~55% (Sports Betting), ~80% (Online Poker) |
| Germany | 5.3% Tax on Online Casino Wagers |
| Malta | 5% of Gross Gaming Revenue |
Gambling Regulations in Australia
Australia has one of the highest gambling participation rates globally. Australians lose more money per capita on gambling than any other nation, highlighting the significance of the industry.
Legislative Overview and Licensing in Australia
Australia`s gambling regulations are divided between federal and state levels:
- Interactive Gambling Act (2001) federally prohibits most online gambling (casino and poker), except sports betting.
- Each Australian state issues licenses for casinos, slot machines ("pokies"), and betting shops separately.
Operators seeking nationwide presence often choose licensing in states with favorable conditions, notably the
Northern Territory, home to leading online bookmakers such as Sportsbet and Bet365.
Due to restrictive federal laws, many Australians access offshore gambling platforms. For instance, popular international brands
like Fair-Go Casino and its sister sites cater extensively to Australian players, operating offshore but accessible from within Australia.
Australian Gambling Market Insights and Figures
The following points underline Australia`s vibrant gambling industry:
- About 73% of Australian adults participate in gambling annually.
- Australians collectively lose approximately AUD $24 billion annually on gambling activities.
- The average annual gambling loss per Australian adult is about AUD $1,200.
Most popular gambling forms in Australia:
- Poker machines ("pokies")
- Sports betting (online and retail)
- Casinos and lotteries
Taxation Rates in Australia`s Gambling Market
Australia`s states introduced
Point-of-Consumption Taxes (POCT) recently to capture tax revenue from bets placed within their jurisdiction:
| State/Territory | POCT Rate (Online Betting) |
|---|
| Victoria | 15% |
| New South Wales | 15% |
| Queensland | 15% |
| South Australia | 15% |
| Northern Territory | 10% |
Gambling Regulations in Arab Countries
In stark contrast, gambling across Arab nations is primarily influenced by Islamic law (Sharia), resulting in severe restrictions or complete prohibitions. Yet, a few notable exceptions exist, driven mainly by tourism.
Gambling Laws Across Arab Countries: A Snapshot
Generally, Arab nations fall into two categories:
- Complete prohibition: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman strictly forbid gambling in any form.
- Limited legal gambling: Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, and the UAE (recently shifting toward regulated gambling for tourists).
Morocco, for example, has permitted casinos and sports betting since the 1930s. Egypt allows gambling only for foreign passport holders in hotels and tourist areas, strictly prohibiting locals from entry.
The UAE: Emerging Gambling Hub in the Gulf
In a surprising policy shift, the UAE announced plans in
2023 to legalize gambling within controlled resort environments. Ras Al Khaimah has partnered with the US-based Wynn Resorts to launch the nation`s first legal casino, expected by 2026, aiming to attract international tourists and boost local revenue significantly.
Key Market Trends and Data in Arab Gambling Markets
Despite prohibitions, informal gambling (primarily via offshore online platforms) is rising:
- In Morocco, gambling market revenue is estimated at around $400 million annually.
- The UAE gambling market is projected to reach up to $8.5 billion annually once casinos begin operating.
Licensed gambling venues in Arab nations (limited cases):
- Casino du Liban (Lebanon)
- Resorts and casinos in tourist-focused cities in Morocco (Marrakech, Casablanca)
- Tourist-only casinos in Egyptian resort areas like Sharm El Sheikh
Gambling Taxation in Selected Arab Nations (Approximate Rates)
| Country | Tax/Revenue Share from Gambling |
|---|
| Morocco | Casinos (~20% tax), Sports betting (~25%) |
| Lebanon | High government profit-sharing (Casino du Liban) |
| Egypt | High fixed license fees per casino table |
Comparative Analysis of Regulatory Approaches
Europe, Australia, and Arab countries represent distinct approaches to gambling regulation, reflecting unique cultural and social perspectives:
- Europe embraces regulated openness, prioritizing consumer protection, market fairness, and substantial tax revenues.
- Australia follows a hybrid model, balancing permissiveness in land-based and sports betting with restrictions on online casinos.
- Arab countries predominantly prohibit gambling, with limited exceptions designed primarily to attract international tourism revenue.
Key Differences in Regulatory Models
| Aspect | Europe | Australia | Arab Countries |
|---|
| Online Casino Gambling | Widely legal (licensed) | Mostly illegal | Illegal, but widely accessed offshore |
| Sports Betting | Legal and highly popular | Legal, extensively regulated | Illegal, except limited cases |
| Gambling Taxation | Moderate to High | Moderate, state-regulated | Very High (limited legal cases) |
| Market Size (annual GGR) | €108 billion | AUD $24 billion (losses) | Small but growing (UAE ~ $8.5B projected) |
Conclusion
The gambling industry across Europe, Australia, and Arab countries illustrates how cultural values and economic interests shape regulation profoundly. Europe`s comprehensive framework emphasizes safe and fair gambling. Australia`s regulated yet highly engaged market balances freedom and responsibility, while Arab nations predominantly prohibit gambling but selectively relax restrictions for tourism and economic diversification. Understanding these regional variations helps industry stakeholders navigate global markets effectively.
