5 Countries Where Playing Poker is Severely Restricted
The perception that society holds when it comes to gambling dictates its reaction. Ideas such as all gaming activities lead to improper use of money, addiction, and more social-economic repercussions are some of the reasons for restrictions. These, together with the need to ensure that the gaming industry is economically beneficial to the country, has led to the creation of strict governing laws.
Despite the continued growth of the gaming industry, some countries do not allow residents to enjoy the benefits of modern access thoroughly. You will find that even though there are online platforms that offer poker, there are regulations put in place to govern players. The intensity of the policies differs from one country to another. Below are some countries that have strict rules:
- Spain
For the longest time in the history of gambling in Spain, setting regulations was on the regional level. This meant that there were variations for the 17 regions on how players engaged with games. Upon the introduction of nationwide restrictions, the laws became stricter. Although there are live poker games, online poker is illegal in Spain.
The live scene has variations of the game made up in the Spanish market, which are easy for foreigners to pick up. Casinos and inline platforms offering poker to Spanish residents should have proper licensing. Failure to adhere to these rules attracts hefty penalties. In this situation, the fulfillment of tax obligations to the Spanish government is also a critical factor in awarding licenses.
- Turkey
Countries adopt rules based on different reasons. For Turkey, gambling and casinos at large were money laundering scenes that needed to be banned and shut down. Although this industry created numerous jobs in all the areas it existed, the Turkish government prohibited any activities in the industry. They do not offer licenses for gambling.
Turks incline to gamble, and this contributes to the widespread illegal poker played underground. There are, however, online casinos that offer real money games to Turks. This goes against the country’s laws. The Turkish government cannot prosecute most of these online platforms since they are not in the country.
- Japan
All gambling activities, except for those that were viewed as having significant traditional aspects, were prohibited. People could bet on horses or play Pachinko. The growth of the gaming industry to introduce online platforms has put a strain on the execution of the laws. Residents of Japan can access online poker through different channels.
There are proposals set to ease the regulations by removing the illegality state of poker and allowing it in casinos. However, this would come with its fair share of rules such as who you can gamble with, the introduction of committees that regulate plays and ensure fairness. While the easing of regulations will be a step in the right direction, it would still hinder players from experiencing the thrill and excitement to the full extent.
- The United Arab Emirates
The basis for the restrictions in the UAE is religion. This is a Muslim country, and the only regulations they have on gambling is that it should not exist in its entirety. Even with the racehorses in the country, you are only supposed to watch races, not bet on them.
Raffles are the only thing with a close resemblance to betting that you can participate in. It is crucial to note that even with raffles, one needs to seek special permission from the government. Involvement in any poker activities attracts high penalties and could result in jail time. These restrictions, while strict, do not mean there aren’t any underground gambling scenes.
- Singapore
The rules on gambling in Singapore are complicated. While the general idea is that it is illegal, there are some forms of allowance given. Those permitted to conduct gambling activities in the country are few. The fact that most of the laws used to govern gambling are old, this creates reasonable doubt in what is legal and what is not. The existence of online casinos also blurs the line.
You will find that for Singaporeans do gain admission into these spaces; they need to pay an absurd amount while foreigners don’t. This is one of the many blocks put in place to regulate play.
Conclusion
The introduction of online gaming and the increase in the number of online casinos threatens most of the restrictions. The easy access and convenience of having some of the best games on different devices nullify rules and regulations that exist to curb real gambling. All the countries that strictly prohibit gambling are bound to suffer under the creation of underground poker establishments and creative technological inventions. Now, with the masking of IP addresses, it is impossible to keep people away from gaming completely.