Changes to gambling legislation in 2024

In recent years, gambling laws around the world have undergone significant changes, with major implications for both players and online casino operators. This article examines the recent legislative changes in various countries, their impact on player accessibility, security and bonus terms, and the new challenges and opportunities that operators face in this ever-changing market.

Recent legislative changes in the country

In recent years, many countries have revised their gambling laws to regulate the growing online market and ensure player protection. These changes affect both licensing and taxation and have far-reaching implications for players and operators. Below we take a closer look at the latest legislative developments in different regions of the world.

European Union: an overview of the latest changes in EU countries

There is no single universal law for this industry in the EU. Instead, each country can set its own rules and guidelines. In 2023 and 2024, several EU countries made changes to their gambling laws.

• In Italy, the tax rate for casino operators was increased from 22.5% to 25%.
• France has imposed a substantial tax of 36.5% on operators. In addition, advertising on television and radio channels is now subject to strict regulations.
• Germany has updated its gambling regulations. It has introduced stricter guidelines for obtaining licences.

Austria has amended its online casino law several times over the years. The first regulation dates back to 1989, but has been updated time and time again. Until recently, only state casinos were allowed to operate in Austria. This gave them a monopoly position. However, private companies can now also obtain licences. They currently have to pay a tax rate of 30%. While television and radio advertising used to be strictly prohibited, the other regulations are relatively simple: casinos must have strict security measures in place and properly verify the identity of their users. Reliable online casinos on Austriawin24.at fulfil the highest security standards and are regularly audited by independent authorities. They fully meet the expectations of Austrian players. The portal's experts continuously monitor the legal situation and only recommend casinos that comply with the law and enjoy an impeccable reputation.

USA: Changes to the law in individual states

In America, the Gambling Act of 2006 remains an important law for the industry. However, individual states have made local changes:

• New York and Maryland have opened their doors to online casinos, allowing residents legal access.
• Ohio introduced online casinos in 2023 and levies a 36% tax on operators.
• Maryland and most other licensing states require operators to register their headquarters within the state's borders in order to obtain a licence.

New Jersey has strict regulations for online casinos. The state levies a relatively low tax of 13.65% on casino operators. However, it enforces numerous fixed rules. For example, restrictions apply to dice games, while other games are permitted. In order to obtain a licence in New Jersey, a casino must establish its headquarters within the state. The authorities monitor online gambling activities within its borders very closely.

Asia: Regulations in countries such as China and Japan

Many places in Asia have strict rules for betting games. In China, nothing has changed recently. Gambling is not allowed at all in the country. China has also tried to get neighbouring areas to ban gambling as well.

Japan, on the other hand, has started to allow gambling. The first large resort with casinos will open there in 2024. Tourists and people from other countries will be able to go to land casinos in this resort. Japan has adopted this idea from South Korea, where gambling is permitted, but only for visitors, not residents.

Effects on the players

Gambling in casinos is becoming easier and easier for people. In Austria, for example, it is now possible for private companies to open casinos, whereas a few years ago this was only possible for the state. This well-regulated market helps to ensure that casinos remain safe and accessible. It also protects players' personal data. Licences are only issued to casinos with strict guidelines for security and data protection.

Legislative changes can also affect the conditions for bonuses and promotions in online casinos. New rules could restrict the way bonuses can be offered and advertised in order to better protect players. This could mean that bonuses need to be more transparent and less misleading, which ultimately benefits players. At the same time, however, stricter regulations could also lead to less attractive bonus offers.

Impact on the operators

When it comes to operators, we should emphasise three main trends:

• Licensing and taxation: new gambling laws significantly affect operators' licensing and tax obligations. Stricter licence requirements may result in only reputable and financially strong companies being granted licences, which could force smaller operators out of the market. Increased tax rates and additional levies may reduce operators' profit margins and force them to adapt their business models in order to remain profitable.
• Operational changes: Operators must adapt to new regulatory requirements, which often involves significant operational changes. This can include advertising restrictions that make it more difficult to attract new customers and retain existing ones. Transparency requirements and stricter controls can place additional administrative burdens that require resources and time.
• Competition in the market: Legislative changes can both intensify and mitigate competition between operators. Stricter regulation can lead to a market shakeout where only the best and financially strongest operators survive. This could reduce competition but also increase the quality of online casinos available. On the other hand, new laws that facilitate the entry of new operators may lead to increased competition, which will ultimately benefit players as operators will need to provide better services and offers to remain competitive.

The future of online gambling regulations

Over the next few years, online gambling regulations will continue to evolve. Governments around the world are likely to introduce stricter laws to increase player protection and curb illegal activities. An important trend is increased international cooperation to create uniform standards and harmonise laws. This co-operation could solve cross-border problems and ensure greater security and transparency.

Conclusion

The leading trend in the online gambling market is stricter rules for online and land-based casinos. These include higher taxes, more requirements for user protection and regular audits. At the same time, licensing rules have finally been introduced in some regions - in Austria, for example, there was previously a state monopoly. For players, such rules mean better protection and more security when gambling. However, operators should adapt quickly and offer players better conditions.