There are several reasons why online gambling is legal in some countries and not in others. It is convenient, and safe. There are no geographical restrictions associated with online gambling. Many states in the U.S., several provinces in Canada, the European Union, and even some Caribbean nations have legal online gambling sites. Most legal markets require online gambling service providers to have a license. Some examples are the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
As the number of online casinos has increased, so has the number of complaints about the activities of online gambling websites. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of these measures has been questioned. A recent study found that almost one third of all complaints are about illegal activity on the part of an online casino. This is not surprising, given that the vast majority of the gambling industry owes its existence to the legal framework. In fact, a large portion of online casino sites have an unavoidable percentage of complaints.
A major concern about online gambling is the legal status of the activities. The World Trade Organization has established rules that protect consumers. It is the international body that sets up and enforces trade agreements among its members. Antigua and Barbuda, for example, claimed that online gambling impacted thousands of local jobs and that the United States was harming its economy by prohibiting it. However, the World Trade Organization ruled against the United States in 2004. The court ruled that U.S. laws aimed at regulating online gambling were illegal and violated the WTO’s agreement with Antigua and Barbuda. Despite the decision, the United States did not change its position on the issue.
