In 2022, the global gaming industry was valued at $200 million. Part of the pertinent reason why this industry was valued so highly was the key roles played by the innovative betting apps that provide convenience to gamers worldwide. According to Statista, an impressive 255 billion mobile apps were downloaded in 2022, showcasing the industry’s huge potential to grow. As the popularity of these online gambling apps continues to soar, it is vital to understand the varying legal landscapes across different regions before you download and use any platform, such as the Verde casino App download. When you make an informed decision based on the legal status, you’ll not only comply with different jurisdictions’ local laws but you’ll also be safeguarded when playing your favorite games.
Where Are Gambling Apps Allowed?
From an outside perspective, the various jurisdictions have the right to impose restrictions barring the usage of these platforms in their jurisdictions. Be that as it may, there is also an added layer of restrictions that can occur, where the tech giants behind the mobile application stores may have rules on whether or not they allow iGaming applications on their platforms. If we take Google Play, for instance, which is arguably the biggest app store, around 2021, the legal betting platforms could only be downloaded from the Google Play store in 3 regions. These were:
- France;
- Brazil;
- The United Kingdom.
That said, with the ensuing regulatory changes across the world, now 37 countries on all of the continents and even Antarctica can legally acquire these platforms. Let’s take a brief tour around the globe to see how the legal status of this software.
North America
The legal status of online gambling software has been constantly evolving in the United States ever since the landmark PASPA ruling that lifted the ban on sports wagering outside of Nevada. Since then, the iGaming programs situation has been advancing on a state-by-state basis. Today, there are several licensed sports betting apps in the States. Today, you can legally download and enjoy betting in several states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Many more are on the way if the widespread legalization of these sports-wagering apps continues.
In many states across the US, there is an open market where operators from whichever part of the country can come in and set up their respective iGaming software. That said, there are some states in the states where the operators allowed to develop applications are limited to one. This includes New Hampshire and Oregon. Be that as it may, these software are different from each other regardless of the states they operate in, and they enhance the betting experiences for punters.
Europe
Europe is one of the world’s most structured iGaming markets. It, therefore, follows that the countries in this continent have developed good structures to support online casino gaming programs. Countries like Malta, Sweden, and the United Kingdom feature robust systems that govern the use of these gambling apps in their jurisdictions. In the UK, for instance, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has imposed stringent rules and regulations that must be adhered to by betting apps in an effort to ensure a safe and transparent gaming experience for gamers all over the country. That said, in other European markets like Germany, these apps are legal, but they operate under very tough regulations overseen by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). France and Italy also feature pretty strict laws on gambling programs, which makes it vital for gamers to understand the gambling laws of various countries before they go for sites operating in these countries.
Asia
Asia presents a different ball game altogether, with the main superpower from the region, China, banning all forms of wagering except state-run lotteries. It therefore follows that online casino applications are not a concept in Asia’s biggest economy. While that’s the case in China, there are some patches of gray area operations. In countries like Japan and India, for instance, legalized gambling apps are permitted in some states, as well as some betting events.
Do Your Research!
Having seen the overall landscape of the legality of gambling apps worldwide, it is always wise, moving forward, to do your research on local gambling laws if you want to use them to gamble. One way to go about it is to always review the terms and conditions of the iGaming programs you are using. More often than not, these T&Cs will mention any banned or legal jurisdictions for the applications. Finally, even if these platforms are legal in your area, always make sure you gamble responsibly!