Gambling is a significant sector of the entertainment industry and a source of huge revenues. It contributes to economic development, influences tourism, and creates jobs. Gambling also offers a variety of entertainment options for consumers: the opportunity to experience excitement, thrill, and thrilling experiences.
For some people, gambling is a regular part of social activity. For many countries, however, these arguments need to be more convincing. They prefer to ban gambling and online blackjack India altogether rather than deal with the problems that, alas, accompany it.
Countries where casinos are completely banned
It can not be denied that gambling is associated with several negative consequences. People prone to addictions, minors, who are so easily seduced by adult entertainment, need protection. However, as practice shows, prohibition as a way of saving is utterly untenable because those who want to gamble will do it anyway.
Countries that have chosen the path of prohibition and restriction often share characteristics such as state control over the economy, the desire to monitor the morality of their citizens, and religious and cultural factors.
China
In China, gambling is completely prohibited, except for the state lottery and some forms of sports betting. However, casino gambling opportunities are available to Chinese citizens in two autonomous regions, Macau and Hong Kong. The Chinese government is strictly opposed to gambling. However, this situation has a significant impact on neighbouring countries. Land-based casinos in them often target Chinese tourists specifically.
Countries where casinos are partially banned or restricted
In some states, only certain types of gambling may be prohibited, or existing casinos are closed to residents. Often, there is a state monopoly in such countries, and foreign and local companies can not legally offer their services to the public on extreme measures.
Cambodia
Gambling establishments in Cambodia are also not for use by locals; only tourists can play. The reason for this is the history of gambling addiction in Cambodia. After the legalization of the sphere in the 90s, the government, noticing how many citizens were addicted to gambling, passed a law to combat it. After that, all licenses issued to operators were revoked, and almost all forms of betting were banned for Cambodians.
Anyone found gambling can be fined around $12 or imprisoned for up to one month. Internet gambling is not regulated in Cambodia, although it is understood that it is also included in the list of prohibited gambling described in the said law.
Brazil
Almost all gambling has been banned in Brazil for over 70 years. Since the ban was introduced in 1941, the only legal forms of gambling have been lotteries, under a state monopoly, and betting on horse races. Also, poker is not banned under Brazilian law, as it is a game of skill. Bingo and slot machines were allowed briefly in the 1990s, but they also fell under the ban in the mid-2000s. Participating in gambling is considered an offence that is punishable by minor fines.
However, there is a perception that gambling in Brazil is a cover for money laundering and is run by criminal organizations. Thus, despite the current ban, the public can easily access bingo halls, slot machines, and the illegal Jogo do Bicho lottery.
Brazilian federal legislation does not contain any specific provisions on Internet gambling. Horse racing organizations already offer online betting. However, most online gambling in Brazil is provided by offshore operators.
Nevertheless, a project to legalize gambling and betting is now in the Brazilian Senate. According to it, casinos may open in Brazil, including resorts, Jogo do Bicho points, bingo and video bingo halls, and online casinos.
Finland
Gambling is legal in Finland but is entirely under the control of the state. The state operator is an amalgamation of three former companies: Finland’s Slot Machine Association (RAY), Fintoto, and Veikkaus, from which the name is retained. The Lotteries Act is being reformed, but there are no plans to open the market to private companies. Instead, the aim is more thorough player identification checks and an extension of the ban on advertising gambling products.
Norway
Norway has one of the strictest gambling laws in Europe. Only selected gaming areas are allowed in the state, and the state controls them. Two companies have an official license: Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto. The former has exclusive rights to lotteries, casino games, and sports betting, and the latter has exclusive rights to horse racing. The Norwegian Gaming Commission claims that local players are not banned from playing at foreign online casinos.
How casino bans affect a Country’s Economy
Any ban is almost always useless because it does not solve anything. Attitudes toward gambling will never be unambiguous and unanimous. But far worse is underground gambling, which comes with many interconnected crimes and a lack of clear rules.
Other reasons why a complete ban on gambling might be unfavourable include:
- The emergence of an illegal market. A lucrative niche will always be complete, and illegal ones will eventually appear where there are no legal casinos. And people who turn to them risk their safety and receive no guarantees to protect their rights, finances, and personal data.
- Loss of income and economic potential. Gambling can represent significant economic potential in the form of tax revenues, job creation, and development of the tourism industry. A total ban means only one thing – the state loses all these benefits.
- Lack of control and regulation. With a total ban on gambling, the government loses control of the situation, no matter how much it tries to block illegal websites and crack down on gambling dens. Players become more vulnerable to fraud and unscrupulous practices without legislation and proper rules.
- Lack of player protection. Without legislative regulation, players cannot access the protection and support mechanisms licensed gambling operators can provide. It can lead to problems associated with gambling addiction, financial hardship, etc., without access to appropriate assistance.
- The outflow of funds abroad. In the event of a complete gambling ban, people may turn to foreign online operators or travel abroad to fulfill their gambling needs. It naturally leads to an outflow of money from the country, which does not benefit the local economy.
Instead of a complete ban, some countries adopt a more flexible gambling regulatory policy that allows for effective control and regulation of gambling. The licensing and regulation approach will enable governments to set rules and regulations for operators, protect players’ interests and prevent illegal activities.
ALSO READ: 10 Largest cricket stadiums in the world that will Awestruck every Cricket Fan
