Is Online Gambling Legal in My Country?

Can you play slots, roulette, blackjack, or any other online casino games in your country?

That’s what you’ll find out in this guide.

While you can legally gamble online in the UK and plenty of other countries, that’s not the case everywhere. Some governments have outright banned all forms of online betting, while others impose strict regulations to control it.

Understanding the different rules in place around the world will help you avoid issues if you want to gamble while travelling. Keep reading to learn:

• Countries that allow players to gamble online.
• Age limits for gambling in countries without bans.
• How to stay on the right side of the law when gambling online internationally.

Which Countries Around the World Allow Online Gambling?

Here is a breakdown of the different countries that allow citizens to bet at online casino sites, organised by continent/region:

Europe

Online gambling is allowed in the following countries within Europe:

• United Kingdom
• Austra
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Macedonia
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

However, rules and regulations vary from country to country. Some have state-controlled monopolies, while others have a looser structure.

Across much of Europe, the legal gambling age is 18 years old. But in the following countries, only older residents can gamble at casino sites:

• Belgium (21)
• Estonia (21)
• Germany (21 in certain areas)
• Greece (21)
• Georgia (25)
• Malta (25)
• Portugal (25 or 21 depending on the casino)
• Sweden (20)

North America

Online gambling is legal in seven US states:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• West Virginia

Some other states, such as Arizona and Indiana, allow online sports betting but not online casino gaming. Players must be aged 18-21 to gamble in the US, though exact age limits vary by state.

How about online gambling in Canada? Residents can gamble at online casinos, but only where permitted by the territory or province of operation. Gamblers must be aged 18 or 19 (depending on their province) to play slots, live casino games, and all other casino games online.

South America

Certain South American countries allow residents to gamble online, including Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia. Bettors must be aged 18 or older.

Asia

The legality of online gambling in Asia varies from country to country:

• India banned online gambling in August 2025, with lawbreakers facing heavy fines and potential jail terms. 
• China only allows residents to gamble on the state-operated Welfare Lottery and Sports Lottery (which aren’t recognised as gambling).
• Japan has banned online casinos, and anyone attempting to wager at gaming sites outside of the country is breaking the law.
• The Philippines allows residents to gamble online at sites with a licence from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Legal gambling age can vary from country to country. China only allows residents aged 18 and above to take part in its two lotteries, while Japan requires bettors to be aged 18-20 depending on the activity. In the Philippines, gamblers must be aged 18+ to buy lottery tickets and 21+ to bet at casinos.

 Africa

Online gambling is legal in some African countries, including:

• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Comoros
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Namibia
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• Tanzania
• Uganda

However, online casino gambling is banned in South Africa, though online sports betting is allowed (only through licensed bookmakers). In African countries, the minimum age for gambling ranges from 18 to 21.

Australasia

Australia allows some types of online gambling: lotteries, sports, and racing (not online casinos) for residents aged 18 and above.

In July 2025, it was announced that New Zealand would start granting licences for online casinos under new regulations. 

How to Avoid Breaking Online Gambling Laws in Any Country

Whether you plan to spend time in Africa, Asia, South America, or anywhere else, make sure you understand the legal status of online gambling before you try to gamble online. 

Unfortunately, online gambling rules and regulations can be incredibly complicated. If you plan to play slots, live casino games, or anything else while abroad, research current laws before you visit a country for the first time. You may only be able to gamble at physical casino venues.

Make sure you confirm that online gambling is legal before you start wagering, and take security seriously to protect your data (whether on a desktop or mobile app). Remember to responsibly play games at all times, wherever you are.

If you have friends or relatives in any locations you intend to visit, ask them to clarify online gambling laws in their country. This can help prevent misunderstandings and mistranslations.

Conclusion

Online gambling is legal here in the UK, but that’s not the case everywhere in the world — numerous countries have banned it outright. Failing to abide by local gambling laws could lead to legal problems, so always check the current regulations before you try to gamble.

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