Is it Legal to Gamble at Online Casinos
When searching for online casinos and read the terms and conditions the legality of online casinos may be questioned. Online casinos typically treat legal issues in two ways. Some online casinos restrict various areas where casino gambling is not legal. Others simply have a clause in their terms and conditions that put the responsibility on the player citing that playing is an agreement that the player is of legal age and resides in a jurisdiction where online gambling is allowed. There are also some casinos that have a mix of both. They make sure to have a catch all clause in their player agreement but also restrict some players in certain locations. The general question of legality, though, is a rather tricky one.
Must be of legal age
In order to gamble online legally you must be the age of majority in the jurisdiction in which you reside and be over eighteen. This means that if you live in a country where you are legally an adult at age sixteen, you still have to wait two more years before accessing an online casino. Likewise, if you are nineteen and the age of majority in your jurisdiction is twenty then it will be another year until you can play.
Must live in a jurisdiction where gambling is legal
Gambling online is illegal in some countries without any doubt. Countries such as Russia and Iran outright prohibit online gambling. Most European countries allow it. In order to determine if gambling is legal in your jurisdiction, search the Internet and check with your local government authorities. Most countries have clear standing on the legality of gambling. The exception to this is the United States.
The great US online casino gambling debate
The problem with United States online gambling laws is that they are unclear and definitely open to interpretation. There are two aspects that have to be considered: federal and state law. Federal law does not make online betting illegal for citizens but there is some debate as to the method and type that is legal. Then, certain states clearly prohibit online gambling. Often the choice to accept US players comes down to the risk involved. Online casinos either do or do not take US players. Some do not because they do not want the risk. Others allow it because they feel the actual risk is negligible.
How do online casinos restrict use via jurisdiction?
Some online casinos will block any users within certain jurisdictions based on the IP they are using which shows their location. Although rare, some casinos will redirect you completely to another site if you live within one of their restricted jurisdictions. More common is the practice of allowing you to view the entire website but not allow you to download their casino software or play the instant game options.
All online casinos require registration that includes personal information such as name, email and physical address. The casino can choose to restrict any real money play based on this data you provide. But, the most common verification an online casino does occurs if you win real money and request withdrawal of those funds. Most casinos, especially on a first withdrawal, require you to fax in photo identification and an affidavit of authenticity. Actual information required may vary at each casino. However, the casino may restrict pay outs if they receive information that indicates you are playing from a jurisdiction that is not allowed.
Must be of legal age
In order to gamble online legally you must be the age of majority in the jurisdiction in which you reside and be over eighteen. This means that if you live in a country where you are legally an adult at age sixteen, you still have to wait two more years before accessing an online casino. Likewise, if you are nineteen and the age of majority in your jurisdiction is twenty then it will be another year until you can play.
Must live in a jurisdiction where gambling is legal
Gambling online is illegal in some countries without any doubt. Countries such as Russia and Iran outright prohibit online gambling. Most European countries allow it. In order to determine if gambling is legal in your jurisdiction, search the Internet and check with your local government authorities. Most countries have clear standing on the legality of gambling. The exception to this is the United States.
The great US online casino gambling debate
The problem with United States online gambling laws is that they are unclear and definitely open to interpretation. There are two aspects that have to be considered: federal and state law. Federal law does not make online betting illegal for citizens but there is some debate as to the method and type that is legal. Then, certain states clearly prohibit online gambling. Often the choice to accept US players comes down to the risk involved. Online casinos either do or do not take US players. Some do not because they do not want the risk. Others allow it because they feel the actual risk is negligible.
How do online casinos restrict use via jurisdiction?
Some online casinos will block any users within certain jurisdictions based on the IP they are using which shows their location. Although rare, some casinos will redirect you completely to another site if you live within one of their restricted jurisdictions. More common is the practice of allowing you to view the entire website but not allow you to download their casino software or play the instant game options.
All online casinos require registration that includes personal information such as name, email and physical address. The casino can choose to restrict any real money play based on this data you provide. But, the most common verification an online casino does occurs if you win real money and request withdrawal of those funds. Most casinos, especially on a first withdrawal, require you to fax in photo identification and an affidavit of authenticity. Actual information required may vary at each casino. However, the casino may restrict pay outs if they receive information that indicates you are playing from a jurisdiction that is not allowed.
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