When the talk is about gambling, Northern Europe is known for its history of strict rules and regulations, and virtual casinos are not exempted. This part of Europe is home to nations like the UK, Sweden, Iceland, Ireland, Denmark, and more. All these countries have their specific laws and rules which are implemented to create a responsible gaming environment that is safe and secure for gambling enthusiasts in the region..
Iceland
The Icelandic government has always had a tough stand on gambling and all activities related to wagering with most of them deemed to be illegal. This is one of the major reasons why it is difficult to see an online casino in Iceland. With that said, it is worthy of note that no Icelander has ever faced prosecutions for wagering on offshore gambling sites online. Thus, top online bookmakers from across the globe are accepting Icelandic customers currently since there are no specifics in the country’s existing legislation documents surrounding gambling online. Below are the key facts for online casinos in Iceland
- Since 1926, most forms of wagering are technically illegal
- If they are not targeted at making a profit, lottery, slots, bingo, and sports betting can be considered legal.
- Within Iceland, there is no existing legal gambling facility.
- Licensed overseas bookmakers are legal
- No specific legislation for online gaming, thus, Icelanders resort to online offshore providers to place bets.
United Kingdom
England is listed among the pioneers of the gambling industry, thanks to its early-adopted legislation as far back as 2005. The UK’s Gambling Act 2005 takes the credit for creating the basis for subsequent legislation.
The act became a framework leveraged by the UK for authorizing, licensing, and appropriately regulating the virtual gaming industry in the country. This also ensured a certain standard to be met by all online wagering sites.
It is the duty of the UK Gambling Commission to license and regulate all functional online casinos and bookmaker activities in the country. While overseeing the entire UK gaming landscape, the commission aims to safeguard the interest of players. The regulatory body scrutinizes the promotion and advertising of responsible gaming practices to ensure responsible gambling. The onus is also on the UKGC to supervise the compliance to impartial operator terms which ensures player safety. Equally, the protection and prevention of dangerous and illegal gambling activities are among the responsibilities of the UKGC.
Even with all; these regulations, black markets still exist in the UK online gambling industry as many sites still operate without securing legitimate licenses from the UKGC.
Norway
In the past century, Norway’s relationship with gambling activities has been somewhat mixed and this has always raised intense debates within and outside the country. Gambling at physical casinos is deemed illegal with the exception of gaming facilities on IVTS, cruise ships, and slot machines located at bingo halls. However, when it comes to online casinos, two state-owned firms namely Norsk Rikstoto and Norsk Tipping are the only ones licensed to operate online casinos in Norway since 2012, others are considered illegal.
Recently, Norway rolled out the Gaming Scheme Act 2023, a convergence of previous acts outlining that the aforementioned companies continue to maintain monopoly control while conferring the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority the authority to issue fines to foreign gambling sites and block them. However, this has not stopped Norwegian gambling enthusiasts from placing bets through offshore sites that are still operating.
Sweden
Compared to other Northern European countries, Sweden is a newcomer to online wagering regulations, though it has an open approach to the casino business. It was only in 2019 that the SGA (Swedish Gambling Authority) decided to open the markets to transnational gambling operators. The aim of the SGA is to maintain strict regulations through the issuance of licenses to online gambling websites that compel each online casino operator to maintain a stipulated level of standard. The regulatory body’s major focus is on consumer protection with a regulatory framework that aims to ensure and promote responsible gambling activities while fighting unlawful gambling operators.
Denmark
The Gambling Act of Denmark declared gambling legal in the country, including the executive guidelines regarding such things as gambling machines, virtual and land-dwelling betting, and casinos. However, there is an exception – the poker games tournaments are subjected to the Gaming Act on open/ public poker competitions. The Danish Gambling Authority or the Spillemyndigheden is the body charged with the responsibility of regulating wagering activities in Denmark. The Danish gambling laws stipulate that authorizations for providing wagering games under the regulation of the Gambling Act should be obtainable from the Danish Gambling Authority. Important to note that Denmark practices monopoly in its lotteries with only the state-owned Danske Spil licensed to run lotteries
Ireland
Many believe that Ireland’s proximity to the United Kingdom means that both would have a similar regulatory system but the reverse is the case. While the UK’s regulatory system is robust and permissive, Ireland takes a more stringent stance when it comes to activities related to casino. Most of the country’s existing regulations concerning online gambling appear to be in need of serious reforms and modernizations. Ireland’s Betting Acts of 1931 – 2015 made sports betting legal while the Country’s Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956 – 2019 made casino gaming illegal except in situations where operators become license holders.
- No existing regulations for online gaming
- Though casino gaming is considered illegal, minor private member clubs may obtain permits.
- Offline bingo is legalized but must be operated with a permit or license.
- Permit or license is required for the operation of small lotteries and the main Irish
- The National Lottery runs under the regulations of the National Lottery Act.
- Both online and in-person sports betting are considered to be legal.
In summary
Other Northern European countries like Finland, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia have different regulations for their online gambling industries and all online bookmakers are obligated to adhere to rules and regulations governing gaming in their individual countries.