The regulation of online gambling is constantly evolving around the world, and every jurisdiction is a bit different in how it approaches casino licensing. Still, some global trends point the way toward how the industry might look in the coming years.
Regulators are increasingly taking more control over the online gambling that occurs within their borders. This starts with stricter regulations on licensed operators, with fewer jurisdictions acting as virtual rubber stamps for companies that want to set up shop there. This is good news for players, especially those who aren’t as knowledgeable about the industry: while a Costa Rica gambling license may not carry as much weight as a UKGC license, it’s important that both are a sign of quality.
In addition, many regulators are working hand-in-hand with their governments and law enforcement to crack down on unlicensed operators providing games in their jurisdictions. This helps players, as it encourages online casinos to obtain more (and better) licenses, which increases the level of player protection across the board.
Finally, many gambling regulators now insist on stronger rules for advertising and promotion of online casinos, as well as an increased emphasis on responsible gambling and accurate representations of how gambling works. If operators want to maintain their casino licenses, they’ll need to operate under these new rules while continuing to offer quality products to players.