The Legislation of Gambling, Drugs, and Alcohol Around the World

Gambling, drugs, and alcohol are some of the world’s most common and destructive causes of addiction, misery, and even death. What’s worse, the laws that are supposed to help and protect are often confusing and can cause more harm than good.

So, to help you stay out of trouble and navigate the global legislative landscape, we created an interactive world map of gambling, drug, and alcohol laws.

Interactive Map

Explore the current legislative landscape of gambling, drugs, and alcohol. Use the tabs below to switch between maps, and click any country to learn more about its laws.

Gambling

Drugs

Alcohol

Curiosities

You may not think it, but there's more nuance to alcohol laws than meets the eye. For instance, the legal drinking age is an age minimum enforced by a country's legal system, at which you can consume alcohol. Straightforward enough, right? However, not all countries have a clearly defined legal drinking age, and the ones that do only regulate public drinking.

Instead, we focused on the legal purchasing age, which enforces an age limit on alcoholic beverages.Nearly all countries have a legal purchasing age. Interestingly, sometimes a country has both, and each set at a different age. In practice, that means that it may be perfectly legal to drink alcohol in a country but not to buy it.

Besides having different drinking and purchasing ages, countries can set themselves apart by setting exceptions to these fundamental rules. Such exceptions can be for:

drinking under the supervision of a parent or guardian
purchasing beverages above/below a certain alcohol content (ABV)
purchasing alcohol at different venues/vendors

Drug legislation consists of sets of laws regulating the use, possession, cultivation, production, transportation, supply, and trade of both pharmaceuticals and narcotics (natural and synthetic). They affect various sectors, but we focused on their relationship with countries' criminal laws for this article. More specifically, the legality, crimes, and penalties associated with drugs.

Acts recognized as criminal are the same for much of the world's countries. However, their corresponding punishments can change wildly from one country to the next. In some parts of the world, 0.5g of cannabis in your pocket will at most get you a slap on the wrist. But elsewhere, you may be beaten, face life in prison, or even be sentenced to death.

Overall, the severity of the punishment depends on:

the country's views on drugs and their users
the severity of the crime
the type and amount of drug involved in the crime

Gambling comes in many forms – slots, roulette, blackjack, sports betting, lottery, bingo, scratch-off tickets, etc. Gambling legislation is in place to ensure safe and fair conduct within the land-based and online gambling sphere (where available). It dictates the rights and responsibilities of gambling regulators, providers, and customers alike.

Different types of gambling are often run and regulated by various authorities. For example, it is quite common for lottery to be operated by a state-owned company, while an open market is much more common when it comes to land-based and online casinos. That said, some countries have their land-based venues under full control, while Norway is one of the last countries with a state-owned online gambling monopoly.

We focus primarily on brick-and-mortar and online casino gambling to not overcomplicate things, only referencing other forms where necessary.

The world is full of curiosities, and laws and regulations are no exceptions. Legal systems of some countries contain laws that may seem completely crazy to the rest of the world. That said, they usually have a reason to exist, often being rooted in history and local customs.

The local laws and regulations of some countries have been developing over centuries, and some of them have not been updated to match the current legislative landscape and the 21st century life.

And some curious laws must be a direct consequence of a specific event or a series of events. Why else would it be forbidden for bar owners in Florida to organize a "dwarf-throwing contest"?

Regardless of why these curious laws exist, you can click through the map to view a selection of the most interesting ones.

Legal alcohol puchasing age

119

No restriction

<15

16-17

18-20

Variable

Illegal

Harshest drug penalties

136

Death sentence

Life imprisonment

Prison sentence

No or unclear regulations

Gambling legality

Legal

Partially legal

Illegal

Unclear

Unregulated

5 potentially illegal things to watch out for when abroad

What you might not know about alcohol

There can be no question about alcohol's cultural significance, it being a mainstay of many social occasions, with unique spirits and rituals pertaining to the beverages in each nation. And with around 130 types of alcohol commercially available (not even counting cocktails), there's drink out there that anyone can enjoy.

However, all that high praise cannot change the fact over-indulging carries some heavy consequences - on mental and physical health alike. On average, alcohol-related deaths number around 3 000 000 annually, accounting for 5.3% of all deaths worldwide. Despite that, there are only 13 countries where alcohol is banned, primarily located in the Middle East. To put it into perspective, there are more countries where alcohol is unregulated than the ones where it is illegal.

The rest of the world regulates alcohol use by various age restrictions, the lowest being 13 in Burkina Faso and the highest 25 in India's Haryana, Meghalaya, Punjabi, and Delhi regions. Incidentally, India is also one of the few countries where the legal age for consumption varies by region, specifically from 18 to 25 years. The only other two countries with similar variable restrictions are Micronesia at 18 and 21 years and Guyana at 16 and 18 years.

What you might not know about drugs

Drug legality is often a contentious topic for lawmakers just as much as for the general public. Most commonly, the drug in question is cannabis, with many countries allowing for its prescription use. Decriminalization is less common, and rarer still is complete legalization, only present in 15 US states and 4 world countries. It bears to say that this makes the green herb the most legalized drug, with few countries allowing other types of drug use. Notable exceptions being the unrestricted use of psychotropics in France, the UK's "Spice" legal loophole, and an honorary mention going out to Texas' controversial deliberations over legalizing all drugs.

Legislative differences stretch to drug-related penalties and punishments as well. Depending on the crime, type, and amount of drug involved, offenders may receive nothing more than some harsh words and a fine, a life-long prison sentence, or even execution. European countries tend to be on the more forgiving end of the spectrum. In contrast, Asian, Middle Eastern, and African countries are on the opposite end of the spectrum, pulling no punches with their punishments. The USA is somewhere between the two, with laws and penalties changing from one state to the next.

Despite, or perhaps because, they are the world's largest cannabis and opioid producers, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, UAE, Qatar, Western Sahara, and Libya directly oppose International Human Rights with their capital punishments. The Philippines are the only other country rivaling Middle Eastern beatings, stonings, and canings, with President Duterte encouraging citizens to kill drug dealers on sight.

What you might not know about gambling

With roots stretching as far back as 23 000 BC China, gambling has had more than enough time to build its cultural significance worldwide. Due to that, there is no shortage of gambling-related curiosities - be it Japan's unique pachinko and gacha gambling, coin tosses being eligible election-deciders in the Philippines, or gambling being a mainstay of the country's funerals.

And though gambling regulation dates back as far as ancient Rome banning dice, lawmakers continuously struggle with finding the most effective legislation. Although Asia is the activity's origin, it severely restricts all gambling forms. For example, in Thailand, you may face legal repercussions for owning more than 120 playing cards without a governmental permit. The Middle East and Muslim-majority Africa ban gambling almost entirely per their religious beliefs.

Interestingly, post-colonial Africa is in opposition to this and instead mirrors the regulatory tendencies of its historical European occupants, which tend to be far more accepting of new gambling forms, including online gambling and e-sports. Europe is something of a global trendsetter thanks to that, as well as due to its well-developed markets and strong support structures for problem gamblers. In contrast, Oceania and America are much more conservative, with only 11 US states allowing online gambling.

Thailand – illegal playing cards

If you like card games like Blackjack, Poker, Rummy on vacations and you are on your way to Thailand, pay attention to what you pack or buy along the way. Carrying playing cards around seems like a harmless thing to do, but, in Thailand, it might get you in trouble.

In Thailand, it is illegal to own more than 120 playing cards without a government permit. The so-called Playing Cards Act was passed in 1943 as part of Thailand's strict anti-gambling laws and remains effective to date.

Apart from limiting the number of cards in an individual's possession, the law also forbids importing playing cards into the country or producing them without permission, changing or in any way altering playing cards, and selling cards.

If you are caught with more than 120 playing cards without a permit, you can theoretically face up to three years in prison or a fine of 500 Baht (around €13) or more. Quite a range of possible punishments…

Germany – illegal music at midnight

It is quite usual to have so-called 'quiet hours', during which you should avoid overly noisy activities not to disturb your neighbors at night. But Germany has gone a bit further.

The German Federal High Court of Justice has ruled that making music or practicing your musical instrument in rented apartments is only allowed from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 20:00.

Additionally, there is another limitation in place. The total time you spend playing your instrument per day is limited as well, depending on the instrument. For example, you can play your piano for up to two hours per day, whereas drummers only get 45 minutes in summer and 90 minutes in winter.

So, if you really want to perfect your skills as a musician in Germany, you will most likely need to own your apartment or practice somewhere else instead.

Sri Lanka – illegal selfies with Buddha

Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country. Approximately 70% of the population subscribing to Buddhism, which is also the country's state religion. This is evidenced by the large number of statues of Buddha across the country, but the state religion has also made its way into Sri Lanka's legal system.

And these have something in common as, in Sri Lanka, you should never take a selfie with Buddha. Not only is it very disrespectful, but it can also get you in legal trouble.

You should not turn your back to Buddha in Sri Lanka. When taking a selfie with him, you are clearly turning your back to him and taking photographic evidence of it at the same time. And it is not just selfies. Do not take any pictures of yourself or other people with backs turned to Buddha. You can take pictures with Buddha, but you must be facing towards him.

If you are seen breaking this rule in Sri Lanka, the locals will likely speak up to stop you from disrespecting Buddha in this way. And if you are seen by the police, they will confiscate your camera, go through your photos, and delete the ones they consider inappropriate.

Greece – illegal high heels at the Acropolis

The Acropolis of Athens is arguably one of the most famous historical remains and tourist attractions in the world. More than 15 million people visited the Acropolis since it has been opened to public in 2009.

To protect the historical heritage, Greek authorities do not allow visitors to wear high heels to the Acropolis and other significant historical sites in the country.

The ban has been put in place because the thin heels of high-heeled shoes can damage the historical sites. Additionally, the Acropolis is on a hill and visitors need to walk quite a bit to reach the top, so wearing high heels does not make too much sense anyways. If you decide to visit the Acropolis or other Greek historical landmarks, make sure to wear proper shoes.

Switzerland – illegal naked hiking

With Switzerland's beautiful nature, it is no wonder that hiking is a popular activity among both locals and visitors from abroad. But how and why has the country decided to make the activity illegal when done naked?

In the past, the historical canton of Appenzell became popular for this quite unusual activity. Some hikers enjoyed the freedom of walking the region's trails fully nude, so much so that people started to come to Switzerland specifically for this reason.

While the nude hikers saw nothing wrong with enjoying the nature without any clothes on, the locals started to disagree. In 2013, the citizens of Appenzell passed legislation banning naked hiking, with a fine of 200 Swiss francs imposed on violators.

Displaying legality for age: 18

LEGAL ILLEGAL PARTIALLY LEGAL

Displaying legality for age: 18

Drugs

Alcohol

Gambling

Curiosities

Laws that seem strange to people from other countries are almost everywhere. Browse some of the best examples of curious laws below.

EUROPE

Czechia

In the Czech Republic, it is technically legal to confiscate the property of German and Hungarian expats and force them out of the country, based on the Beneš Decrees, which came into effect following WW2.

France

In France, it is legal to marry your deceased significant other if you can prove the two of you had plans to marry preceding their death.

Greece

In Greece, it is illegal to wear high heels in the Acropolis to prevent damaging the landmark.

Italy

In Italy, it is illegal to feed pigeons in Venice to protect the historic town from poopy birds.

Poland

In Poland, all depictions of Winnie the Pooh are illegal because the cartoon bears "pantslessness" was deemed too risqué for children.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, the surprisingly popular activity of naked hiking is illegal.

North and Latin America

Bolivia

In Bolivia, it is illegal for a married woman to drink more than a single glass of wine, as the authorities believe this will make her immoral and lead to an increase in affairs and divorces.

Mexico

In Mexico, dangerous biking is illegal.

Colombia

In Colombia, buying knives is legal, but their carrying is illegal.

Alaska

In Alaska, it is illegal to be drunk in a bar.

California

In California, it is illegal to eat a frog that died during a frog-jumping contest instead of promptly destroying its remains.

Florida

In Florida, it is illegal to organize "dwarf-tossing" contests (their words, not ours) in bars.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, it is illegal to play games of "catch the oiled pig".

Colorado

In Colorado, it is illegal to change the weather without a permit.

Oregon

In Oregon, it is illegal to leave a container of urine or feces on the side of the road or to throw such a container from your car.

South Carolina

In South Carolina, it is illegal to seduce a woman with the promise of marrying her if you are a male aged over 16. No such law exists for women.

Asia

China

In China, it's illegal to reincarnate as the Buddha without getting proper governmental approval.

Japan

In Japan, it is illegal to clone yourself or to put ice cream into a stranger's mailbox.

Philippines

In the Philippines, rape can be excused if the rapist marries their victim.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, it is illegal to fail a suicide attempt because it is legally viewed as attempted murder.

North Korea

In North Korea, it is illegal and punishable by death to make an international phone call, disrespect the Great Leader, eat, drink, smile, or talk loudly on the Great Leader's death anniversary.

India

In India, it is illegal to fly a kite without a flight permit.

Iran

In Iran, it is illegal for men to spike their hair or pluck their eyebrows because it is proof of devil-worship.

Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, it is illegal to sell cats and dogs due to authorities fearing that men could use these furry friends to attract casual sex partners.

Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, it is illegal for women (and possibly men, we don't judge) to enjoy the delights of lacy underwear for "health and safety concerns".

Africa

Sudan

In Sudan, it is illegal to practice sorcery.

Nigeria

In Nigeria, it is illegal to be a witch, punishable by a prison sentence.

Morocco

In Morocco, it is illegal to kill mice unless it is for your own consumption.

Egypt

In Egypt, people who do not vote in the presidential election can be fined up to LE 500 (around $30).

South Africa

In South Africa, there are three types of marriage available.

DOWNLOAD

To download PDF versions of these maps and resources, please fill out the form below. We will send the files to your e-mail address.

* E-mail cannot be blank

Intended purposes:

Educational Scientific Personal Commercial Other

* Please select intended purpose

By submitting, I hereby agree to use the PDF and information contained within responsibly and constructively. Should I use the PDF or any of its parts in creating new content, I agree to specify Casino Guru as the source via a link to this page if the content is placed online.

* Please agree to terms of use

Thank you for your interest. We will send you the PDF version within 24 hours.

SOURCES

Drugs

Alcohol

Wikipedia IslamicLawOnline

CNN PROCON DrinkAge

WHO Drinking Age LetItHapyn

EuropeanBusinessReview

Gambling

LCB SimonsBlogPark ICLG CasinoNewsDaily IslamicLawOnline

IraqiNews ArabianBetting SportsBetting CalvinAyre GamblingCompliance

E-Play Africa FurtherAfrica CryptoVersal LiebertPub

GambleScope GamblingSites.org Wikipedia Dia.govt.nz

The Legislation of Gambling, Drugs, and Alcohol Around the World

Interactive Map

Curiosities

EUROPE

Czechia

France

Greece

Italy

Poland

Switzerland

North and Latin America

Bolivia

Mexico

Colombia

Alaska

California

Florida

Minnesota

Colorado

Oregon

South Carolina

Asia

China

Japan

Philippines

Malaysia

North Korea

India

Iran

Saudi Arabia

Kazakhstan

Africa

Sudan

Nigeria

Morocco

Egypt

South Africa

DOWNLOAD

SOURCES

Drugs

Alcohol

Gambling

Curiosity