Before opening an online project, every operator primarily asks the question: what market to choose? Where can I operate freely, and where do I need to go through the licensing procedure?

Slotegrator examined this question. Our experts prepared a list of countries where online gambling operation is legal.

Serbia’s new gambling law aimed at harmonising the country’s regulations with EU legislation, in particular combatting money laundering, came into effect on March 11, 2020. There are two land-based casinos, the Grand Casino Beograd and the Fair Play Casino, also situated in the country’s capital. The organizers of special gambling (i) in casinos, (ii) at slot machines, (iii) betting and (iv) on-line gambling are obliged to submit to the Gaming Authority, by June 30, 2020, proofs of ownership structure, certain financial documents (balance sheets, audit of financial statements, etc.), as well as evidence of non-condemnation of the gambling organizer, owners, real owners, associates and appointed persons.

To make it even more convenient, we sorted them by continents. It includes not only those countries subject to certain requirements and where online gambling is regulated by law. There are also those countries where online gambling is neither regulated nor prohibited.

Online gambling availability in the World 2020

Depending on different approaches to gambling regulation in the world, all countries are divided into 4 groups.

Countries where foreign online casinos are not blocked:

The local regulators do not apply any legislative requirements in these countries. Foreign gambling sites can be licensed in any jurisdiction or generally operate without it.

However, it should be noted that gambling is not necessarily legal in these countries.

For example, the Cayman Islands completely prohibit gambling, while the local residents are liable for participation in gambling. The fact that foreign online casinos are not blocked now can only be explained by the inability of regulator to do this. And if the online gambling is not legalized, blocking of foreign sites is just a matter of time.

Countries where gambling websites must be licensed by the local regulator:

These countries use the most competent approach to online gambling regulation. Each operator (whether it is local or foreign) must acquire a license and fulfill certain legal requirements. Conditions are equal for all. Everyone is obliged to pay taxes to the budget. Only in this case, the operator has the right to work legally. Otherwise, the online resource will be blocked.

The following countries require a license of the local regulator only for the local gaming sites. Foreign platforms can work without it:

Serbia Gambling Laws

As in the first group, these countries do not apply any legal requirements to foreign sites. A foreign operator may be licensed in any jurisdiction and, in some countries operate without it at all. However, all local casino owners are required to undergo the licensing procedure of the local regulator and to pay taxes to the local treasury.

Serbia Gambling Law Changes

The following countries have no restrictions for the gambling sites at all:

This is the largest group of countries. Many of them do not regulate gambling activities at all.

Online gambling laws around the world

Today almost every country has its own rules regulating the land-based gambling. However, the situation with online gambling is more ambiguous. As can be seen, the attitude towards local and foreign operators differs fundamentally from country to country.

In the European Union, for example, the operators of the foreign gambling sites are subject to the requirements of the EU law. However, not all countries agree that foreign operators don’t pay taxes to the local treasury. Contrary to the requirements of the EU, they put the foreign operators under own regulations forcing them to obtain a local gaming license and pay taxes to the local budget. Among these countries France, Germany, Italy, etc.

The second reason for the different attitudes to local and foreign operators is that many countries (especially those not technologically advanced) simply do not have the resources or tools to prevent foreign companies from operating in their territories.

Summing up the availability of online gambling around the world:

• 32 countries prohibit the local operators from working without a license, but those gambling sites that operate from abroad can easily offer their services to local residents. Among them, the following countries: Seychelles, Armenia, Dominican Republic, Greece, Monaco, Norway, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, etc.
• 32 countries allow online gambling only with the local license. For example, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, the UK, the Netherlands etc.
• 28 countries prohibit locals from gambling and block sites of local gambling operators. However, foreign platforms can work freely, even if they have no license. These states are either unwilling or are not able to prevent them. For example, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, Singapore, Nigeria, etc.
• 93 countries do not prohibit online casinos and do not license them. They include Bolivia, Uruguay, Venezuela, Bahamas, Argentina, Egypt, Kenya, Tunisia, Kosovo, Gibraltar, etc.

Gambling revenues are measured in millions of dollars making gambling business attractive for investors, as investments pay back quickly and one can open more gambling houses with time. However, not every country allows gambling. Therefore, if you opt to launch a network of betting clubs or online casinos, you should primarily study the laws and receive a corresponding license from the country.

This article tells how to obtain a gambling license in Serbia and reveals peculiarities and advantages of gambling conduct in this country.

Legalization for the purpose of unshadowing

2012, Serbia received associate membership in the European Union. To meet the requirements of the EU, the country started bringing the gambling business out of the shadow economy. Serbia passed a corresponding law, but it continues to fight against illegal casinos actively. Raids and roundups against illegal organizations are frequent in the country.

To bring gambling out of the shadow economy, Serbia obliged all gambling houses to obtain licenses from the Ministry of finance and economy. At the same time, very favorable conditions for running gambling activities were created. All types of gambling starting from land-based casinos, slot machines to betting houses, and online gambling are allowed here.

A battle against offshore

Legalization of gambling allows ensuring tax returns and tracking payments made between organizations and players. It gives a possibility to block accounts of operators that stay beyond the law. The latter include online casinos registered in offshore jurisdictions or working without a permit.

Therefore, to run a gambling business in Serbia, you should own a Serbian license only. Otherwise, the website will be blocked, payments frozen, and the casino blacklisted.

How to obtain a gambling license in Serbia

Like in any other country where gambling is allowed, you have to fulfil definite requirements and conditions to get a permit for running a gambling business.

1. According to the Serbian legislation, the company that offers and organizes casino games must be registered on the territory of the country only.
2. If you opt to open an online casino, factor in that all servers must be located in Serbia. Also, the company must make sure that all data on transactions, winnings, and players is stored for 5 years.
3. The next step is to open an account in one of the Serbian banks. That is required in order to deposit €150 thousand as a bank guarantee and have a risk-based amount of €10 thousand on your account.
4. Afterwards the operator receives a 10-year’s renewable license from the Ministry of finance and economy.

Serbia Gambling Law 2020

One of the advantages of running a gambling business in Serbia is a very low gambling income tax – just 5%. However, it cannot be lower than €7.5 thousand. In addition, there is a monthly fee of €2.5 thousand for running gambling activities.

Serbia Gambling Law Philippines

Currently, the gambling industry has just started to develop in Serbia, but due to low tax rates, it actively attracts foreign investors. The country allows all types and forms of gambling and contrary to the Russian legislation does not have special requirements to gambling premises or location.

The previous article told how to obtain a gambling license in Russia, revealed the requirements and types of licenses.