The legality of online gambling — and crypto gambling in particular — varies enormously around the world. Some countries have embraced it with clear regulatory frameworks. Others ban it entirely. Many fall into a gray area where the law hasn't caught up with technology.
Here's what we know about the major markets as of early 2026.
Before diving into specific countries, it helps to understand the three general approaches governments take:
The US has one of the most complex gambling landscapes in the world. Online gambling is regulated at the state level, not federally. As of 2026:
Bottom line: It's complicated. The legality depends on your state, and using offshore crypto casinos occupies a gray area that most states haven't explicitly addressed.
Canada permits online gambling through provincially regulated platforms. Offshore casinos (including crypto casinos) operate in a gray area — not explicitly legal, but players are very rarely prosecuted. Ontario launched its regulated iGaming market in 2022, and other provinces may follow.
The UK has one of the most mature online gambling markets, regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). However, UKGC-licensed operators cannot currently offer crypto-only gambling. Most crypto casinos are not licensed in the UK and technically shouldn't serve UK residents. Enforcement against individual players is uncommon, but the legal position is clear.
Germany implemented the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV) which regulates online gambling with strict rules including monthly deposit limits, mandatory play breaks, and restrictions on certain game types. Crypto-specific casinos mostly operate outside this framework.
Malta is one of the most gambling-friendly jurisdictions in Europe, home to the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). Some crypto casinos hold MGA licenses, though the MGA has specific requirements for crypto integration.
The Netherlands legalized online gambling in 2021 under the Remote Gambling Act. Licensed operators can offer online casino games, but the market is tightly regulated. Most crypto-native casinos don't hold Dutch licenses.
Sweden and Denmark have licensed online gambling markets. Finland has a state monopoly through Veikkaus. Norway prohibits most online gambling. Crypto casinos generally operate outside these regulated markets.
Australia allows online sports betting through licensed operators but prohibits online casino games under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Crypto casinos serving Australian players operate illegally under Australian law, though enforcement against individual players has been limited.
Online gambling is largely illegal in Japan, with limited exceptions for certain types of betting (horse racing, cycling, boat racing). Crypto casinos are not legal, though Japan has moved toward opening land-based integrated resorts.
India's gambling laws are governed at the state level. Some states permit certain forms of online gambling while others prohibit it entirely. The legal status of crypto gambling adds another layer of complexity given India's evolving cryptocurrency regulations.
The Philippines is a significant market with PAGCOR regulating online gambling. The country licenses offshore operators through its Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) system, though this has faced increased scrutiny.
Brazil has been moving toward regulating online gambling, with legislation passed in recent years to create a licensing framework for sports betting and potentially online casinos. The market is evolving rapidly.
Online gambling regulation varies by province. Some provinces have established licensing frameworks, while others prohibit it. Buenos Aires has been particularly active in regulating online gambling.
Most Middle Eastern countries prohibit gambling in all forms, including online. This includes Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. Enforcement varies but penalties can be severe.
South Africa's gambling laws technically prohibit online gambling, though enforcement is inconsistent and legislative reform has been discussed for years.
Crypto adds a unique dimension to gambling legality. Key considerations:
The global gambling legal landscape is fragmented and evolving. Crypto gambling exists in a gray area in most jurisdictions — neither explicitly legal nor aggressively prosecuted in most cases. But gray areas carry risk, and "nobody gets prosecuted" is not the same as "it's legal."
Before playing at any crypto casino, take the time to understand your local laws. And regardless of legality, always practice responsible gambling and follow our safety guidelines.