On the surface, gambling in the United States and England might seem pretty similar. You’ve got casinos, apps, sports betting, and slot games on both sides of the ocean. But once you dig into the legal side of things, the differences become much clearer.
If you’ve ever wondered why gambling’s easier to navigate in one country than the other, a lot of it comes down to how the laws are written and enforced.
One Rulebook vs Fifty Different Ones
England runs gambling through one main regulator: the UK Gambling Commission. This single authority oversees everything from online casinos to betting shops and land-based venues. The rules don’t change depending on your location, which makes it all a bit easier to understand.
The US doesn’t have a federal gambling rulebook. Each state sets its own laws, which means gambling can be legal in one place and illegal just a couple of miles away.
Brick-and-Mortar Casinos
English casinos are legal and closely regulated. Licences are hard to get. Locations and game types are restricted. Operators have to follow strict standards around security, fairness, and responsible gambling.
In the US, casinos are much more common, though only in some areas. Nevada and Louisiana made them legal statewide, but others allow casinos only in specific cities or on tribal land. Native American casinos operate under separate legal agreements, which makes the system even more complex.
Online Gambling
England has one of the most developed online gambling markets in the world. Players can access casino games and slots as long as the operator is licensed and follows consumer protection rules. This means every reputable online casino has to meet licensing requirements before offering games.
In the US, online gambling is more restricted. There are only a few states that allow online casinos, and access is usually limited to players physically located in that state. Many Americans don’t have legal access to online casino games at all.
Sports Betting Differences
Sports betting is pretty common in England. It’s legal nationwide, both online and offline, and operates under clear regulations.
In America, sports betting used to be banned nationwide, until a 2018 Supreme Court ruling changed that. Since then, states have gotten to decide for themselves. Some embraced it quickly, while others still ban it, leading to uneven availability across the country.
How Old Do You Have to Be?
England keeps the age limit simple. You generally need to be at least 18 to gamble, whether online or in person, although for things like football pools, you only need to be 16. Keep these in mind, as underage gambling leads to a pretty hefty fine.
In the US, the typical age limit for casino gambling is 21 years old. Some states such as California, allow gambling at 18, but access to casinos can still be limited because of alcohol regulations.
Taxes: A Big Difference for Players
One of the biggest differences is tax. English players don’t pay tax on their gambling winnings. If you win something, you keep it. Operators handle the taxes instead, with 15% tax on all profits.
In the US, gambling winnings are considered taxable income. Casinos will deduct 24% of your winnings, and if you’re a non-resident, that could go up to 30%. This can come as a surprise to visitors who aren’t used to that system.
Final Thoughts
In England, gambling laws are centralised, consistent, and easy to follow. In America, however, they depend on location, with rules changing from state to state.
For players, that means gambling in England is clearer, while gambling in the US requires a bit more research. Knowing the differences helps you play confidently, safely, and legally, wherever you are.
