Outside of the United States: The worldwide availability of sports betting

Abstract

Currently, several proposed changes in sports betting laws are being debated around the world. Despite the global expansion of sports betting opportunities, relatively little research has been done to compare different regulatory environments. Many countries have banned this gambling activity, while many others allow unlimited sports betting. This chapter offers some concise impressions of sports betting regulation worldwide and a more detailed view of some individual cases worth mentioning. Outside of the United States, sports betting appears to be popular, widely legal, and quite heterogeneous in terms of market structure and legislation. In any case, there are diverse disputes going on as to how sports betting should be changed and adapted in the next future. It appears evident that the prospective value of the sports betting market may increase, but the potential effects of expanding sports betting opportunities may have to be balanced against the negative consequences of this gambling activity.