The popularity of land-based casinos is declining in Europe and growing in Asia. This is because legislation and official rules have changed in most Asian countries. Only in some cases, far eastern governments classify gambling as an illegal activity. Consequently, many people want to enjoy the unique experience of playing live tables.
Today, casinos in western Asian countries are getting more visitors. But more Asian-based online gambling platforms are emerging. In addition, countries like Japan are building integrated resorts in different cities that include casinos. Vietnam also started allowing its citizens to play at local casinos, which was a preserve for foreigners.
For this reason, an accurate comparison of Asian and European casinos will be possible if all governments in this region legalize gambling. However, Asian and European casinos have several differences that we can use to compare them. What’s more, gambling may be illegal in some Asian countries, but the market remains active.
Today, many people in Asian countries gamble online, where they have access to various games such as blackjack, which are easily available through links such as https://www.reddogcasino.com/en/games/blackjack .
Ideally, Asian gamblers play their favorite games at casinos whose operates host offshore. Perhaps, that’s because there’s no single legislation covering the legality of online gambling globally. Thus, online casinos enjoy a global audience even in places where gambling is illegal.
Nevertheless, countries have local laws for dealing with regulatory and legal issues. And these laws vary widely in some places, meaning what’s legal and illegal depends on your location. Perhaps, regular changes to legislation complicate things further.
Legislation Differences
Some regions have legislation for regulating and licensing companies to operate gambling establishments and websites. This legislation can also cover the operations of industry services providers, like companies that supply gaming software. Such regions are called licensing jurisdictions or gambling jurisdictions. And these jurisdictions have organizations for regulating licensees or issuing licenses, called licensing authorities.
Thus, some countries require casino operators to acquire gaming or betting licenses from the relevant authority. And an operator should base part or all operations within their jurisdiction for which the administration will license them. Thus, most online casinos select their location depending almost entirely on the regulatory and legislation practices they want to adhere to in their operations.
In Europe, different countries have legislation regulating casino operators in their jurisdictions. To some extent, members of the European Union are subject to the European Commission. This is because the commission influences some of the things they can and cannot do. Nevertheless, these countries are free to pass laws that suit them. Consequently, European casinos adhere to gambling laws, which may differ from country to country. Despite this, the European gambling industry has clear rules, although some online casinos are autonomous and self-governing.
A slight discrepancy in the laws governing European casinos is the reason why you cannot play blackjack, poker, and other games in some of these countries, while in others, they are completely legal. Nevertheless, most licensed and reliable casinos allow players to play most games.
Similarly, Asian casinos are under the jurisdiction of their countries. That means each country passes legislation that governs casinos in their jurisdiction. However, this continent lacks a uniform approach, and the laws governing casinos can vary significantly between Asian countries. For instance, land-based casinos are legal in some Asian countries but illegal in others. What’s more, some countries in Asia allow specific land-based gambling only.
Essentially, Asia has inconsistent legislation governing casinos, both land-based and online. For instance, countries like Vietnam, Singapore, and Macau allow people to operate casinos. That means the citizens of these Asian countries can gamble at local and online casinos. However, these establishments have laws for reducing the rate at which people bet to prevent gambling addictions.
Japan is also an Asian country that allows people to establish casinos and gamble. Nevertheless, some government officials and locals have opposed the recent move to develop integrated resorts. That’s because they fear that some people could eventually develop gambling addictions. Consequently, Japan also has strict regulations governing casinos and gambling activities. But the wide variation in casino and gambling legislation shouldn’t surprise you, considering the continent’s size and the countries it harbors.
Online and Offline Casinos
As hinted, most European countries allow people to gamble both online and offline. However, gambling activities are illegal in some of these nations, like Germany. Others have strict laws governing online and offline gambling activities. For instance, the UK has rigorous regulatory frameworks that govern online gambling.
Consequently, this country has legalized all online gaming and betting, and it controls these activities very well. After meeting specific requirements, the UK gambling commission authorizes any company or website offering gaming and betting services to British citizens.
What’s more, people can visit offline casinos in Europe and play games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. That’s why these casino games are trendy in Europe. Sports betting is also popular in European countries, especially football and horse racing betting.
Countries like Belgium have strict laws that regulate gambling. Nevertheless, online casinos enable people to gamble even in countries with strict rules for regulating offline gambling. According to countries with strict regulations for gambling, the idea is to prevent addiction, yet people continue to gamble at online casinos.
In Asia, most people must travel to Singapore, Macau, or Vietnam to enjoy an offline casino experience. Additionally, online gambling is illegal in most countries, except for sites with approval from the local governments in Singapore, whether other online gaming activities are legal.
In countries like China, the lottery is viral, with Sports Lottery generating revenue of up to $1.4 trillion since 1994. Additionally, sports betting is popular in countries like Japan, with residents betting on motorcycle racing, powerboat racing, horse racing, or football. This betting generates up to $27 billion a year. The arcade game is also a popular gambling activity, generating up to $200 billion annually.
Although some Asian governments focus on preventing online gambling, the activity continues to thrive, with residents traveling to Singapore, Macau, and Vietnam to gamble. Others turn to online casinos to play their favorite games or bet for real money. Nevertheless, Japan is one of the Asian countries that allow citizens to gamble on offshore casino sites. This country also has physical locations where it might construct integrated resorts featuring entertainment facilities like casinos.
According to the Japanese government, the resorts will bring additional revenue, attract tourists, and generate new jobs. Thus, the prime motivation for creating these resorts is to attract tourists and generate more revenue.
Popular Offline Gambling Venues in Asia and Europe
Gambling is an essential element in both Asian and European cultural backgrounds. In Europe, betting scenes from Venice or French Riviera have driven most people’s imagination to think about spectacular land-based casinos and the hefty amount of money that people spend lavishly in these establishments like they won’t see tomorrow.
In Asia, gambling and culture go hand-in-hand, considering that people in the East put massive stock in fate, fortune, and luck, especially in China. Spirituality and superstition play a critical role in most people’s lives. Thus, Asia has many offline gambling venues despite the heavy and strict regulation of betting activities in this region. Here’s a list of the most popular offline gambling venues in Asia and Europe.
Asia
Asia has several offline gambling venues that those looking for the glamour and glitz of ultramodern destinations can visit. Nevertheless, some of these gambling venues are more traditional. Here are some of the most popular offline gambling venues in Asia.
Macau
To most people, Macau is one of the best gambling venues outside Las Vegas. That’s because Macau presents a lot of bright lights that gamblers love. Some of the most famous casino complexes in Macau include Sands Macau and Wynn Palace. Smaller venues in this region are also exclusive and stylish, providing gamblers with many options.
Some people describe Macau as Asia’s gambling capital with famous resorts worldwide. Some argue that Macau has surpassed Las Vegas in terms of profits and the sheer size of its gambling industry. Ideally, this offline gambling venue has something for every gambler. Thus, this destination is the undisputed leading gambling venue in Asia.
Singapore
Most people know this sprawling city-state for its effects on the business world. However, it’s also an offline gambling venue, hosting many traditional and modern-style casinos. By focusing on quality instead of quantity, Singapore has become the tropical paradise for people that want to enjoy offline gambling in Asia.
If looking to enjoy a quality casino vacation, Singapore is the place to be. However, some areas have strange gambling laws. Therefore, prepare to produce identification documents when walking into offline casinos in Singapore. Nevertheless, this country does not forbid gambling, though gamblers pay an extra levy to enter casinos. This levy can range between $100 per day and $2000 per year. The government uses proceeds from this taxation in charity and public works. Offline casinos in Singapore offer slot machines and table gambles.
Manila
The Philippines are also another popular offline gambling venue in Asia. Manila is a gambling hotspot in the Philippines with a sterling reputation for providing the best casinos and the most prominent resorts. But, perhaps, the reason why this city is a famous offline gambling venue is the fact that it is a top tourist destination in Asia.
Today, Manila has a thriving and profitable gambling industry that provides entertainment to locals and visitors. This venue spoils gambling fans with a wide selection of offline casinos. Some of the popular offline gambling hotspots in the Philippines include Solaire Resort and Casino, City of Dreams, Resorts World Bayshore, and Okada Manila.
Seoul
Seoul in South Korea is also a famous offline gambling venue in Asia. This venue has many attractive casinos that welcome visitors. However, the government bans the locals from participating in on-site gambling.
Since offline gambling venues in Seoul are for tourists only, they don’t provide anything grand compared to Macau and Singapore. However, this venue has many casinos providing a wide range of table games like baccarat, roulette, blackjack, Tai-Sai, and poker.
While South Korea may change regulations to allow the locals to gamble, the offline gambling industry will remain diminutive. Nevertheless, online gambling and sports betting provide quality entertainment to the locals that want to bet.
Malaysia
The Resorts World, outside Kuala Lumpur, is also an excellent offline gambling venue. This entertainment chain has a casino that sprawls on 200,000 square feet, offering over 3000 gaming machines and 400 tables.
Getting to this resort from Kuala Lumpur is relatively easy using a car. But, this is the only casino resort in this country. That’s because the government has strict laws that operators must follow to acquire a gambling license. Thus, most people head to the Resorts World when looking for an offline gambling venue in this country.
Europe
In Europe, most countries allow companies to open offline casinos and offer games of chance. However, some countries allow offline gambling venues to offer certain games only, like poker and sports betting. Here are the most famous offline gambling venues in Europe/
The United Kingdom
The UK has the largest offline gambling market, with legislation that other countries in the content use as an example. For example, the 2005’s Gambling Act regulates gambling activities in the UK. Through this act, the UK Gambling Commission acquired legislative powers to control and regulate gaming activities.
This commission provides gambling licenses that allow operators to offer casino games, lotteries, and betting services. The gaming legislation is straightforward for most people to understand, and it regulates offline gambling venues.
Most people recognize the UK as the most mature gambling jurisdiction throughout Europe because it has technical standards that emphasize player’s protection. Before accessing the UK’s offline and online gambling market, operators must acquire a license from the UK Gambling Commission.
Offline gambling venues in the UK offer betting activities like greyhounds and horse races. Gamblers can also enjoy different lotteries.
France
France is another popular offline gambling venue in Europe, with gaming establishments all over the country. Most gamblers know France for the roulette game’s invention back in the 17th century and Pari-Mutuel betting in the next century. Currently, French has one of the largest offline gambling sectors in Europe. Most casinos are in the southern region of the country.
Since offline gambling is legal in this country, brick-and-mortar operators offer sports and racing betting options and different casino games. However, land-based casino operators want to maintain the status quo. Thus, the government doesn’t allow online operators to offer casino games.
This country has three bodies regulating the gambling industry. The Pari-Mutuel Urbain deals with horse racing, ARJEL deals with online casinos, and Francaise des Jeux deals with lotteries and betting games.
Spain
Spain regulates most gambling activities in the country, meaning they are legal. The Spanish laws require authorities in every region and state to share legislative powers for regulating gambling activities. In 2011, Spain passed legislation for regulating the gaming industry through the Spanish Gambling Act. This act governs all gambling activities across the 17 regions in this country.
This act also regulates national gaming activities via interactive, technological, and electronic systems. Its primary goal is to limit the promotion and advertising of operators without gambling licenses.
Nevertheless, Spain remains a popular offline gambling venue in Europe. Land-based casinos offer different games, including fixed-odds sports betting, horse races, mutual sports betting, blackjack, bingo, poker, slots, baccarat, and roulette. Football betting is also popular since Spain is home to famous teams like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.
Italy
Italy is also a famous offline gambling venue in Europe. This country invented baccarat and other games, with most gambling establishments in Venice. Here, rich people spend money on sports betting, lotteries, and other options.
Offline casinos in this country also offer games of chance, video poker, and cash games. In addition, Italy requires foreign operators to acquire licensing from the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies to provide poker games, horse and sports bets, casino games, and bingo.
Ireland
You can also enjoy gambling offline in Ireland. Sports gambling is part of the lives of the citizens in this country because it connects to the history of this country. Most people recognize Ireland as a popular offline gambling venue for organizing greyhound races and horse betting.
The 1956’s Gaming and Lotteries Act governs gambling events in Ireland. In 2015, the country adopted the Gambling Act to tax gambling activities between foreign operators and Irish residents.
Both offline and internet gambling activities are legal, with the Gambling Act regulating them. Some popular games at offline venues include poker, bingo, horse racing, and greyhounds. Some gamblers also bet on football.
Austria
All gambling activities are legal in Austria. And this makes Austria one of the most popular offline gambling venues in Europe. Austria has unique circumstances because proper gambling involves significant amounts of money, while small gambling involves wagers of 50 cents and below.
According to the gambling legislation in this country, people can engage in proper gambling in land-based casinos. On the other hand, little gambling can happen anywhere. The state licenses companies in the country to operate both offline and online casinos. However, only Austrian citizens can open and run gambling establishments.
The Austrian government allows citizens to participate in international online gambling. Some of the betting activities you can participate in offline casinos in Austria include poker games and football betting.
Netherlands
Like in Austria and the UK, most gambling activities are legal in the Netherlands. However, government authorities control these activities strictly. The Dutch authorities have maintained the local market’s monopoly by blocking foreign websites. However, Dutch citizens still access international online betting sites.
The Holland Casino dominates the gambling scene in the country, with over 14 offline casinos. Some of the popular gambling activities in these establishments include football betting that consists of the European Championships.
Illegal Gambling in Asia and Europe
Since offline and online gambling activities are primarily legal in Europe, illegal gambling is marginally small. If a gambler can’t access some online games that their countries prohibit, they use a virtual proxy network to access websites that provide them. Others visit internet casinos based in different countries. Alternatively, these players can visit offline casinos that offer their favorite games.
In Asian countries, the situation is the exact opposite. Most Asian countries have focused on preventing offline and online gambling activities by tracking down operators that break the law. However, these efforts are relatively unsuccessful. Recently, Macau shut down 97 illegal online casinos, but the illicit gaming market remains enormous in this country.
And this market does not relate to internet gambling sites only, but also sport betting websites that the government regulates. Some people have claimed that teams fix matches in soccer leagues to achieve specific outcomes. Thus, Asia has an enormously sizeable illegal gambling market than Europe, precisely because most countries in the continent illegalize gambling activities.
Nevertheless, this trend is changing, with countries like India becoming liberal with time. Sports betting are particularly increasingly popular in this country. However, most Asian countries are changing their attitudes towards gambling activities to attract more tourists. Currently, South Korea has one offline casino where only foreigners can gamble. In the Philippines, gambling regulations are working well. On the other hand, China is unlikely to allow people to gamble outside the designated zones.
Final Thoughts
Asian and European casinos are different because countries in these continents have varying laws governing gambling activities within their jurisdictions. Asian countries have stricter gambling laws than European countries. In Europe, some countries also have stricter laws governing gambling activities, though they are few. Most gambling activities are legal in Europe, which is not the case in Asia. Nevertheless, gambling regulations are changing in Asia, with countries like Japan investing in integrated resorts, including casinos. Also, e-wallets and VPN make controlling gambling activities difficult for governments whose laws illegalize offline and online betting. Thus, illegal gambling is higher in Asia than in Europe due to strict rules that regulate the activities in the continent. And this may prompt Asian countries to ease their regulations on realizing how prevalent gambling is, especially among tourists.
