Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
inkl
inkl

Gambling Legislation Around the World: Where Does Blackjack Stand?

Source: Unsplash 

Online gambling is a world that is most complex and constantly changing, as different nations have different laws and gambling regulations worldwide. Blackjack is among the most popular games in casinos, thus drawing action involved in the legislation concerning any changes, whether in land or even in the wider gaming industry.

With the gambling laws in Europe, the booming Asia gambling market, and varying regulations concerning online gambling in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, it is essential to be current with the realities in international gaming legislation.

That being said, this article will discuss the intricacies of online gambling laws in 2025 and how they will determine the future of both online Blackjack legality by country and the gaming industry at large.


European Union: A Patchwork of Legislation

The common and narrow interpretation of the EU online gambling regulation is incredibly complicated and fragmented. There is no unified law that binds all Member States of the EU together in respect of gambling, and thus each state is free to develop according to its needs. 

As a result, there is an extensive range of laws across the continent not easily understood by online gambling operators, national regulatory authorities, or consumers.

In essence, the global gambling laws comparison in Europe regulates online gambling within the area of subsidiarity, meaning that member countries take up the major responsibility for the processing of online gambling.

Apart from this, the EU internal market rules foster the free movement of products and services throughout the continent. However, the Commission should also consider the possible economic and social benefits that these services bring, along with issues related to consumer protection, fraud, and problem of gambling.

Germany

Let's take a look at some of the key things regarding Germany's restrictions on online gambling activities:

  • Requires a gambling exploitation authorization.
  • Restricts players from playing games outside the casinos.
  • Online-only slots and poker games are legally permissible.

Spain

The country adopted a quite liberal stance for online gambling. Some key points according to this include:

  • Gambling legislation was passed in 2012.
  • Caused an enormous increase in the number of Spanish players.
  • Included online casinos in a number of games such as Blackjack.

France

This is France's very own take on online gambling. Here are its main attributes:

  • Online poker, horse betting, and sports betting are allowed.
  • The activities of gambling, such as slot machines and casino games like black jack, are prohibited.
  • Underline the rich culture of the country for horse racing and sports betting.

Belgium

The facts and figures prying on the point that what Belgium means as far as online gambling is concerned: 

  • Licensed by restricted establishments into casinos, playrooms, and drinking establishments.
  • A number of online gambling activities are allowed.
  • Guarantees rigorous operators in regulatory requirements compliance.


Asia: A Growing Market with Strict Regulations

Source: Unsplash 

Countries like Macau and Singapore have positioned themselves as significant establishments in providing lucrative gambling markets. This part of the globe has millions of tourist visits and causes hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue annually due to its flourishing casino industry. 

However, these markets are usually subject to different strict Asia gambling market regulations intended to keep a balance between economic growth and social responsibility. Consequently, governments across Asia are constantly juggling between the interests of an industry so critical to the overall economic development of the region.

Macau

Macau, the largest casino market in the world, has a stringent regulatory framework in place, in which it defines certain features as follows:

  • Prohibition on online gambling.
  • Land-based casinos could allow games like Blackjack.
  • Strict licensing requirements for the operators of casinos.

Singapore

There is a severely limited gaming market in Singapore, for there are not more than two licensed casinos in the nation. Some important regulatory features include:

  • Prohibitions on providing online gambling.
  • Gaming in land-based casinos includes a variety of games, including Blackjack.
  • Quite stringent licensing requirements for casino operators.
  • The regulation by the Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore.


North America: A Continuous Complexity

Complicated and conflicting are the laws and regulations in the USA and Canada concerning gambling activities on the internet. Blackjack and online gambling legality in North America varies, as some states and provinces outlaw this particular activity completely.

This then leads to a patched-up series of laws and governing regulations making it highly difficult for players to understand what is and is not legal.

United States

  •  The federal wire act that makes online sports betting illegal; the wire act does not cover other forms of internet gambling.
  • The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 prohibits financial institutions from money transactions connected with any activities of online gambling.
  • States can regulate online gambling independently, meaning these states, like New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, have already legalized online casinos and poker rooms.

Canada 

  • There is no central regulation or control of online gambling, as each province, such as Quebec and British Columbia, has it's own websites like Stake for online casinos.
  • The federal government has completely stuck to the sidelines without stipulating any law or regulation over the whole online gambling business but left it to the provinces to decide. 
  • The laws in some provinces totally prohibit online gambling, while laws in some provinces allow and permit online gambling.


Oceania: A Mix of Liberal and Restrictive Laws

Source: Unsplash 

As portrayed in many languages, the entire scope of online gambling laws in 2025 is unique in Oceania, the continent that includes Australia, New Zealand, and a few other Pacific island nations.

Both Australia and New Zealand, the most prominent in the legal blackjack casinos by region, have adopted a combination of liberal and restrictive laws.

Besides Blackjack regulations in Australia and New Zealand, several other nations, such as Vanuatu and the Cook Islands, have left their mark on the online gambling tourism market by positioning themselves as an online gaming jurisdiction.

Online gaming licenses awarded by these countries allow online gaming operators to offer their services to players all over the world.

Australia

  • Online gambling is prohibited by federal law. Individual states are allowed to set their own laws.
  • New South Wales and Victoria legalized online gambling, while the remaining states absolutely prohibited it.
  • Licensed operators were strictly regulated.
  • Each state has its own regulatory body overseeing online gambling.

New Zealand

  • The liberalism approach towards online gambling.
  • Online operations of private organizations in gaming.
  • Strict regulations established by the government.
  • Regulations offer fair play and protection to players.
  • Licensed operators adhere to laws and rules.
  • The New Zealand Gambling Commission regulates online gambling.


Blackjack's Legality Around the World

Indeed, blackjack is among the most famous games ever played in gambling or at casinos. Both live and virtual casinos play host to tens of thousands of blackjack fans. But the legality of such a game varies vastly with regard to the region and country.

Regional Blackjack Laws

  • Europe: Blackjack is in abundance across online casinos in Europe, many of which are more inclined to open up avenues for online gambling.
  • Asia: Blackjack is a craze amongst land-based casinos situated in places like Macau and Singapore, yet online gambling usually tends to be the opposite as it is not permitted.
  • North America: Blackjack can be found in select online casinos across some states in the US and a few provinces in Canada. However, North America blackjack legality is determined differently from one area to another.
  • Oceania: Blackjack is available at online casinos, but Blackjack regulations in Australia and New Zealand and restrictions are different.

Country-Specific Blackjack Laws

  • United Kingdom: The game blackjack is now one of the most common games played in online casinos in the UK, where there are lots of licensed operators with blackjack offering services.
  • United States: Online blackjack is present in some states, like New Jersey and Nevada, while the legal blackjack casinos by region statuses of the game also vary from state to state.
  • Canada: Its availability is at online casinos regarding blackjack in some provinces such as Quebec and British Columbia; however, legality across the provinces is highly variable.
  • Australia: Australia is said to have different rules and regulations governing blackjack online in casinos from state to state.


Conclusion

Source: Unsplash 

The online gambling regulations worldwide boast a complicated framework whose laws and regulations frequently differ from one country to another.

As one of the most mainstream types of casino games, blackjack’s legality by country is frequently at the forefront where legal changes take place. Players can finally decide where to play and how to safeguard themselves in the online gambling world by understanding the current state of gambling legislation worldwide.

At the end of the day, it is consequently important for players to stay informed about the laws in their respective countries to ensure a safe and enjoyable online gaming experience.

In the time when online gambling is growing and still evolving, it is better if a bet player can get a better detail of the regulations and the laws regarding global gambling laws comparison and activities.

This includes the game as well as the laws that involve online gambling within the country where the bettor resides. Scouting on current and latest news events puts them into a position where they are playing not just with fun, but safety and responsibility at the same time while maximizing the online gaming experience.


FAQs

What is a blackjack weapon?

It is a kind of blunt weapon usually made of some dense material, like lead or rubber or steel, and designed for delivering a crushing blow. Such weapons may have been used in personal defense, also for law enforcement agencies, and may well be characterized by the following: 

- Small in size

- Heavy in weight

- Flat or rounded striking surface

- Used for close combat 

- Can hide easily

- Usual utility with security personnel and law enforcement officers.

How to deal with blackjack?

Here are a few tips on how to deal with using a blackjack:

If Attacked or Threatened:

1. Stay calm and keep distance.

2. Use objects as shields or defensive arms.

3. Aim at the face, neck, or joints when it comes to fighting back.

4. Seek help.

What is insurance in blackjack?

When it comes to blackjack, insurance refers to a that will generally be available to players whereby they take the dealer's first card showing ace. The amount needed is usually half the original bet by the player.

Rules of Insurance Bets:

- If the dealer's first upcard is an ace, the bet stands. 

- The bet isn't made until the dealer checks for blackjack. 

- If he has it, pay 2 to 1 for his insurance. 

- It loses if he doesn't have one. 

Insurance Betting Strategy

- Insurance bets are anywhere between a poor and horrible bet, given how hefty a house edge typically accompanies them. 

- Basic strategy does not recommend insurance on a general basis unless the player is counting cards.

- It has its uses, for example, when one is holding a solid hand for hedging purposes.

How to count cards in blackjack?

Here's a summarized guide on how to count cards in blackjack:

1. Choose a system (Hi-Lo, KO, Omega II).

2. Assign card values (+1, -1, 0).

3. Keep an account of the count.

4. Multi-deck adjustments.

5. Bet high when you've reached a high count; otherwise, go for a low bet.

When to split in blackjack?

This is a short guide telling when to split in blackjack: 

Always Split When You Have:

- A-A, 8-8

- 2-2, 3-3, 7-7 against the dealer's upcard of 2-6

- 4-4, 5-5, 6-6 against the dealer's upcard of 7-A

Do Not Split When You Have:

- 5-10, 10-10

- 4-5, 9-9

When to double down in blackjack?

Here's the summary of when to take double bets in blackjack.

Double Down

- 2-10 when you have 11 against the dealer's up card.

- Against 2-9 with 10 on your hand.

- If you have 9, with the dealer's up card being between 3 and 6.

Do Not Double Down

- With 5 or less.

- With 12 or more (unless soft 13-17) .

- When an upcard is an ace by a dealer.

What does double down mean in blackjack?

Turning to blackjack, doubling down as an alternative bet means that the wager with which the player has bet has been doubled, and the player gets another chance to reveal just one more card. However, after doubling down, they are bound to stand after only a single draw.

When to hit in blackjack?

Blackjack players can only hit using these guidelines, while the edges may extend to 8- and 9-card hands. Finally, while having an 11 or fewer, or with 12-16 against a show of 7 or higher, proper hitting should occur in blackjack. One would add soft 13-17 A-2 through A-6, but only against a dealer with 7 or higher in that spot. Otherwise, never ever hit with a hard 17 or higher or soft 18 or higher (A-7).

How to play blackjack at home?

Play Blackjack at home with this concise guideline:

Materials Needed:

- 52-Card Deck

- Chips or money for betting

How to play

1. Each player and the dealer shall be dealt 2 cards.

2. Players take hits or stand, double down, or split.

3. The dealer will reveal his hole card and will proceed to the set rules.

4. The hand with the highest value wins.

How many decks in blackjack?

Blackjack can actually be played with varying numbers of decks. 

Single deck: 1 deck (52 cards) 

Double deck: 2 decks (104 cards) 

- Multi-deck: 4-8 decks (208-416 cards)

However, most casinos use 4-6 decks.

Where to play blackjack in RDR2?

The places where you can actually play blackjack in Red Dead Redemption 2 are:

- Van Horn Trading Post

- Rhodes Saloon

- Blackwater Saloon

- Saint Denis Saloon

- Gang Camp (at times)

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.