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Gambling is a popular pastime on all continents – and the availability of international platforms erases all the borders. Still, industry regulations vary from country to country, and it’s among the critical points to consider before joining any digital casino to try your luck. Gambling is legal in many parts of the world, but the regulatory specifics vary. Some states have strict legislation and particular restrictions, while others offer more freedom, which has pros and cons. The difference can be clearly seen in European and African laws; even though iGaming is allowed on both continents, it’s important to consider its major peculiarities, and it’s time to explore them all!

Gambling Regulations & Laws in Europe

Surprisingly, the European Union doesn’t have any centralized gambling legislation, so every separate state resolves this issue on a federal level. Bookmaker sites, lotteries, and European casino websites from NonGamStopBets.com are mostly legal on the continent, but different countries’ requirements vary.

For instance, Italy is considered one of the strictest in iGaming regulations; AAMS, the main supervising authority, thoroughly monitors all industry operations and regularly reconsiders regulations to ensure a more transparent and controlled environment. At the same time, some regions in Europe, including Malta and Gibraltar, are known as gambling havens without restrictions.

Industry Basics for European Countries

Even though European countries implement autonomous regulations in their gambling sectors, there are still many common elements across different jurisdictions. The first and most important requirement is the operator’s licensing from a responsible body, which is relevant in the EU. Governments and regulatory bodies thoroughly monitor all market players’ activities, checking every gambling company.

Moreover, the European Commission requires operators to protect customer rights by implementing a transparent and secure environment for users. Compliance with these requirements allows the online casino, sportsbook, or any other service provider to operate in the chosen country. Of course, gambling companies must monitor the latest changes and meet the common rules to operate according to the law.

Industry Landscape in Africa

Africa is a lucrative market for gambling and betting operators since customer interest in this entertainment grows annually. The continent lacked gambling regulations in recent years, mostly concerning the digital sector. Some countries, including Somalia and Egypt, completely ban risky entertainment, while most African regions still allow it or have no particular legislation. This gives the green light for players and punters on the continent to have fun without limitations. Such an approach is beneficial for risk seekers but imposes significant challenges in terms of related disorders and mental health issues.

Countries with Proper Regulations

Multiple African states, like Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, and Kenya, have already implemented specific iGaming regulations. Governments initiated special gambling commissions, issuing licenses and controlling the state sector. But still, these regions have no particular laws for operators registered in abroad jurisdictions, creating chaos inside the sector.

 Casinos and bookmakers are required to operate under valid certifications, which is the only requirement imposed on gambling companies in Africa. The legislation is now under discussion in many countries so that their governments can gain more control and reduce harm connected with this risky pastime. However, the challenge still needs multiple improvements to reach the European level.

Differences and Challenges in Both Countries

All in all, the primary difference in the two continents’ gambling legislation implies that the African market is less controlled, especially in terms of its online niche. Multiple international operators can freely target the residents and provide services without restrictions. Such flexibility benefits iGaming companies, growing customer engagement, and risk hunters who can easily join the chosen casino or bookmaker site. At the same time, it raises significant challenges in the form of gaming-related disorders.

In Europe, where the awareness about the problem is high, the number of addicted individuals varies between 1% and 6.5% in different states. What to say about Africa, where residents of developing countries still lack information about possible disorders? According to official statistics, the number of compulsive gamblers in Nigeria reaches 8%, with up to 15% of its population being at risk of potential problems. The situation is even worse in Kenya, where around 11.4% of people suffer from gaming disorders. Youngsters are often targeted by this problem, causing significant risks to the overall population’s well-being.

Tightened Gambling Legislation in Europe and Africa

Gambling disorders are a severe challenge, which is why it should be discussed at the global level. Operators and regulatory authorities collaborate to form special initiatives and campaigns to increase customer awareness about the problem. While gaming legislation is well-established in European countries, African states still need more control. Federal governments are already working on the solution, tightening regulations and implementing relevant mechanisms to track all activities. Moreover, safer gaming campaigns are often initiated by international companies operating both in Europe and Africa.

Final Thoughts

European and African gambling laws are similar in striving for industry fairness and transparency. Both continents don’t boast centralized regulations, so every country has the right to implement appropriate requirements on the federal level. At the same time, the sector is more developed in Europe, where governments have higher control and reputable authorities to monitor all market players. At the same time, Africa strives to implement a similar approach by initiating special controlling commissions and applying gambling laws. The new legislation is still under discussion, but we may see later improvements that will help to make the industry more transparent and safe for users.