The rapid development of online platforms has transformed the sports betting industry, making it global. This dynamic poses a challenge for governments to establish appropriate legislation. The question of where sports betting is allowed is more relevant than ever today and requires a clear, fact-based answer to understand the legal status of betting in different jurisdictions.
Legalization as a Control Tool
Legalizing sports betting solves three tasks at once: bringing the industry out of the shadows, protecting the interests of players, and forming a stable flow of taxes into the budget. An example is Italy, where sports betting was legalized back in 2006. The state receives over €300 million annually solely from taxing operators.

Regulating sports betting became a logical response to digitalization. Through licensing, the UK government, for example, effectively manages risks and minimizes fraud. A issued license is the key to market access.
Where Sports Betting is Allowed in Europe
In Europe, a model of centralized regulation dominates. In most countries, sports betting is legal, provided strict requirements for licensing and reporting are met.
England operates on an open platform scheme: bookmakers work legally, committing to comply with player protection requirements and advertising restrictions.
France introduced a fixed 8% tax on betting turnover. Germany requires a local license in each federal district.
In Poland, the market is also open but with restrictions: operators must pay 12% of turnover and conduct business only in zlotys.
Non-European Countries Where Sports Betting is Legal
The US repealed the federal ban in 2018. Since then, sports betting legalization has occurred in 38 states. Nevada has been accepting bets since the mid-20th century, but today, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Illinois lead, forming a market with an annual revenue of over $10 billion. Online platforms are the main driver.
Canada allowed single bets in 2021. Prior to this, only a parlay system was in place. Ontario launched a licensing model: over 70 operators registered, and the market grew to $1.5 billion in the first year.
The situation in the CIS countries is diverse. In Russia, betting is regulated by federal law, licenses are issued by the Federal Tax Service. The law prohibits offshore operators and requires bookmakers to allocate part of their income to sports development.
In Ukraine, the industry was legalized in 2020, and licenses began to be issued in 2021. The market is developing but requires refinement in tax systems and restrictions.
Ukraine, Russia, CIS: Transitional Models
The question of where sports betting is legal is particularly relevant for the CIS region. In Russia, the Unified Regulator of Gambling has been in effect since 2021. All operations go through the centralized TSUPIS. Only companies with an FNS license operate legally, with part of the revenue directed towards financing sports federations.
Legalization in Ukraine took place in 2020. The law requires mandatory server localization, licensing, and transaction control. In the first year, the regulator issued 14 licenses, and the budget received over 1 billion UAH. However, issues with taxes and player protection mechanisms remain.
Kazakhstan operates a state monopoly. In Belarus, the market is open to private companies with a local license and obligations to make payments to the budget.
Betting under Control: Regulation Examples
Platforms choose jurisdictions with legal sports betting to officially launch their services. In most cases, a successful launch requires a license, establishing a legal entity, interface localization, and transparent reporting.
Leading cases:
- United Kingdom: full legalization, 21 licensed operators, tax – 15% on GGR (revenue minus winnings).
- USA: 38 states with different approaches, in Pennsylvania, tax reaches 36%.
- Italy: licensing through Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, tax – 22% on revenue.
- Kenya: license from the Betting Control and Licensing Board, tax – 20% on bets and 15% on winnings.
- Philippines: two regimes – for the local and international market, actively using the offshore model (PAGCOR).
Countries Where Sports Betting is Allowed: Summary
The global map of legalization expands annually. Here are key regions:
- Europe: United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Portugal.
- North America: USA (38 states), Canada (Ontario and others).
- Asia: Philippines, Kazakhstan (partially), India (in states with local regulation).
- Africa: Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa – all with developed local regulators.
- Oceania: Australia (legally, with strict control), New Zealand.
Where sports betting is allowed is a key question that determines bookmakers’ strategy for entering new markets. The industry’s status affects advertising possibilities, tax requirements, and player protection guarantees.
How Regulation Impacts the Market
Regulating gambling protects the economy from shadow schemes and builds user trust. Transparent tax systems, mandatory licensing, and measures to prevent addiction are basic standards of modern legalization.
For example, in Sweden, licensed bookmakers are required to implement self-exclusion technologies and monitor deposit limits.
In the Netherlands, daytime advertising is prohibited. In countries with legal betting, rules are in place to minimize harm and increase GDP contributions.
Effective Protection and Combating the Shadow Market
Countries where sports betting is allowed actively combat fraud through digital tools and interagency agreements. Australia uses the AUSTRAC system – real-time transaction monitoring. In Singapore, authorities integrated a license database with law enforcement agencies, significantly reducing the number of illegal operators.
Legal sports betting countries view it not as gambling but as a tool of macroeconomic influence. The Dutch market officially started operating in 2021. In the first quarter, licensed operators collected €185 million in revenue. The state received 29% in taxes. These figures confirm that regulating gambling ensures transparency and efficiency in budget filling.
The Role of Taxes and Advertising Restrictions
Countries where sports betting is allowed adhere to the principle: more legality – less social burden. Taxes play a crucial role:
- France: the tax burden on betting reaches 8% of turnover.
- Belgium: operators pay 11% of gross income.
- USA: federal and local taxes – on average from 10% to 36% depending on the state.
Advertising is strictly regulated. For example, in England, betting advertising is prohibited before 9:00 pm. In Italy, there is a complete ban on gambling marketing online and on TV. This does not hinder the market from generating stable income.
Offshores and International Loopholes
In countries without official regulation, offshore models remain popular. Operators with licenses from Curacao, Malta, or Gibraltar continue to operate in countries with bans. They use VPNs and alternative payment gateways. This practice is typical for regions with unclear rules: India, Thailand, parts of Africa.
Even offshore structures strive to enter markets. They have legalized sports betting to gain audience trust and provide players with protection from legal risks. Many international companies have obtained licenses in Ontario, Mexico, and Colombia.

Conclusion
Legalizing sports betting not only permits the game but also builds the economy. In countries where sports betting is allowed, authorities note an increase in taxes, a decrease in shadow turnover, and growth in digital solutions. The level of player safety also increases.
With proper regulation, betting emerges from the shadows and becomes a sustainable sector with real returns. It is not just entertainment but an element of a new financial environment where transparency, laws, and the interests of all parties are essential.