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| Published On Mar 22, 2023 11:22 pm CET | By iGaming Team

What You Need to Know About Gambling in Iceland

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Gambling is a popular entertainment enjoyed by many Icelanders. However, gambling activities in Iceland are highly regulated and limited to only certain forms of gaming. As such, if you’re planning on visiting this beautiful Nordic country and want to try your luck at the slots or tables, there are a few things that you should know in advance.

First off, most forms of gambling are illegal in Iceland. The only two exceptions are horse racing and the lottery, which both require special licenses that authorized entities can only obtain. However, punters can still access any Online casino Iceland sites operating within the country or offshore from the convenience of their homes.

The history of gambling in Iceland

Gambling has been a part of Icelandic culture for centuries. The first recorded instance of gambling in Iceland dates back to the 13th century when it was used as entertainment among the wealthy and powerful. By the 19th century, gambling had become so popular that it was regulated by law. This regulation included restrictions on who could gamble and how much they could bet. In recent years, gambling has become increasingly popular in Iceland, with many people participating in online casinos or betting on sports games.

Current gambling laws in Iceland

Gambling in Iceland is regulated by the Icelandic Gaming and Alcohol Act, passed in 2006. According to this law, all forms of gambling are illegal except those specifically authorized by the government. It includes lotteries, sports betting, and horse racing. All other forms of gambling are prohibited. The only exception to this rule is online sports gambling, which is allowed as long as it takes place on a website approved by the Icelandic government. In addition to these laws, there are restrictions on advertising for any gambling activity in Iceland.

Types of gambling available to Icelanders

Despite the restrictive laws, gambling is still a popular pastime in Iceland, with many different types of gambling available. Online casinos in Iceland offer players a wide range of slots, table games, video poker machines, and more. The other most common type of gambling in Iceland is the Icelandic Lottery Company’s lottery. Other forms of gambling include sports betting and horse racing. Sports betting is provided through various bookmakers either online or at physical locations. Horse racing takes place at several tracks around the country and offers a variety of wagering options for bettors.

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In conclusion, it is essential to remember that gambling in Iceland is heavily regulated and restricted. All forms of gambling are illegal unless specifically authorized by the Icelandic government. Be sure to research any gambling activities you may be interested in before engaging.