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European countries’ online casino legislation: which are the strictest and most lenient countries?
Gambling laws are changing all the time and it can be difficult to keep up. Most of Europe allows some form of gambling but the rules and legislation are different from one country to the next. In this guide, we’re looking at the strictest and most lenient countries in Europe when it comes to gambling.
While some countries strictly legislate and provide licences to some gambling companies (but not to all that apply for licensing) other countries have a much more liberal approach. A more competitive industry allowing for competition means consumers can find more bonuses and promotions.
Norway – strict
Norwegian gambling is strictly restricted and regulated through sites that are state approved, such as Norsk Tipping. However, Norwegian people are free to use companies that are technically based in other countries – so in reality, there isn’t a huge impact on the consumer. Lots of options exist for the Norwegian market and sites such as Casinospesialisten.net can help you through your options.
Cyprus – strict
Cyprus has some of the strictest rules, and you cannot bet online on horse races or dog racing. Spread betting is not permitted, and you may not use cryptocurrency in your gambling in the country. This means there are some limited sportsbooks but that is the main extent of gambling services in Cyprus.
Cyprus is actually one of the few European countries that bans certain types of gambling, and most of Europe has more liberal rules.
Germany – strict (but changing)
Germany has some complicated laws regarding gambling, but they are changing all the time. In 2021, a new Interstate Treaty aligned all the states in the applicable restrictions and their ability to provide licences. Previously, each state had its own specific rules.
The treaty means there are sports betting licences and a lot of different markets as well as online casinos, but there is still a different method for each state when it comes to providing betting shops and other land-based gambling outlets.
Some forms of gambling are limited and you can only bet a certain amount. Slots are capped at a “per-spin” rate to prevent people from gambling too much in one go, and bookmakers can’t provide as many markets as some other countries.
Sweden – lenient
Sweden’s laws have changed significantly but the government runs most of the online gaming industry, which means they can get more income from taxes. Swedish players may be at a disadvantage as a result, due to the fact there isn’t the same level of competition between gambling companies. Also, the companies don’t have the same requirement to provide customer service, for instance.
Offshore gambling isn’t necessarily illegal and a lot of people use casinos based in Malta.
Malta – lenient
Though this may be one of the smallest countries on the list, Malta has become a global gaming powerhouse due to the fact that they have very lenient laws when it comes to gambling.
Everything from narrative-driven slots to sportsbook gambling is legal in the country, with a number of countries’ gambling markets turning to offshore solutions in Malta.
The Malta Gaming Authority has jurisdiction and provides two different types of licence: B2B and B2C.
With B2B licences, the product should be for business use, which means that people need this sort of licence to produce casino games or make other related framework and payment services for the market.
B2C is more relevant to the consumer, such as traditional bookmakers and sportsbook markets, and online gambling companies offering casino games.
Malta generates 12% of its GDP from the online casino and gaming industry, which shows what an incredibly large part it plays in the culture of the island.
Finland – lenient
The government runs three organisations: Veikkaus, Fintoto and RAY. These have control over the different aspects of gambling, including lotteries and sports (Veikkaus), land-based casinos (Fintoto) and horse racing (RAY).
Finland’s Lotteries Act requires that all gambling companies be licensed by the state but that doesn’t mean Finnish people can’t choose to gamble elsewhere with offshore accounts, if they so wish.
United Kingdom – lenient
The UK has lenient laws that are controlled by the Gambling Commission (UKGC).
The UKGC regulates an incredible range of gambling, including over 800 different sportsbooks. Laws are regularly enforced, and gambling companies have to act on issues such as problem gambling. One of the most lenient aspects is that you don’t get taxed on any of your winnings – no matter the size of the gambling win, you won’t pay tax on it in the United Kingdom.
Conclusion
The world of casino legislation is constantly evolving, and it is important to keep up to date with the latest regulations in your country. However, many countries allow for offshore gambling where the consumers interact with gaming companies that are based elsewhere, though these may have to stick to regulations, too. European countries often have lenient casino and gambling laws when compared to other countries around the world.
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Springbok Casino’s Wild November Feature ‘Backyard Gangsters’ Offers 25 Free Spins on new Clue Chronicles: Mirror Mansion slot
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To celebrate these gang of wild characters, the leading South African online casino is offering all depositing players 25 free spins on the new RTG slot, Clue Chronicles: Mirror Mansion, until November 30th.
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Play’n GO celebrates multiple win at 5 Star Media Awards
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, is today celebrating a five-award sweep in the coveted 5 Star Media Awards of 2024.
The legendary games studio nabbed a second consecutive Slot Supplier of the Year award, as well as being named the RNG Casino Supplier of the Year. The company also secured three of 5 Star Media’s “Top 20” Awards for co-founder and CMO Ebba Arnred, Director of Business Development Stuart Trigwell, and Head of Brand and Communication, Andrew Pink.
Play’n GO has enjoyed a landmark 2024, breaking new ground by entering the South African market, as well as expanding its US presence into what is now five states.
Ebba Arnred, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Play’n GO, commented “We’re always very pleased to have our work recognised at the various awards throughout the year, but to win five in one fell swoop is almost unprecedented. It’s very special to be awarded Slot Supplier of the Year for a second year in a row, and RNG Casino Supplier of the Year is another well-received feather in our cap. We would like to thank 5 Star Media and the entire judging panel, as well as our entire team here at Play’n GO, without whom these award wins simply wouldn’t happen. On a personal level, I’d also like to express gratitude for the individual recognition of a 5 Star “Top 20” Award.”
Stuart Trigwell, Director of Business Development at Play’n GO, added “I’d like to express a sincere thank you to 5 Star Media for being recognised in their “Top 20” Awards. We do our work not for individual accolades but for the success of the entire business, so it’s great to see Play’n GO so well represented across the board.”
Andrew Pink, Head of Brand and Communication at Play’n GO, said “Play’n GO’s driving ambition is to be the best entertainment supplier there is. Aside from producing some of the most played games and best loved characters in the world, that ambition is often realised by things largely unseen by those outside the company. It’s extremely gratifying for everyone at Play’n GO to be recognised as Slot Supplier of the Year. Next year may just be our biggest and best yet.”
eSports
Procedure to be followed by school clubs affiliating for the 2025 season
Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA), founded in 1984, is the national federation for Board games, Card games, Esports, and Wargames.
MSSA promotes all the different disciplines equally, although each school may pick-and-choose which discipline it wishes to promote at its school. Some schools will promote the whole gambit, while others will concentrate on only one discipline, and/or even just concentrate on one specific title.
The choice is ultimately up to the school.
MSSA has sent teams with full Protea Colours to international events since 1991 for wargames, 1996 for Morabaraba, 1997 for Checkers, and 2005 for Esports. Many members of the national teams have been scholars, and all have benefited from their involvement in the national Protea Team.
There is still the option open for a school to start a full-blown sub-club on its premises, but bearing in mind the tight regulatory conditions under which accredited schools have to operate in the Republic, the MSSA no longer deems it necessary for a school to start a sub-club.
As long as the school club has the approval of the school, and has an Educator-in-Charge, a school may affiliate by merely completing the Application for Affiliation Form and submitting such to MSSA.
Advantages of having a MSSA affiliated club: There are many advantages of having a MSSA affiliated club, such as:
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Being part of a community where your club has a real say in how things are done
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Being able to apply for National Lottery Funding – MSSA member clubs can apply for up to R800,000.00 in funding
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Being able to get assistance from your local government
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Experience increased media exposure of your events and your gamers
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Become part of the international community through the MSSA Registered players are able to become internationally recognised umpires, etc.
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Enable your gamers to take part in MSSA events, which may qualify them for Regional, Provincial, and National colours, overseas trips, and even sports bursaries at university.
- Private clubs: one vote per every five registered players, and
- School clubs: one vote per every ten registered players.
MSSA’s General Regulations
The General Regulations comprises of decisions made by both Council and Executive Committee Meetings. The General Regulations deals with how sub-committees operate as well as to how teams are selected and development funding is distributed. Please refer to Schedule 10.12 in regard to the rights of clubs in hosting events.
MSSA’s Discipline Specific Regulations
The Discipline Specific Regulations deal with rules concerning the different disciplines. The Disciplines that the MSSA caters for are; Board Gaming, Card gaming, Esports, and Figure Gaming.
When a club applies for membership, the applicant club must complete such form and return the same to the MSSA.Fee note for 2025
The fee note details the Affiliation Fees and Registration fees that are payable.
Player Registration Form
The Player Registration Form needs to be completed by every player that is a member of a club and intends to participate in MSSA affairs.
MSSA’s Letter of Undertaking
The Letter of Undertaking is for all registered players who sit on any MSSA committee.
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