How different cultures from around the world approach gambling

Gambling is a world of contrast that exists in almost every society, but cultural beliefs, history and legal systems influence how it is perceived and practised. Some countries celebrate playing as entertainment, while others see it as an economic booster with strict regulations.

We are not talking about right or wrong here—gambling shapes tourism and drives numerous benefits (and challenges) for both countries and punters—our focus is on the different nuances of how it is perceived.

Asia: The mix between restrictions and high stakes

Asia is home to some of the world’s largest gambling markets. However, it's also the continent with the most contrasting attitudes towards gaming from one country to another. This gives us a lot to unpack:

Macau – The (new) gambling capital

The special administrative region of China, Macau, has been labelled as a top casino and entertainment destination. Macau's gambling industry generates billions of dollars annually as it attracts high-rollers from across Asia.

Popular games that dominate casinos over there are Baccarat, Pai Gow and Sic Bo. What's more, many Chinese punters believe in feng shui and lucky numbers when gambling, which makes clear that superstitions play a big role in their betting habits.

China – A restricted love for gambling

Despite the strict (anti) gambling regulations in China, the love for playing remains deeply rooted in their culture. The government allows only two state-run lotteries: the China Sports Lottery and the China Welfare Lottery.

As such, it's no surprise that underground gambling exists. Illegal operators run throughout the country with bets for real money, especially for favourite games like Mahjong and Dou Dizhu.

Japan – The loophole of Pachinko

Traditional casino-style gambling has long been banned in Japan, but a unique loophole allows pachinko parlours to flourish. Pachinko is a mix between pinball and slot machines, where players win metal balls that can be exchanged for prizes or money through indirect means.

These venues are a significant part of Japanese entertainment culture, so the government strictly monitors them.

India – A complex legal landscape

India has a different approach to gambling, as here, each state decides its laws. Horse racing and lotteries are widely permitted, while casinos can operate legally only in Goa, Sikkim and Daman.

Games like Teen Patti and Andar Bahar are commonly played during Diwali and other festivals. There is a growing trend in online gaming as well, although the legal regulations remain unclear in many states.

Europe: Rich gambling heritage with strong regulations

Europe has a long history of gambling, and most countries have well-established legal frameworks to regulate the industry, making it safe and enjoyable for its players.

United Kingdom – A well-regulated market

The UK Gambling Commission oversees gambling entirely, ensuring fair play and responsible practices. Football betting, horse racing, online casinos, and the lottery are among the most widely enjoyed playing activities by punters.

Italy – The birthplace of casinos

Italy played an important role in shaping modern gambling, as this is the country where the activity was born. Did you know that the first known casino was opened in Venice in 1638?

Italians enjoy traditional card games like Scopone and Briscola, modern slot machines, and online gambling. The government focuses on controlling all such activities, as the country is known for having one of the tightest regulations.

Germany – A strict country

Germany has a well-regulated gambling industry with strict and severe restrictions on online casinos.

Sports betting and land-based casinos are legal in famous gambling hubs like Baden-Baden. Players in Germany enjoy playing Skat, a complex three-player card game. However, iGaming is still accessible to German punters who can be sure that their playing experience is safe and secure.

North America: A blend of casino resorts and Indigenous gaming

This made the region home to a wide range of gaming enthusiasts, from those enjoying the flashing lights of Las Vegas to those immersing themselves deep into the culturally rich tribal casinos.

United States – A gambling universe with regional differences

Gambling laws vary across the U.S., with some states like Nevada and New Jersey embracing gambling while others, such as Utah and Hawaii, banning such activities completely.

Many Native American tribes also operate casinos on their lands, which helps them use playing as a means of economic development. Tribal casinos operate under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), with some Indigenous groups having their own traditional gambling games, like the Cherokee's Stickball.

Middle East & Africa: Religion and tradition shape gambling laws

Gambling laws in the Middle East are deeply influenced by religious beliefs and cultural traditions. In this region, Islam is the dominant religion where gambling is largely prohibited under Sharia law.

Middle East – Gambling mostly prohibited but not absent

Israel has state-controlled lotteries, and the UAE introduced Wynn Al Marjan, the first gambling resort of its kind in the region. Despite (or maybe because of) bans, illegal betting still occurs in many places across the Middle East.

South Africa – A growing casino industry

South Africa has a regulated gambling market where casinos are legal. Traditional games like Morabaraba, a strategic board game, are widely played. Lottery and sports betting are also extremely popular among South Africans.

Latin America: Passion for betting and lotteries

Latin Americans have a passion for gambling, with betting and lotteries playing a significant role in the region's culture and economy.

Brazil – Be part of the change

Casinos were banned for years in the country. However, the industry is experiencing a major shift, as recent laws have been busy changing the landscape and creating an entirely new regulated gambling market in Brazil! The government has legalised online gambling operators and sports betting.

Mexico – A mix of traditional and modern gambling

Casinos operate legally in Mexico, and betting is a big part of the culture. Popular games like La Loteria are national favourites. The casino industry is regulated but not as tightly controlled as in the U.S.

A global pastime

You now know some of the most strict, liberal, and even weird gambling laws. After all, it is all about how it is embraced or restricted, depending on the region's culture, history and laws.

As such, knowing these cultural perspectives lets you appreciate how players engage with luck and strategy around the world and gain a better understanding of the industry and your own gameplay.