How To (Legally) Gamble In Cities Without Casinos

Thousands of people across the world take up gambling as a favored pastime, but what can be done by those who live in a city (or worse, a country) where gambling is banned or doesn’t exist? This is a common challenge faced by many people the world over and includes countries like Bangladesh, Qatar, Cambodia, Poland, and the UAE. Even in the US, there are two states that have banned gambling – Hawaii and Utah. 

Fortunately, there are legal ways in which residents of these cities, states, and countries can still enjoy playing their favorite casino games. 

Here are four ways in which you can gamble even if you live in a city without a brick-and-mortar casino. 

4 Ways to Gamble in Cities without Casinos

It can be frustrating to live in a region without a physical casino, but there are some workarounds, depending on the laws in your area.

1. Offshore casinos

Offshore casinos are viable options for those who live in countries where casinos and gambling are banned. These online casinos operate in other jurisdictions (i.e. outside of your own country) where gambling is legal and regulated. Countries that popularly host offshore casinos include the Philippines, the Isle of Man, Malta, and Antigua and Barbuda. 

You can identify an offshore casino by the domain name, e.g. www.example.ph or www.example.ag.

Players who wish to gamble without violating local laws can access these offshore casinos to play their favorite slots and table games. 

Let’s take Bangladesh as an example. According to the Public Gambling Act, all types of gambling are banned in the country. However, this Act predates the rise of the Internet, which has left a grey area for online casinos. To not violate these laws, Bangladeshis can access dozens of online and offshore casinos that offer brilliant odds, bonuses, and games (Source: https://www.business2community.com/gambling/best-online-casinos-bangladesh). 

Similarly, those in living in Qatar, where there are strict anti-gambling laws for both physical and online casinos, can access offshore casinos or sportsbooks that are not banned in the country.

It is crucial to look for reputable and licensed casino operators, like those listed on Business2Community. 

2. Online casinos

Online casinos are similar to offshore casinos, however, they are based in your own country. This is an incredibly accessible form of gambling for those who live in areas where gambling is legal, but there aren’t any physical casinos. 

These casinos offer players the same experience as a traditional casino, with the added benefits of convenience, accessibility, and a wider range of games. Players can enjoy blackjack, roulette, poker, and slots, all from the comforts of home. 

3. Social gambling and gaming

Social gambling and skill-based games allow players to still feel the excitement of gambling without breaking any laws. 

Social gambling involves players playing games for fun, not for profit, with friends and family. This can include card games and poker nights where no real money is exchanged. 

Enthusiasts can also play fantasy sports leagues or wager on eSports among friends. These games still require a lot of skill and betting strategies, without actually betting on sports in areas where it might be banned.

4. Travelling to other regions

If the above options don’t appeal to you, you may have to travel to another city with physical casinos. If gambling is banned in your country, it means you will have to travel abroad to regions where casinos are legal. 

For example, residents of Bangladesh will have to travel to neighboring Nepal or India (specifically the states of Goa and Sikkim), where gambling and casinos are legal. 

Understand Local Laws and Gambling Regulations

Before you start any form of gambling, you must ensure you have a sound understanding of the legal landscape where you live. In some regions, all forms of gambling are prohibited. In others, there might be exceptions, like lotteries run by government bodies or betting on sports. 

Conclusion

Online and offshore casinos are the easiest ways to access slots and games if you live in an area where there are no casinos. By understanding local regulations, selecting reputable online platforms, or opting for social gambling without real money, you can still enjoy gambling without violating the law.