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The risks of illegal gambling

February 13, 2024

Illegal gambling is one that fails to comply with the laws established by the country. The risks of illegal gambling can lead to dire consequences for the user such as fraud and abuse, and indirectly, contribution to criminal organizations.

Responsible Gaming is essential and necessary to avoid illegal gaming. When a user accesses illegal gambling sites, he exposes himself to fraud, abuse and being unprotected by the law. And even to contribute to the operation and development of criminal organizations.

Gaming licenses

The different States have regulatory bodies that allow free, legal and responsible gambling. It is necessary to emphasize that an authorized and legal operator in one country does not have to be authorized and legal in another country. Hence the importance of ensuring its legality. Some countries have their own internal regulatory policies and other countries have jurisdiction to issue licenses. Regardless of whether it is a state or international license, the operator must comply with the law established by the regulatory body.

Countries such as Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Mexico, and Colombia have their own internal regulatory policies. On the other hand, there are countries such as Malta, Curaçao, Gibraltar or the Isle of Man that grant gaming licenses.

Among the powers assigned to the different gambling regulatory bodies is the prosecution of illegal gambling in the country. Thus, one of its maximum commitments is to locate and prohibit illegal operators. The objective is the prevention and detection of illegal gambling operators to eradicate them and punish their improper operation.

What risks exist when participating in illegal gambling?

The most important risk that exists in participating in illegal gambling is being the target of deception, fraud or abuse. When a person plays with an illegal operator, it is very likely that they will be subjected to dishonest practices such as the theft of their money or the illegal use of their personal data. And another important risk is the indirect contribution of the functioning and development of criminal organizations.

How to know if the operator is legal or illegal?

The risks of illegal gambling. Knowing whether an operator complies with the law or, on the contrary, operates illegally is the first thing a user should take into account when choosing an online casino. It must be verified whether the operator in question has a qualifying title. The first thing to do is enter the website of the country’s regulatory body and check if it complies with the established law. Regulatory bodies have updated lists of legal operators.

One of the keys to identifying whether the operator is legal or illegal is that it uses the country’s own domain. For example: in Spain online operators must have a .ES domain, in Colombia .CO, in Mexico .MX, in Chile .CH,…

Another way to find out if an operator is legal or not is to enter our Casino Reviews section.

The risks of illegal gambling

As we have said previously, the risks of illegal gambling imply serious consequences for the user such as fraud and abuse, and indirectly, contribution to criminal organizations. However, the consequences for institutions that offer illegal gambling are catastrophic. Not having a gaming license is considered a very serious infraction and the sanctions are exemplary. In Spain, those operators who offer gambling services without having licenses are exposed to penalties of up to 50 million euros and even disqualification of the operator for a maximum period of four years.

Advertising, sponsorship or promotion of illegal gambling is of course illegal and also has exemplary sanctions of up to 1 million euros in Spain.

How to report an illegal operator?

Anyone who spots an illegal website can report it to the country’s regulatory body. From there, it is the regulatory body that is in charge of processing and determining whether the operator is legal or, on the contrary, violates the law.

Responsible gaming

Without responsibility there is no fun. Gambling can carry risks and addiction. Being responsible is part of the game. The risks of illegal gambling imply dire consequences for citizens. Always play safe. Safe game. The game is only legal for those over 18 years of age. Minors under 18 years of age are prohibited from entering physical or online casinos.

The risks of illegal gambling. The risks of illegal gambling. The risks of illegal gambling

 

Eva Arroyo

Autora: Eva A. T.

Licenciada en periodismo. Experta en casinos y apuestas deportivas desde hace casi una década.

Exploro el mundo de los juegos de azar con una mirada crítica y analítica. Desvelo los enigmas del juego jamás contados. Cada partida es una nueva oportunidad.

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