Global iGaming Licensing: Where Top English-Speaking Markets Stand on Online Gambling
As online gambling continues to dominate the global entertainment landscape, several English-speaking countries have emerged as major players in the iGaming market. Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa represent a significant portion of global iGaming traffic and revenues. But while player demand is soaring, the legal landscape in each of these countries varies drastically, from fully regulated markets to largely ungoverned grey areas.
Here’s a closer look at the regulatory frameworks across these six influential English markets, and what it means for online casino operators and players.
Canada: Ontario Leads the Way
Canada has taken a progressive approach to online gambling regulation—particularly in Ontario. In April 2022, the province launched iGaming Ontario (iGO), establishing a legal, licensed framework for private operators to enter the market.
Since its inception, over 80 Ontario licensed online casinos and sports betting sites have been approved to operate in the province. Players in the province benefit from a transparent, regulated system that prioritises consumer protection and fair play.
Elsewhere in Canada, however, things remain less defined. While online gambling isn’t prohibited at the federal level, no other province has adopted a fully open regulatory model like Ontario. Still, Canadian Online Casino players outside Ontario can access offshore casino sites legally, as long as the operator is not based in Canada. Experts advise players to stick with reputable platforms, preferably those same brands that are licensed in Ontario, to ensure safety and accountability. These brands are likely to be trusted and wouldn’t want to bring their name into question given the strict Ontario licensing process.
Australia: Strict Laws, Limited Options
Australia’s stance on online gambling has been strict since the Interactive Gambling Amendment Act came into full force in 2017. The law effectively barred offshore casino and poker operators from targeting Australian players, allowing only licensed online betting platforms to legally operate. This includes sportsbooks and outcome-based betting such as lottery wagering. The government has even gone so far as to block websites that blatantly target Australian players.
Currently, there is no licensing framework for online casino games like pokies, poker, or roulette. However, it’s not illegal for Australians to play at offshore casinos that still accept them—despite the fact that offering such services to Australians is considered a legal offence for the operators.
As a result, players seeking online pokies or table games still turn to offshore sites, which can vary significantly in quality and safety, and there are not many online casinos for Australians. Consumer advocates and local forums recommend caution and thorough research when selecting Australian online casino platforms.
United Kingdom: A Pioneering, Yet Challenging Market
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) was one of the world’s first regulators to license and monitor online gambling, positioning the UK as a model for global standards in the mid-2000s.
Over the years, however, increased government intervention has led to a more restrictive environment for both players and operators. Limitations on welcome bonuses, deposit caps, affordability checks, and high tax burdens have made operations more complex and, in some cases, less attractive.
Despite the tightening regulations, the UK remains a highly competitive and lucrative market. Operators continue to prioritise compliance while navigating the evolving legal landscape, and British players can still enjoy a wide variety of licensed and legal online gambling options.
United States: A Slowly Fragmenting Market
The U.S. online gambling market has had a complex and evolving history. In 2006, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) dealt a major blow to offshore operators, prompting many to exit the market. The crackdown reached a peak in 2011 during the infamous “Black Friday,” when federal authorities seized domains of several prominent poker sites, including PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker.
In recent years, however, several U.S. states have begun regulating online gambling at the state level. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Michigan have led the charge, offering fully licensed platforms for casino games, poker, and sports betting.
Yet, the progress has been slow. Major states like California and Texas remain undecided or have failed to pass clear regulatory frameworks. This regulatory gap, like Australia, has pushed many Americans toward offshore online casino sites, raising concerns about consumer protection.
New Zealand: Regulation on the Horizon
New Zealand currently prohibits domestic online casinos from operating within its borders. However, residents are not banned from playing at offshore online casinos accepting Kiwi players, and many do so regularly.
In July 2025, the New Zealand government released a draft regulatory framework outlining plans to introduce a licensing model by 2026. The proposal includes an auction-based system offering 15 licenses, each valid for three years.
While this is a significant step toward legalisation, industry experts caution that restrictive policies, if overdone, could stifle the market. For now, Kiwis continue to rely on offshore casinos for their online gambling needs, often navigating a complex and unregulated landscape. It’s important for New Zealand players to select online casino brands that have multiple licenses such as that in Malta, UK and Ontario.
South Africa: A Booming Sports Betting Market
South Africa is home to one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing gambling markets. Sports betting and outcome-based games are fully legal and regulated, with a vibrant sector that includes both online and retail operators.
However, real money online casino games remain prohibited, which drives many South Africans to gamble at offshore platforms. The government has yet to introduce a legal framework for real money online slots, poker, or table games.
Despite these limitations, the demand for online gambling continues to surge. Without local licensing options, offshore operators are filling the gap, though not always with the same level of oversight or player protection.
The Case for Balanced Regulation
As online gambling expands worldwide, the importance of a regulated, transparent, and player-friendly legal framework cannot be overstated. Whether it’s online casinos with real money online slots or sports betting, countries that regulate iGaming not only protect their citizens but also benefit from increased tax revenues and economic growth.
However, overregulation can backfire. Markets like Sweden and the Netherlands have seen players flee to unregulated operators due to strict deposit caps and bonus limitations, sometimes as low as €700 per month. These restrictions risk pushing users toward riskier platforms offering greater flexibility and more generous rewards while forcing the fully regulated brands to exit the markets due to excessive operational costs, lowered revenues and compliance.
Ultimately, governments must strike a delicate balance: enough oversight to ensure safety, but enough freedom to keep players engaged and operators invested.
