Global Web3 Gambling Policy Hub

The UK is one of the most mature gambling regulatory markets globally. The UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) strictly regulates all gambling platforms operating in the UK. Crypto gambling is not banned, but platforms must report payment method changes to the UKGC and update AML risk assessments.

Australia's Interactive Gambling Act explicitly prohibits providing online casino services and in-play sports betting to Australian users. ACMA has enforcement and website blocking measures. Pre-match sports betting is legal with licensed operators.

Singapore enforces strict controls on remote gambling. All remote gambling services are prohibited unless exempted. The government can block websites and payment channels. A new framework took effect from 2022, further strengthening enforcement.

Malta is a representative of European gambling licensing. The MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) has specific guidelines for innovative technology and accepting Virtual Financial Assets (VFA)/DLT assets. MGA licenses are widely recognized globally.

Curaçao is one of the most important offshore gambling licensing jurisdictions globally. After the new National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) took effect in 2023, Curaçao transitioned from the old "master license + sublicense" system to a new independent licensing regime. The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) now operates formally. The new regime requires stricter KYC/AML compliance, player protection, and financial audits. Many Web3 gambling platforms hold Curaçao licenses.

The Philippines' gambling policy has undergone significant changes in recent years. PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) is the primary regulator and also an operator. During 2024-2026, the Philippines imposed stricter restrictions and even bans on offshore gambling operations (formerly POGO, renamed IGL). For the domestic market, licensed online gambling remains legal, but the regulatory framework for crypto gambling is unclear.

India has no unified federal online gambling law. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is outdated and does not address online betting. States have varying regulations. Crypto betting exists in a legal grey area with no specific prohibition.

Brazil legalized sports betting in December 2023 (Law 14.790/2023) and began issuing licenses in 2024. Online casinos remain in a grey area but are widely accessible. The new framework requires operators to obtain federal licenses, implement KYC, and pay taxes.

Japan strictly prohibits most forms of gambling (Penal Code Articles 185-187), allowing only public sports betting (horse racing, boat racing, keirin, auto racing) and lotteries. The 2018 IR Act permits integrated resort casinos, but online gambling remains illegal.

Indonesia is one of the strictest countries globally regarding gambling. All forms of gambling (online and offline) are prohibited under the Criminal Code and Islamic law. The government actively blocks gambling websites. Despite this, a large number of Indonesian players access offshore platforms via VPN and crypto.

Malaysia's gambling policy is governed by the Betting Act 1953 and Sharia law. For Muslim citizens (~60% of population), gambling is strictly prohibited under Islamic law. Non-Muslims can gamble at licensed venues like Genting Highlands. Online gambling and crypto gambling have no clear legal framework, and most players use VPNs to access international platforms.

Nigeria is one of Africa's largest gambling markets. At the federal level, the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) oversees gambling, while individual states have their own regulations. Sports betting is extremely popular among young Nigerians, especially Premier League football betting. Online gambling is growing rapidly, but crypto gambling has no specific regulation. The Central Bank of Nigeria banned banks from processing crypto transactions in 2021, but partially relaxed this in 2023.