Thanks to the boom in online casinos, it’s safe to say gambling has now spread to every corner of the world. Gaming and betting are now found in various forms and degrees of legality in almost every country.
From casinos to lotteries, sports betting to online poker, gambling is enjoyed by millions of people globally.
The extent and types of gambling do vary greatly from one region to another though.
Some countries have strict regulations on gambling, while others have a more relaxed approach. Gambling has become a widespread form of entertainment but can be very different in many parts of the world.
How does gambling vary across the world?
Gambling habits, activities, and styles vary significantly across different countries and cultures. Here’s why:
- Different regions like different types of gambling. Casinos may dominate in the United States but Mexico has a stronger tradition of lottery games.
- Cultural factors influence gambling. In some Asian cultures traditional games like Mahjong are favourites, while in the West, card games may be more popular.
- Gambling laws and social attitudes vary. Some countries have strict regulations, while others have more permissive laws.
In some cultures, gambling may be widely accepted, while in others, it may be prohibited by strong religious beliefs.
- The availability of online gambling platforms and mobile apps has transformed the gambling landscape globally. In countries where internet access is widespread, online gambling has become much more prevalent.
Different countries and their approaches to gambling
Every country has unique gambling patterns. Here are some great examples:
Costa Rica
The Central American country has become a popular destination for online gambling operators due to its favourable tax laws and regulations.
Many international online casinos and sports betting sites are based in Costa Rica.
Land-based casinos are limited in Costa Rica and many locals for example may not know how to play blackjack. But slot machines are very popular – and found in most local hotels, bars and restaurants.
Costa Rica doesn’t have a significant land-based casino industry but it is known for its thriving online gambling sector.
Japan
To demonstrate how different Japanese gambling culture is, look at the example of Pachinko.
This mechanical arcade game is a combination of pinball and slot machines. It’s extremely popular in Japan and almost unheard of elsewhere.
Players purchase small silver balls, which they then insert into the pachinko machine. Balls are shot into the field, where they bounce off obstacles.
Players aim to get the balls into certain pockets to win more balls, which can then be exchanged for prizes.
Meanwhile Mahjong is a traditional Chinese tile-based game that has a huge following in Japan.
Players compete to build specific combinations of tiles while trying to outscore their opponents. There are Mahjong parlours throughout Japan.
United States
In the United States, particularly in states like Nevada and New Jersey, casinos dominate the gambling landscape.
These offer games like slots, blackjack, roulette, poker and craps. Most games have a built-in advantage to the house.
The atmosphere in these showy resorts is characterized by glitz, glamour and entertainment, making it an ideal location for any luxury holiday.
At the same time, many states in the US operate lotteries, with scratch-off tickets, daily drawings and multi-state jackpot games. State lotteries are very popular and are often used to fund public services.
Macau
The tiny Chinese state of Macau is known as the world’s gambling capital, surpassing even Las Vegas in gambling revenue. Baccarat is the game of choice here.
The one card game accounts for the majority of the city’s casino revenue. High-stakes baccarat games attract wealthy players, particularly from mainland China.
Many casinos have luxury VIP rooms where high rollers play on private gaming tables with personalized concierge services, and lavish food and accommodation.
Australia
Slot machines, known locally as “pokies” are everywhere in Australia – in pubs, clubs and casinos across the country.
The games range from traditional three-reel machines to modern video slots with elaborate themes and bonus features.
At the same time sports betting is immensely popular, with millions of dollars hanging on all sporting events. Australians have a strong sports culture and love betting on Australian Rules Football, rugby, cricket and horse racing.
Singapore
Singapore is home to two massive gambling resorts, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, which feature world-class casinos, hotels, shopping, dining and entertainment. These attract millions of visitors.
While most forms of gambling are tightly regulated in the rest of Singapore, there is one traditional game that is exempt from the law, called ‘Two-Up’.
This local game involves tossing two coins and betting on the outcome. It is legal on Anzac Day (April 25th) and is often played in pubs and clubs as part of commemorative events.
These countries show how everywhere has a unique gambling experience shaped by its culture, regulations, and history. Gambling may be more widespread than ever – but it’s also never been so varied.
