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The whole world is adjusting to the limitations and measures being enforced in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. While the world tries to handle this unprecedented situation, some countries are taking the drastic measure to ban online casinos during the pandemic.
Below we list the countries currently considering banning online casinos, and countries which have already implemented an online casino ban.
1. Latvia
On the 6th April, the Latvian government announced online gambling was to be banned in Latvia with immediate effect. The ban was supposed to end on the 14th April but has since been extended.
The government has not announced how long the ban will be in place, though many people predict it may remain for as long as 3 months.
2. Portugal
The Portuguese government has made amendments to law 10-I/2020 which may allow for a partial or full ban on online gambling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The amendment states, ‘partial or total limitations on access to online gambling’ for the duration of the pandemic.
The ban has not yet been officially announced or enforced, though it is likely Portugal may choose to introduce this measure over the next few weeks.
3. Sweden
Like Portugal, Sweden is considering a temporary ban on online casinos.
Ardalan Shekarabi, Minister for Social Security announced at the start of the month ‘extraordinary measures’ may be taken if Swedish online casino operators do not take steps to protect their customers during the ongoing pandemic.
This statement was made after it was revealed that Sweden had seen a 33% increase in online casino account registrations since the pandemic began.
Why Impose A Ban?
Counties are choosing to limit or ban online gambling during the COVID-19 pandemic because they are worried about the wellbeing of individuals using online casinos.
Crucially they are concerned people may be spending too much time or money online during this period of downtime.
To avoid being banned altogether, online casinos may wish to start limiting playing hours or online registrations during this time. The UK, for example, has effectively banned players aged 25 and under.