Sports Betting Laws From Around the World You Should Know in 2026

Sports betting is a massive global industry, with trillions of dollars wagered annually. While some regions embrace it and regulate it, others restrict it. As such, around $1.7 trillion is generated by illegal sports betting annually, underscoring how problematic it is for regulators worldwide.

This article explores global sports betting laws, focusing on regions that have legalized the practice and the illegal markets that still thrive, to show you where in the world you can bet on sports legally in 2026.

The 2026 Global Snapshot of Sports Betting Laws

Gambling is already a controversial topic, but incorporating sports and legality into the mix makes things exponentially complicated. Moreover, incorporating profitability as a premise elevates the complexity of sports betting tenfold.
Many countries allow sports betting, viewing it as a fun activity for their citizens. Others see the economic potential and choose to regulate sports betting. Around 40-50 countries have fully legalized sports betting (retail and online) with robust regulations in place.

Let’s look at sports betting laws on a global scale to see which regions have legalized and are regulating their sports gambling market in 2025.

Quick Look At The Top Legal Sports Betting Countries

People love betting on their favorite sports, teams, and leagues for excitement, competition, and extra money. While it is fun, each country and state has different regulations.

1. United States

Since the US Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, 38 states have legalized sports betting. Around 30 US states allow online sportsbooks like BetUS casinos, while the rest permit only in-person wagering at tribal casinos and traditional sportsbooks.

2. Spain

According to Spain’s Royal Decree 958/2020, the advertising and sponsorship of sports betting, among other forms of gambling segments, shall be regulated by the Spanish Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ), which manages licensing and governance of gambling activities and operators.

3. United Kingdom

Under the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), sports betting is fully legal and regulated in the UK. The industry is well-established, generating around £4.3 billion annually, most of which comes from online sports betting sites.

4. Australia

Down under, sports betting is legal and regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Just like the US, betting laws in Australia are a matter of federal and territorial responsibility, set by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

Both online and in-person betting platforms are permitted to operate in Australian jurisdictions, with stringent regulations that ensure consumer protection and market stability.

5. Brazil

Sports betting became legal in Brazil in 2018, through the enactment of Law No. 13,756/2018. However, surging issues regarding gambling addiction became prominent in the country, leading to the government implementing stricter regulations.

Still, with football as big and as synonymous with Brazil as the sport is, and with the country home to some of the world’s best football teams and highest-earning players, the Brazilian sports betting market is bound to make waves in the global gambling landscape.

6. Canada

Canada made sports betting legal in August 2021 by enacting Bill C-218, which made sports betting laws and regulations a provincial matter. Ontario operates an open market model, allowing casino operators to run sports betting sites within the province.

Sports betting was Canada’s largest revenue-generating segment in 2024, accounting for over 57% of total revenue.

7. Italy

In Italy, sports betting is legal and regulated. The country’s Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) issues licenses and oversees all gambling activities under Legislative Decree No. 87/2018.

8. Germany

Germany’s Glücksspielstaatsvertrag, through the powers of the Gambling Supervisory Authority (GSA), governs all forms of gambling, including sports betting. This has made Germany’s sports betting market an open and competitive industry.

9. Netherlands

The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is the primary agency that strictly enforces the Dutch Remote Gambling Act (KOA), governing all land-based and online gaming operations in the Netherlands, including sports betting.

Under the KOA, Dutch citizens can register in CRUKS (Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen) to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling activities within the Netherlands.

However, with Dutch citizens showing high monthly search volumes related to betting, there are various non cruks casinos where players can still place bets without being flagged by operators.

10. South Africa

Arguably, the most notable sports-betting country in Africa is South Africa. The South African sports betting market is governed by the National Gambling Board, which regulates both online and in-person betting.

A Detailed Exploration of Sports Betting Laws Per Region

Now, let’s look at the sports betting legal framework on a regional scale, dissecting each wagering industry per country, state, and territory to highlight the countries where you can participate in sports betting in 2025.

The entries below will indicate the countries with legal and open sports betting markets, with a breakdown of the gambling regions:

• Africa
• Asia-Pacific
• Europe
• Middle East
• North America
• South America

Let’s get to it, starting with Africa!

Sports Betting Laws in African Countries

In Africa, gambling is more of an income than entertainment, and with the region’s love for sports, betting on sports is arguably its most frequent activity. The industry boomed in the region due to widespread use of mobile devices and the internet, as well as COVID-19 lockdowns.

However, the state of sports betting in African countries tells a different story, as shown below.

Ghana

Ghana allows sports betting through the Lotteries Betting Act of 1960. The Gaming Act of 2006 legalized online sports betting and established the Ghana Gaming Commission. Bettors 18 and above can bet on legal online and on-site betting places on the following sports:

• Football
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Boxing 

Kenya

Under the 1966 Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act, retail sports betting is legal in Kenya. More so, online sports betting became legal in Kenya in 2011. Both segments are governed through the 2020 Gambling Act, which created the following entities:

• National Gaming Authority – To regulate gambling
• Gaming Appeals Tribunal – For gambling-related disputes

Bettors aged 18 and above mostly bet in the Spanish La Liga or the English Premier League, with a minimum betting of Sg50. Kenyan sports bettors also frequently bet on the following sports:

• Basketball
• Baseball
• Rugby

Nigeria

Sports betting is legal in Nigeria under the Lagos State Lottery Law 2004. The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) regulates the activity and issues licenses, allowing the 60 million Nigerian sports bettors to bet on their favorite sports as well as play in their preferred Nigerian crypto casinos.

As per Nigeria’s NLRC, sports betting operators must meet the following government requirements to acquire and maintain their licenses:

• NLRC and National Lottery Trust Fund – 3% of gross monthly sales
• Application fee – ₦2 Million (Naira)
• Minimum share capital –  ₦30 Million (Naira)

South Africa

The National Gambling Act of 2004 regulates betting in South Africa. Initially, gambling was forbidden in South Africa. But things changed in 1965, when horse-race betting became the first authorized activity.

Eventually, South Africans’ love for football, rugby, and cricket became the catalyst for the legalization and management of the country’s sports betting market.

The 2008 Amendment requires operators to obtain a permit from any of South Africa’s regional wagering and racing bodies. The law forbids online betting unless bookmakers apply for licenses.

South Africans who use unauthorized bookmakers to place their bets and engage in other illegal gambling activities can be subjected to prosecutions and fines.

Understanding Sports Betting Laws in the Asia-Pacific Region

In the APAC region, some countries embrace sports betting while others restrict it. The region is home to some of the biggest sports betting areas worldwide. However, APAC also has some of the strictest governments, making sports betting laws a divisive issue.

Various factors influence the growing interest in legalizing sports betting in the Asia-Pacific region. Below are countries with legal sports betting frameworks in 2025.

Australia

The 2001 Interactive Gambling Act allows sports betting in Australia, except for live in-play betting. However, betting regulations differ by territory. Still, the consistent mandates include a minimum age of 18 and a requirement that the betting operator obtain proof of identity from its punters.

• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Regulated by Access Canberra.
• New South Wales (NSW): Regulated by the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority.
• Northern Territory (NT): Regulated by the Northern Territory Racing Commission.
• Queensland (QLD): Regulated by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation.
• South Australia (SA): Regulated by the Consumer and Business Services.
• Tasmania (TAS): Regulated by the Liquor and Gaming Branch.
• Victoria (VIC): Regulated by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.
• Western Australia (WA): Regulated by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Australia allows sports betting companies such as SmokeAce casinos to operate under a license. Almost all states and territories, except Western Australia, have privatized all leading gambling operators.

The Australian sports betting market is worth $50 billion, equivalent to $2,500 in annual bets placed by 6.8 million Australian adults on industry giants like SportsBet, Bet365, Entain, and BitKingz Casino.

Hong Kong

Under the Gambling Ordinance (Cap. 148) 1977, all forms of gambling, including sports bets, are regulated. The ordinance also authorizes the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) as the only legal sports betting operator.

HKJC started as a racing bookmaker and expanded to football and basketball betting. In 2002, they banned international bookmakers and sanctioned residents aged 18+ from betting with them.

Sports bettors in Hong Kong are also imposed hefty duty rates for the following betting activities:

• Horse Race: 70% to 72.5%
• Football: 50%
• Lotteries: 25%

Macau

Macau is known as the world’s betting capital, running a “24/7, 365” gambling operation under the watch of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. Only physical bets are authorized, allowing wagers on football, basketball, and horse racing.

Any closure of an establishment or halt in activity can only be undertaken under exceptional circumstances. There are four types of permitted gaming in Macau, namely:

• Games of Chance
• Horse racing
• Lotteries, 2 Raffles, Tombola, and Sweepstakes
• Interactive gaming

India

The 1867 Public Gambling Act and the 2000 Technology Act prohibit all forms of gambling in India except horse racing. However, individual states can set their own regulations. Sports betting is legal in the following Indian states, with the Indian Premier League being the country’s biggest sporting league for betting:

• Sikkim
• Goa
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli
• Daman and Diu

India determines whether to legalize sports betting based on whether the activity is a game of chance or a game of skill. While land-based sportsbooks are unavailable, some casinos accept sports bets, including a list of crypto casinos.

New Zealand

The Gambling Act 2003 regulates gambling in New Zealand. While domestic online gambling is illegal, they can bet on foreign online sites. More so, NZ’s Racing Industry Act 2020 granted the Totalisator Agency Board (TAB NZ) exclusive rights to offer online sports and racing betting within the country.

Certain gambling forms are prohibited under:

• Remote Interactive Gambling
• Advertising Overseas Gambling
• Gambling Excerpts of the Gambling Act 2003
• Prizes (firearms, tobacco, and alcohol)

Sports betting for rugby, cricket, football, basketball, horse racing, and eSports is only allowed through TAB. Around 80% of Kiwis gamble in any form, as they won’t be taxed for any winnings, including those from international sites.

Philippines

The legality of Philippine sports betting is governed by a complex framework: while PAGCOR is the central regulatory body for sports betting, it coordinates with the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) and the Philippine Racing Commission (PHILRACOM) to ensure comprehensive oversight of the segment.

• GAB controls betting on basketball, soccer, boxing, baseball, and cock fighting
• PHILRACOM governs horse races

Residents can bet at Philippine legal online and offshore sportsbooks like MegaSportsWorld. It has over 100 locations and is limited to players aged 21 and up.

South Korea

Initially, the South Korean legal framework only allowed betting on the lottery, horse racing, boat racing, and bicycle racing. But in 1997, Korea started Sports Toto to offer bets in fixed and running odds formats. Koreans aged 19 and above can bet on:

• Football
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Golf

The National Sports Promotion Act governs the country’s sports betting industry. On-site wagering is only allowed at Korea Sports Foundation facilities, while online sportsbooks are available for local and international gamblers.

Diving into Europe’s Adaptability on Sports Betting

European countries are autonomous in gambling services. More so, with sports being the top pastime for Europeans, it’s not surprising that sports betting is second nature for EU countries, accounting for 35% of Europe’s online gambling revenue.

Let’s discover more European countries earning from legalized sports betting in 2025.

France

As a Christian-Catholic country, gambling in France has long been prohibited under Article L.320-1, Homeland Security Code. France slowly allowed betting on certain sports, competitions, and types of results determined by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ).

• Decree 85-390: Française des Jeux operates sports betting.
• Decree 97-456: Pari-Mutuel Urbain monitors horse racing companies and betting.
• Decree 2010-483: Online sports betting was regulated.

France’s Pacte Reform states that sports betting taxation is based on gross gaming revenue, and the tax rates changed as follows:

• Sports betting: 5.7% of wagers
• Social security: 1.8% of bets
• National Centre for Sports: 1.8% of wagers

Germany

The Interstate Treaty on Gambling (ISTG) governs land-based and online betting in Germany, which was adopted by 16 states. The ISTG provides the licensing through the Gambling Committee, with unlimited issuances in some parts of Germany.

Iceland

Under Icelandic law, sports betting is allowed, along with other forms of gambling. Additionally, it is legal for Icelandic locals to use foreign online casino platforms. With 70% of adult Icelanders enjoying sports betting worldwide, take a look at the key gambling laws in the country:

• 1972 Expansion of Legal Lotteries – allowed pool-based sports lotteries
• 1986 First State Lottery – established state-run online sports betting
• Updated Criminal Code of 2016 – prohibits professional gamblers

Italy

Gambling laws in Italy are more flexible. In 2006, authorized companies could provide land-based or online options. The Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies (AAMS) regulates gambling in the country.

The Abruzzo Decree 2009 legalized online sports betting, under which the AAMS granted 160 licenses. Gamblers can avail of various offshore options that comply with the requirements of the 2011 Comunitaria Decree.

Sports betting operators are taxed at 4.5% of their gross gaming revenue. Gambling is one of the industries bringing approximately 80 billion euros annually to the Italian economy. 

Netherlands

In the Land of the Dutch, land-based and online casino operators can legally offer sports betting once they obtain a Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) license under the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), which took effect on October 1, 2021.

Operators must comply with strict regulations, including verifying players through the CRUKS (Central Register for Exclusion from Gambling) system, which helps prevent problem gambling by allowing individuals to self-exclude from all licensed gambling activities.

Russia

Russia opened its sports betting market in 2002. In 2020, Russia legislated that wagers can bet on international online sportsbooks if the sports matches are affiliated with the country. The law requires all bettors to be at least 18 years old. 

Today, to operate legally, a bookmaker must have over one billion rubles (₽) in assets, a minimum of 100 million rubles (₽) in registered capital, and a bank guarantee of at least 500 million rubles (₽). These requirements ensure that only financially stable operators can run sports betting in the country.

Spain

Under the Spanish Gambling Act (Ley 13/2011), Spain’s sports betting industry operates legally, allowing both online and offline gambling activities. Sportsbooks must obtain a general license, valid for 10 years, and individual licenses for specific activities, valid for 5 years.

These licenses are issued through a public tender process managed by the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ). This legal framework ensures that operators adhere to strict mandates regarding security, fairness, and transparency.

Spain’s 17 autonomous regions regulate gambling within their jurisdictions. While foreign-licensed operators are banned, they can operate by obtaining a Spanish license. Sports betting operators pay a variable tax on GGR. Bettors’ tax is based on a four-tier framework.

• 19% on winnings up to €12,450
• 24% on €12,450 – €20,200
• 30% on €20,200 to €35,200
• 37% on all other winnings

United Kingdom

Sports betting is legal and regulated in the UK. With 4.9% of Brits preferring sports betting, the Gambling Act 2005 allows bettors aged 18 and above to participate. The Act authorizes the UK Gambling Commission to regulate and provide land-based and online gambling licenses.

Sports betting tax in the United Kingdom is charged as a percentage of profits.

• General Betting Duty Rates: 15%
• Remote Betting Duty Rates: 21%

Sports Betting in the Middle East at a Glance

Most Arab countries restrict gambling, but laws vary from country to country. While Morocco and Lebanon have legalized gambling, it is still frowned upon in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. However, the sporting events in the region have increased sports betting.

The market is projected to grow at a 12.1% CAGR from 2021 to 2026, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the industry. With 60% of the region’s population considering themselves gambling enthusiasts, the Middle East is a significant market for core and casual gamblers.

Know more about the strict and complex sports betting laws in the Middle East through the entries below.

Israel

Israel only allows state-controlled operators to provide gambling activities in the country. Under the Israeli Penal Law 5737–1977, all forms of gambling, including sports betting, are banned. However, there are specific exceptions that allow certain state-run activities.

The Israel Sports Betting Board (ISBB) is the sole regulator of sports betting in Israel, offering betting on football and basketball. More so, Israel does not differentiate between remote and land-based gambling.

The courts have interpreted the Penal Law as extending to online gambling. Except for the National Lottery and sports betting, all land-based and online gambling activities are illegal in Israel.

The Turning Point of Sports Betting in North America

The North American region is among the biggest betting areas globally, due to the gambling powerhouse industries within NA. The region’s online sports betting market produced $9.55 billion in 2023.

While the US and Canada are obviously commendable in their sports betting markets and legal frameworks, other countries in NA have also opted to regulate the gambling sector, as shown below.

United States

Gambling legality is increasing in the US. However, in 2018, the Supreme Court repealed the 1992 PASPA Act, placing the responsibility of creating gambling laws on individual states.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on where bettors at least 21 can place a legal sports bet in the US, and where sports betting is illegal and discouraged.

Source of the Map: Sports Handle

✅ US States with Legal Sports Betting Markets (Online & Retail)

1. Arizona: Legalized in September 2021; offers both online and retail sports betting.
2. Arkansas: Legalized in July 2019; provides both online and retail sports betting.
3. Colorado: Legalized in May 2020; allows both online and retail betting.
4. Connecticut: Legalized in September 2021; offers both online and retail sports betting.
5. Delaware: Legalized in June 2018; provides both online and retail sports betting.
6. Florida: Legalized in 2021; offers retail sports betting. (Online sports betting is currently suspended due to a legal ruling).
7. Illinois: Legalized in June 2019; offers both online and retail sports betting.
8. Indiana: Legalized in September 2019; allows both online and retail betting.
9. Iowa: Legalized in August 2019; provides both online and retail sports betting.
10. Kansas: Legalized in September 2022; offers both online and retail sports betting.
11. Kentucky: Legalized in September 2023; provides both online and retail sports betting.
12. Louisiana: Legalized in October 2021; offers both online and retail sports betting.
13. Maine: Legalized on May 2, 2022; offers both online and retail sports betting.
14. Maryland: Legalized in December 2021; provides both online and retail sports betting.
15. Massachusetts: Legalized in March 2023; offers both online and retail sports betting.
16. Michigan: Legalized in December 2019; provides both online and retail sports betting.
17. Mississippi: Legalized in August 2018; offers retail sports betting only.
18. Missouri: Legalized in November 2024; provides both online and retail sports betting. 
19. Montana: Legalized in May 2019; offers retail sports betting only.
20. Nebraska: Legalized in November 2022; provides retail sports betting only.
21. Nevada: Legalized in 1949; offers both online and retail sports betting.
22. New Hampshire: Legalized in July 2019; provides both online and retail sports betting.
23. New Jersey: Legalized in June 2018; offers both online and retail sports betting.
24. New Mexico: Legal only in tribal casinos.
25. New York: Legalized in January 2022; provides both online and retail sports betting.
26. North Carolina: Legalized in January 2024; offers retail sports betting only.
27. North Dakota: Legalized in November 2023; provides retail sports betting only.
28. Ohio: Legalized in January 2023; offers both online and retail sports betting.
29. Oregon: Legalized in October 2019; provides both online and retail sports betting.
30. Pennsylvania: Legalized in November 2018; offers both online and retail sports betting.
31. Rhode Island: Legalized in November 2018; provides both online and retail sports betting.
32. South Dakota: Legalized in November 2020; offers retail sports betting only.
33. Tennessee: Legalized in November 2020; provides online sports betting only.
34. Vermont: Legalized in January 2024; offers online sports betting only.
35. Virginia: Legalized in January 2021; provides both online and retail sports betting.
36. Washington D.C.: Legalized in December 2018; offers both online and retail sports betting.
37. West Virginia: Legalized in August 2018; provides both online and retail sports betting.
38. Wyoming: Legalized in September 2021; offers online sports betting only.

❌ US States Where Sports Betting is Illegal

As of October 2025, the following states do not permit any form of legal sports betting:

1. Alabama
2. Alaska
3. California
4. Georgia
5. Hawaii
6. Idaho
7. Minnesota
8. Oklahoma
9. South Carolina
10. Texas
11. Utah
12. Wisconsin

Among the 38 US states with legal sports betting markets, only a few have profited post-pandemic. For instance, Connecticut’s online casino market produced around $16.4 million. Notably, California has rejected multiple propositions to legalize sports betting, and Texas has not yet passed any legislation to permit it.

Mexico

As per Mexico’s Federal Law on Games and Raffles, both land-based and online sports betting are legal and regulated. The law requires sports books and casino operators to obtain federal licenses and pay taxes based on their GGRs.

Canada

Sports betting in Canada has been legal since 1985. Almost all of Canada’s projected sports betting worth $14.5 billion went to offshore sites, leading to a push for online regulations. With millions of Canadians betting online and offshore, the industry’s projected revenue by 2027 is $3.3 billion.

The passage of Bill C-218 in 2021, which legalized single-game betting in Canada, has prompted many provinces to incorporate it into their existing frameworks, except Quebec. The legal gambling age in Canada depends on the area, either 18 or 19 years old and above.

Bahamas

Sports betting was legalized in 2019, with the Bahamas Gaming Board providing oversight and licensing duties for the gambling industry through provisions of the Gaming Act of 2019. This provides Bahamas bettors with a widely open market.

Panama

Sports betting is legal in Panama. The country’s sports betting market is regulated by the Junta de Control de Juegos (JCJ), overseeing both land-based and online sportsbooks. This attracts international betting operators who must pay 10% tax on their GGR.

Puerto Rico

As a US territory, Puerto Rico is subject to US federal law, so any changes to gambling legislation are subject to US federal law. Here, we look at the timeline of sports betting legalization in the country.

• 2018: Sports betting paved the way after the PASPA Act was repealed
• 2019: House Resolution 2038 was passed, allowing retail and online betting
• 2021: Senate Bill 1534 was passed, enabling the Puerto Rico Gambling Commission to regulate sports betting
• 2022: BetMGM opened the first retail sportsbook

Puerto Rico has one of the lowest tax rates, with 7% for retail and 12% for online sportsbooks. Of the $87 million projected revenue in the first five years, 50% will go to retired public workers.

Haiti

Despite lacking a robust regulatory framework for its gambling industry, Haiti does allow sports betting, which is technically regulated by the Haitian Lottery. Sadly, many bettors opt to use unauthorized and offshore betting sites.

Grenada

Under the Gambling, Lotteries and Betting Act (CAP 120), Grenada permits both land-based and online sportsbetting platforms to operate. Despite having a relatively small sports betting scene, the market is well-regulated, imposing a 5% tax on fixed-odds betting and a 12.5% duty on pool betting.

Belize

In Belize, sports betting is legal, being strictly regulated by the country’s Gaming Control Board. The country permits both online and land-based sports betting platforms, creating a small but healthy sports wagering scene.

Jamaica

Much like its regional neighbors, Jamaica has a legal and regulated sports betting industry. The gambling segment is regulated by the Betting, Gaming, and Lotteries Commission, which provides a robust market with various sportsbooks for local and foreign gamblers.

Cayman Islands

Under the guidance of the Gambling Licensing Board, sports betting is permitted through licensed operators, subject to strict regulations set out in the Gambling (Amendment) Law 2020.

Bermuda

The Bermuda Gaming Act of 2014 sets out the mandates for regulating and legalizing sports betting in the country. Through the governance of the Bermuda Gaming Commission, online and retail sportsbooks are managed to create a well-established market.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic, through its Central Electoral Board, allows local and international gamblers to participate in legal sports betting.

Barbados

Sports betting is legal in Barbados. Online and land-based sports betting platforms operate under the Gaming and Betting (Amendment) Act 2019, with licenses permitted by the Barbados Lottery and Gaming Authority.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Saint Kitts and Nevis Gaming Board governs all forms of gambling in Saint Kitts and Nevis. This means that sports betting is legal, with mandates provided by the Saint Kitts and Nevis Gaming Act of 2000.

Tracing the Sports Betting Laws in Latin America

Sports betting is big in Latin America, especially with the rising income levels, internet penetration, and online gambling sites. The industry is projected to grow by 18.4% from 2022-2028.

Each country’s different sports betting legislation reflects the region’s diversity. Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama allow foreign licensed operators. Uruguay and Chile only allow state lotteries.

Despite the differences, the market’s GGR will most likely triple from 2020 to 2025, reaching $3 billion. Let’s explore the betting laws in some Latin American countries.

Brazil

Brazil’s unregulated sports betting compelled many offshore sportsbooks to operate in the region without paying anything. Hence, lawmakers pushed to legalize sports betting in 2018. In 2022, Law 13,756/18 authorized the Ministry of Finance in Brazil to regulate sports betting. The maximum number of 50 licenses to be issued was reduced due to the long process.

With a combined population of over 18.8 million, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are Brazil’s two largest betting markets, with football as the most bet-on sport.

Argentina

Argentina regulates sports betting city-by-city through the Lottery of the City of Buenos Aires. Some cities offer regulated sports betting to all residents and tourists at least 18 and above. With $13.5 million in wagers, soccer leads Argentina’s sports betting market.

Bets are also placed on basketball, boxing, swimming, tennis, and car and horse racing. Of the 25% tax on all sports betting revenue, operators owed the Argentinian government the following:

• 15% for general income tax
• 8% on whatever activity generated the revenue
• 2% for licensing fee

Municipalities hosting the sportsbooks collect 10% of licensing fees. While operators can get unlimited licenses, they must comply with a minimum of 20 licensing requirements.

Peru

While legal land-based sports betting existed in Peri for over 25 years, its online counterpart was only legalized in 2022. A private company called Intralot regulates sports betting, providing licensing duties. Many offshore sportsbooks can operate in Peru, as there is no limit on obtaining licenses.

The sports betting monthly tax rate is 12%, which the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism regulates. The funds will be divided among the following:

• 40% for the public treasury
• 20% for the Sports Institute in Peru 
• 40% for Foreign Trade and Tourism

Peruvian bettors aged 18+ mostly bet on soccer, baseball, and basketball.

Colombia

In 1991, all games of chance were under Colombia’s monopoly, and the revenue was used for social purposes. Law 643a of 2001 legalized gambling in the country. In 2016, the Colombian government enacted the eGaming Act, legalizing online sports betting. 

As Coljuegos regulates gambling in Colombia, no laws prohibit gamblers from using offshore sportsbooks. The government doesn’t collect taxes on online sports betting winnings. 

Despite Colombia’s online gambling market’s 63% growth in 2019, all eligible operators must pay their taxes and fees, as shown below:

• GGR: 15% (online and offline)
• Regulatory body: 1%
• License: $200,000 yearly

Costa Rica

Land-based sports betting in Costa Rica is illegal. However, online sports betting is legal and is among the most open markets worldwide. Soccer, baseball, and American football are the most popular for bettors 18 and above.

While Costa Ricans can bet online and offshore, foreign operators can easily offer services. Junta de Protección de Social has overseen online gambling since 2009.

Here are the requirements for securing a gambling license in Costa Rica:

• Must be a Costa Rican corporation
• Registration with the local tax authorities
• A commercial license obtained from the local government authorities

Costa Rican operators aren’t taxed on income earned overseas since operators can only accept players from abroad.

Countries with Strict Restrictions on Sports Betting

While various countries have seen the potential of sports betting and have opened their market to its economic possibilities, some countries still look at the moral and questionable issues behind sports betting, such as match-fixing and money laundering.

Many of these countries and states express concerns, like gambling addiction, social order, and protecting the integrity of their beloved sports.

From factors such as religious beliefs, cultural and social values, to concerns about criminal operations, below are countries where sports betting is illegal and outright banned in 2025.

• Middle East & North Africa:

Countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE enforce absolute bans on gambling, including sports betting, due to the obvious religious and cultural norms. Anyone caught breaking the betting laws is subject to harsh punishments and fines.

• China:

Traditionally, gambling was widespread in China, but politics changed everything. Although the Chinese government has blocked some sites, bettors can still access foreign online sportsbooks to bet on the country’s most popular sports.

Although sports betting is illegal in the Mainland, it is fully legal and regulated in Hong Kong and Macau. This unregulated gambling activity has doubled the annual income of China’s officially sanctioned lotteries, generating $145 billion from online sports bets.

• Taiwan:

Under the Uniform Invoice Lottery, Article 266 of the China Criminal Code, all forms of gambling, except Taiwan Lottery Co., Ltd., are banned. The temporary amusement clause allows citizens to play non-currency games and mahjong during the Chinese New Year.

Anyone within Taiwan caught participating in illegal gambling of any kind shall be fined up to NT$50,000. More so, for every NT$100 bet, NT$10 would directly go to the National Sports Development Fund.

Here is Taiwan’s current revenue from sports lotteries:

• 2020: NT$40.3 billion (US$1.42 billion)
• 2021: NT$46.6 billion (US$1.67 billion)

• North Korea:

Citizens are forbidden from participating in any form of gambling, including sports betting.

• Cuba:

All forms of gambling, including sports betting, are banned following the 1959 revolution.

• Algeria:

Gambling is prohibited under Islamic law, with strict enforcement measures in place.

The Illegal Sports Betting Market

Despite the growing number of countries opting to legalize their sports betting markets, some regions view the moral dilemma and the unfortunate gray areas surrounding sports betting and are compelled to completely restrict the gambling sector.

This has led bettors to opt for illicit betting methods and for malicious betting operators to capitalize on the issue. Estimates suggest that unauthorized sports betting holds over 80% of the global betting market share.

The Money Laundering Operations Behind Illegal Sports Betting

Around $140 billion is laundered through illegal gambling activities annually. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has mentioned that illegal betting and sports fixing are notable threats to the integrity of sports, serving as sources of money laundering.

The Stages of Money Laundering in Sports Betting

The money laundering activities within illegal sports betting are complex and nefarious operations run by malicious organized crime groups, ranging from small local groups to international crime rings.

There are three stages in the money laundering operations in sports betting: placement, layering, and integration.

1. In the placement stage, ill-gotten funds are introduced into the financial system through sports betting activities.
2. The second phase, layering, involves disguising the origins of the funds, aka cleaning it (hence the term laundering) through complex transactions, and
3. Lastly, integration allows the ill-gotten funds to be consolidated into the local economy, making them appear legitimate. 

Global Market Value of Illegal Betting

The illegal sports betting market is estimated at $1.7 trillion annually, significantly surpassing the legal market. This black market includes both online and offline operations, with many platforms operating without licenses or regulations.

Major illegal betting websites, such as 1xBet, Parimatch, and Stake, collectively receive over 5.4 billion visits annually, surpassing many legal and mainstream platforms.

The Final Verdict

Sports betting continues to expand globally, with many countries embracing regulation to curb illegal activity. However, the underground market remains a persistent issue, undermining the integrity of sports and exposing bettors to significant risks.

As legal markets continue to grow, governments and regulators must remain vigilant to combat the far-reaching impact of illegal sports betting.

The past years saw some developments in sports betting. With more countries and states considering legalizing it, time will tell whether the appeal of pro-sports betting countries will increase.