Iceland’s Online Gambling Industry at a Glance
The online gambling industry in Iceland is shaped by a mix of legal restrictions, a strong local interest in gaming, and an increasing shift towards digital platforms. The government regulates most forms of gambling, including betting, lotteries, and gaming. However, the country has very few domestic gambling operators due to these legal restrictions.
The country’s current legislation bans online gambling. Icelandic players, however, still participate in online gambling at international casinos since this is not explicitly prohibited. A recent report reveals that Icelandic gamblers spend ISK 20 billion (€134 million) on offshore gambling websites each year. With that said, joining these platforms requires careful consideration, as they may not be subject to the same consumer protections or regulations as those within Iceland.
Here’s a quick look at the history of online gambling in Iceland:
- 1926 – Lottery Act: The Lottery Act was introduced, legalising state-run lotteries in Iceland.
- 1933 – Amendment of the Lottery Act: The act was amended to further regulate lottery operations.
- 1994 – Land-Based Casino Slot Machines Approval: Iceland’s government approved the introduction of slot machines in land-based casinos.
- 1998 – Online Gambling Restrictions: The Icelandic government began implementing stricter regulations regarding online gambling, including a ban on domestic online gambling operators.