Play at the Top Legal Casino Sites (Licensed Casinos) 2021
International online gambling is subject to complexities. While some nations have embraced it, others resort to whatever they can to ban gambling. To complicate things more, multiple jurisdictions within one country may adopt completely different approaches to online gambling and what makes a legal casino.
Table of Contents
Online Legal Casinos in 2021
#1 
1xBet
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Win welcome package up to £1370 + 150 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#2 
22Bet
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Win a 100% welcome bonus up to £240
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#3 
Sloto Cash
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Win 200% match bonus + 100 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#4 
Unibet
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Deposit £10 and play with £40
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#5 
Dunder
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Get a 100% welcome bonus up to £100
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#6 
William Hill
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Get a 100% bonus up to £300 + 50 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#7 
LeoVegas
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Win 100% deposit bonus
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#8 
Energy
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Claim a 100% welcome bonus up to £170 + 50% reload bonus up to £170
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#9 
PlayOJO
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Get 50 free spins on 1st deposit
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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If you run into any issues regarding gameplay or payments while gambling at an online casino, you are always free to contact the governing body that has issued the gambling licence to the operator in question. The body will then investigate your complaint in an unbiased manner.
On our website, you will find a large number of different gaming guides on legal casinos for players from different parts of the world. We've also provided a brief overview of different licensing commission and authority officers, along with explanations of how they regulate and license online casinos. Apart from all this, there is a dedicated FAQ section with answers to commonly asked questions regarding games, payment options, customer service and so on.
What Are Online Gambling Jurisdictions?
Certain regions across the world have legislation in place to regulate and license online gambling sites, online casinos, and gaming software developers. These regions are called licensing jurisdictions or online gambling jurisdictions.
Within each jurisdiction, there’s typically an organisation that's responsible for licensing and regulating the activities of online operators. These organisations are referred to as licensing authorities. Therefore, an operators must obtain the respective authority's licence to be deemed legitimate, trustworthy businesses (legal casinos).
The most renowned of these licensing authorities include the Curaçao eGaming Licensing Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, the Gibraltar Licensing Authority, the Gambling Supervision Commission (Isle of Man), the Alderney Gaming Control Commission, and the Panama Gaming Control Board.
Why Is Online Gambling Regulation Important?
Remember that most legislation is targeted at casinos which operate online gambling sites, and not the gambler. The need to regulate the industry arises from the following:
- Online casinos regularly deal with large amounts of money being deposited and withdrawn. Considering these heavy-duty transactions are carried out through the ‘faceless’ internet, casinos must be regulated and licensed by the relevant authorities to ensure players don't end up scammed.
- Secondly, winning at most games rests on chance. There is a fair amount of luck involved, no matter how well you know the top casino games strategies. When signing up to a licensed casino, you can rest assured that the games aren’t compromised, the outcomes random, and that you have a good chance of beating the house edge.
- Essentially, reputed licensing authorities provide a stamp of legitimacy. Legal casinos are ethical and fair, considering they have to conform to a strict set of regulations to obtain and hold their licences. That’s precisely why you can trust licensed operators to prioritise your interests above anything else.
Notable Online Gambling Jurisdictions
Alderney
One of the more respected online gambling jurisdictions, Alderney has the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) as the premier licensing authority. And yes, they are as legit as legit can get. The AGCC is not just another licensing authority that hands out legal casino licenses indiscriminately; they've even received coveted endorsements from bodies such as Europe's MoneyVal and Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Top Alderney Casinos in 2021
#1 
Cash Arcade
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Up to 500 free spins on Starburst
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* more terms & conditions applyNEW PLAYERS ONLY, MIN DEPOSIT £10, £8 MAX WIN PER 10 SPINS, MAX BONUS CONVERSION EQUAL TO LIFETIME DEPOSITS (UP TO £250), 65X WAGERING REQUIREMENTS AND FULL T&CS APPLY HERE |
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#2 
Grosvenor
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Get a £20 welcome bonus on your 1st deposit
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#3 
Paddy Power
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Get £40 welcome bonus + 20 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Antigua and Barbuda
Highly sought-after for offshore banking transactions, Antigua and Barbuda (arguably) spearheaded the establishment of online gambling jurisdictions. The Antigua Directorate of Offshore Gaming hands out casino licences to operators; at one point in time, they even had more licensees than any other licensing authority.
Curaçao
Forming part of the Dutch Caribbean (formerly the Netherlands Antilles), Curaçao is today an independent island country. This gambling jurisdiction is one of the oldest in the world, with the Curaçao e-Gaming Licensing Authority typically issuing a master licence – covering different forms of gambling – to operators that meet the strict regulatory criteria.
Top Curacao Casinos in 2021
| #1
1xBet
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Win welcome package up to £1370 + 150 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #2
22Bet
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Win a 100% welcome bonus up to £240
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#3 
King Billy
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Win big welcome package up to £900 + 200 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Belize
The Belize Computer Wagering License Board was founded around 1996 to issue casino licenses and regulate online operators, making the Caribbean nation an early mover in this regard. A few significant changes have been implemented over the years, including a robust reduction of licensing fees.
Gibraltar
Gibraltar has cemented its spot in the list of the leading online gambling jurisdictions across the world. The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority’s gambling division started issuing betting and casino licences back in 1998. Thanks to its stringent regulations, several prominent online casinos today operate out of this region.
A licence from Gibraltar is usually a hallmark of security and fairness.
Top Gibraltar Casinos in 2021
#1 
888
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Win huge welcome bonus package up to £1200
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#2 
Party
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Win 100% welcome bonus up to £450 + 20 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#3 
Mansion
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Win up to £4500 in welcome bonus
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Isle of Man
This self-governing British Crown state is a well-known online gambling jurisdiction. The Gambling Supervision Commission issues casino licences, and the requirements are stringent. The regulatory framework pays painstaking attention to licensees and their operations, ensuring unerring compliance.
Malta
This tiny archipelago is a member of the EU, and one of the more prominent online gambling jurisdictions. The Malta Gaming Authority hands out casino licences after thorough regulation and due diligence.
However, there are both excellent and mediocre licensed casinos operating out of this jurisdiction, so your best bet is to shop around and judge an online casino on its merit. Just keep in mind that a licence from this jurisdiction isn't any stamp of authenticity, or lack thereof.
Top Malta Casinos in 2021
| #1
LeoVegas
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Win 100% deposit bonus
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #2
Energy
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Claim a 100% welcome bonus up to £170 + 50% reload bonus up to £170
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #3
PlayOJO
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Get 50 free spins on 1st deposit
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Online Gambling Laws around the World
This article seeks to provide up-to-the-minute information so that you can choose a legal casino depending on your region. Let’s take a closer look:
United Kingdom
Online gambling in the United Kingdom is not only legal but well-regulated. Legal casinos that operate out of the region (or outside) can extend services to the residents of the UK, given that they hold a valid casino licence and comply with the necessary criteria laid out by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), an organisation founded in 2007, replacing the erstwhile Gaming Board.
If you're a UK resident, check out our comprehensive guide to the best UK casino sites out there.
Best Online casinos in the UK in 2021
#1 
Ladbrokes
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Get a £50 welcome bonus
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #2
Paddy Power
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Get £40 welcome bonus + 20 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #3
Party
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Win 100% welcome bonus up to £450 + 20 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Europe
Europe has multiple countries, and each has its own legislation regarding online gambling in place. Typically, these laws differ across countries. While the online gambling sector is well-regulated in some parts of the continent, it isn’t so much elsewhere.
Looking for casinos in Europe that are licensed and safe to sign up to? Head over to our detailed list of the best European casino sites, and see which one strikes your fancy!
Russia
While there’s a blanket ban on online gambling in Russia, land-based casinos are allowed to operate out of only four regions in the country. That being said, the best Russian gambling sites out there continue to attract casino buffs. The trick lies in knowing how to choose trustworthy online Russian casinos offering top-rated, real-money live casino games and slots.
Best Online Casinos in Russia in 2021
#1 
River Belle
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Get up to 58,000 RUB on first three deposits
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#2 
Jackpot City
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Win deposit bonus up to 1,53,000 RUB
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#3 
Ruby Fortune
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Get up to 71,000 RUB in casino bonuses
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Italy
Arguably the first country to have regulated gambling establishments, Italy has a liberal framework when it comes to the operation of online casinos. Thanks to the current legislation that was rolled out in 2010, the online gambling industry is today well-regulated, and the best Italian casinos offer exclusive, real-money live casino games and slots.
Best Online Casinos in Italy in 2021
#1 
Bet365
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Get 15% of your qualifying deposit in bet credits
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #2
Unibet
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Deposit £10 and play with £40
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #3
LeoVegas
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Win 100% deposit bonus
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Switzerland
Online gambling in Switzerland is legal, with The Swiss Federal Gaming Board responsible for issuing casino licences to operators. To know where you can gamble with real money, check out our article on the best Swiss online casinos.
Best Online Casinos in Switzerland in 2021
#1 
Spinia
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Get welcome package up to CHF 266 + 50 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#2 
Bahigo
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Win 100% welcome bonus up to CHF 500
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#3 
Golden Star
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Join now and win up to CHF 320 + 100 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Spain
Online gambling in Spain is legal and regulated by the Spanish Gambling Act. As a resident of Spain, you can gamble at the best Spanish online casinos offering the best slots and live games for real money.
Best Online Casinos in Spain in 2021
| #1
888
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Win huge welcome bonus package up to €1315
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#2 
JackMillion
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Win welcome bonus up to € 1500 + 150 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #3
William Hill
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Get a 100% bonus up to €330 + 50 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Germany
In Germany, online gambling laws are unique, as they fall somewhere in the grey area. While card games and poker are banned, online slots are in a state of flux, considering the European High Court has revoked the restrictive legislation.
Schleswig-Holstein has recently proposed to hold out the original casino licences through 2021.
While the existing online gambling landscape is a little perplexing, you can safely gamble at the best German casinos and pile on the winnings. Moreover, many of these casino sites offer a wealth of welcome offers and bonuses.
Best Online Casinos in Germany in 2021
#1 
SlotsMillion
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Win 100% welcome bonus up to €86
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#2 
Wirwetten
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Win a 100% deposit bonus up to €100
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Sweden
Their fledgling gambling laws imply that Swedes should ideally gamble only at licensed casinos. Gambling in Sweden – both online and offline – was controlled by the state-owned Svenska Spel until the Swedish Gambling Act was passed in 2019. Since then, things have begun to look up.
Today, if you seek to play at the best online Swedish casinos, you have a wide range of government-approved alternatives to choose from, as well as other operators regulated by different jurisdictions.
Best Online Casinos in Sweden in 2021
#1 
NordicBet
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Win huge bonuses up to 5300 Kr + 100 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#2 
Yeti
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Get 100% welcome bonus up to 3400 Kr + 100 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #3
LeoVegas
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Win 100% bonus up to 10,000 Kr + 200 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Austria
It’s great to be a gambler in Austria. The rules might appear puzzling at first glance, but know that online gambling in the country is legal, and the laws governing it are similar to the ones applicable for land-based casinos.
Are you a casino aficionado looking for the top licensed casino sites in Austria? Look no further than our guide to the best Austrian online casinos, where you'll find all the answers to any questions you have about online gambling in this country.
Best Online Casinos in Austria in 2021
#1 
Slotty Vegas
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Get welcome bonus up to €340 + 135 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#2 
Betchan
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Sign up and win up to € 400 + 120 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#3 
Betamo
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Get a handsome welcome package up to €300 + 150 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Norway
The reality of the legal tangle in Norway concerning online gambling isn’t as dire as it is made out to be. While it is technically illegal for online operators to function in the country, you can still play at some of the leading Norwegian online casinos on your mobile device or desktop.
Best Online Casinos in Norway in 2021
| #1
Spinia
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Get welcome package up to 2625 Kr + 50 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#2 
Slot Planet
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Win 100% bonus on the 1st deposit up to 2350 Kr + 22 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #3
Betamo
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Get a handsome welcome package up to 3200 Kr + 150 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Asia
The largest and most populous continent on the face of the planet faces slightly trickier gambling legislation when compared to the UK and Europe. We've broken down what it's like to gamble across the different countries in Asia below.
India
While gambling laws here are confusing and poorly enforced, a country that’s home to over one billion people cannot possibly be wholly distanced from the thrill and excitement of playing at online casinos. India residents place wagers online every day, and there isn’t any law that penalises the act of gambling at online casinos.
While we honestly cannot put a finger on whether you can gamble legally in the country, we also think that, while it always pays to do your due diligence, there's no real need to worry. All you will have to be careful about is choosing the most trusted and reputed online casinos accepting Indian citizens.
Best Online Casinos in India in 2021
| #1
1xBet
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Win 100% welcome bonus + 150 free spins
|
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #2
Bet365
|
Get 15% of your qualifying deposit in bet credits
|
|
* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #3
22Bet
|
Win a 100% welcome bonus
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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China
Simply put, online gambling isn’t legal in mainland China, where the authorities have been increasingly cracking down on online gambling sites as of late. They are intent on sending out an indisputable message that one could be imprisoned for carrying out any gambling-related activity.
That being said, the online casino market is still massive, despite the repeated top-down decrees from the authoritarian regime. There is no legal casino in China, that's a stone-cold fact. But there are trusted online casino sites that readily accept Chinese players.
Hong Kong
Gambling in Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, is mostly regulated. However, offshore online casinos aren’t. As a result, Hongkongers can safely gamble online for real money at the best casinos in Hong Kong.
Best Online Casinos in Hong Kong in 2021
| #1
1xBet
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Win welcome package up to HK$13,000 + 150 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #2
22Bet
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Win a 100% welcome bonus up to HK$2700
|
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Thailand
Thailand is anti-gambling, with the only exceptions being the national lottery and betting on horse racing. Remember that both online and offline gambling is illegal, and the police might conduct raids at any time. That said, scores of gamblers in the country still manage to enjoy the activity, even playing poker online.
If you'd like to gamble in Thailand, we suggest you be tight-lipped about it, as it only takes one tip-off to the local police to land you in a spot of trouble. To be on the safe side, check out our guide to the best online casinos that accept Thai players, alongside a detailed description of the legal landscape in the country.
Best Online Casinos in Thailand in 2021
#1 
Dafabet
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Win 100% bonus up to ฿3400
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #2
1xBet
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Get a 1st deposit bonus up to ฿3400 + Other deposit bonuses
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #3
888
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Win instant welcome bonus up to ฿3700
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Israel
Israel is conservative when it comes to gambling, and has outlawed most forms of the activity, including gambling at online casinos. Only the national lottery and betting on sports are legal, and they are heavily regulated by the government.
While options are limited, there are a few online casinos that accept players from Israel.
The Philippines
Online gambling is legal in the Philippines, where casinos are licensed and regulated by the PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation). However, most online casino sites are offshore operators.
To get started, we recommend that you take a look at our detailed guide to the best casinos in the Philippines.
Best Online Casinos in the Philippines in 2021
#1 
Intertops
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Claim up to ₱5000 on your 1st deposit + Daily bonus and free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#2 
777
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Win 100% bonus up to ₱9800 on the Starburst slot
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#3 
Boo
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Win a welcome bonus package up to ₱57,000 + 150 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Other Asian countries
Another interesting Asian market for online casinos is Malaysia, and we've even got an article on the Malaysian gambling landscape to give you an overview of the legal situation in the country. We also have a similar one about Singapore gambling laws.
North America
Canada
Online gambling laws in the so-called Great White North are largely unclear. That being said, should you want to gamble at any online casino, keep in mind that no Canadian law considers online gambling illegal. Conversely, no legislation expressly deems it legal either.
However, that doesn't necessarily mean you should miss out on all the fun; just be sure to play at any licensed casino that’s regulated in other gambling jurisdictions and which accepts Canadian players.
Best Online Casinos for Canadian Players in 2021
#1 
Twin
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Get up to C$ 600 + 400 free spins on Book of Dead
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #2
Party
|
Get 100% bonus up to C$ 770 + 20 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Mexico
The legalities of online casinos in Mexico are still quite hazy. As it stands, offshore online operators can accept Mexican residents as long as the authorities deem them licensed casinos. However, online gambling is largely unregulated, as there doesn’t exist a legal provision that categorically deals with online betting sites or casinos.
Play a mix of exciting table games, live dealer games, and slots at the best online casino sites that accept Mexican players.
Best Online Mexican Casinos in 2021
#1 
Sloty
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Win 100% welcome bonus + 300 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #2
Bet365
|
Get 15% of your qualifying deposit in bet credits
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|
* more terms & conditions apply |
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#3 
Genesis
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Win 200% welcome bonus + 20 free spins
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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South America
Brazil
While gambling is legally approved across most South American countries, Brazil is still not quite there yet. Here, only the state-owned national lottery and horse-racing are legal, while online gambling isn't. That being said, you can play at most offshore online Brazilian casino sites.
It's true that there isn’t any legislation to prosecute players trying to gamble online; however, you should still be wary. Gamble responsibly and with caution.
Best Online Casinos in Brazil in 2021
#1 
Royal Panda
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Win 100% welcome bonus up to R$700
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #2
Jackpot City
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Win 100% welcome bonus up to R$11,000
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #3
Ruby Fortune
|
Win handsome welcome bonuses up to R$5200
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Africa
South Africa
Gambling, in its different forms, is legal throughout the African continent. South Africa, in particular, is home to multiple land-based casinos. Moreover, the country has also passed legislation on online gambling.
While the operation of online operators is still not explicitly deemed legal, you can still gamble at some of the first-rate online casinos in South Africa and place real-money wagers on the finest live casino games.
Best Online Casinos in South Africa in 2021
#1 
Europa
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Win 100% welcome bonus up to R 37,500
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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#2 
Yako
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Win 100% welcome bonus up to R 2200
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #3
Yeti
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Get 100% welcome bonus up to R 6400 + 100 free spins
|
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Australia/Oceania
Australia
Online gambling laws in Australia have been laid out by the Interactive Gambling Act, 2001. Under this act, only lottery games and sports betting (except for live sports betting) are permitted, while other online gambling services aren’t. That being said, no legislation explicitly forbids Australian residents from gambling at overseas online casinos.
Find out whether the best online casinos in Australia are licensed and trustworthy in our detailed guide.
New Zealand
Legislation related to online gambling is refreshingly more straightforward and precise in Australia’s trans-Tasman neighbour. The Gambling Act, 2003, categorically specifies what is legal and what isn’t. Surprisingly, the act also legalises gambling at overseas online casinos.
Thanks to the relaxed laws, Kiwis today have a nice variety of online casinos to choose from. Check out our article on the best New Zealand casino sites and the multiple payment methods you can use.
Best Online Casinos in New Zealand
| #1
Spinia
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Get welcome package up to NZ$430 + 50 free spins
|
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #2
Betamo
|
Get a handsome welcome package up to NZ$520 + 150 free spins
|
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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| #3
Twin
|
Get up to NZ$670 + 400 free spins on Book of Dead
|
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* more terms & conditions apply |
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Legal Casinos FAQs
What are the different licensing authorities?
The more popular online gambling jurisdictions (and their authorities) are:
- Alderney (Alderney Gaming Control Commission)
- Antigua and Barbuda (Antigua Directorate of Offshore Gambling)
- Belize (Belize Computer Wagering License Board)
- Curacao (Curacao e-Gaming Licensing Authority)
- Gibraltar (Gibraltar Regulatory Authority)
- Isle of Man (Gambling Supervision Commission)
- Kahnawake (Kahnawake Gaming Commission)
- Malta (Malta Lottery and Gaming Authority)
- Panama (Panama Gaming Control Board)
- UK Gambling Commission (UK Gambling Commission License)
Why is it important to play at a licensed casino?
Legal and licensed casinos are the safest options because:
- Their games are random and fair, and you have an excellent chance of beating the house.
- You are guaranteed that you will not be duped or swindled out of your money.
How do I know if my preferred operator is a licensed casino?
Click on the online casino website and head to the ‘About Us’ section. If you don't see it straight away, you can carry out a simple ‘text search’ to find it. If the casino is licensed, the search will display the kind of licence it holds at the bottom of the home page.
How do I determine the credibility of the licensed casino’s software?
Online casinos are equally concerned as any other land-based casino when it comes to maintaining a secure and legitimate catalogue of games. That being said, it is better to err on the side of caution. We suggest you check for any symbol or logo of the relevant software testing facility.
Two of the more reliable testing facilities in this regard are TST and GamCare.
