Unlike the UK law, the regulations of most jurisdictions in the world are restrictive, from single license systems to complete bans. In a reaction to these differences, the responsible UK minister admitted that any country may choose to control gambling within its borders in a way that is appropriate to its national regulatory approach and particular circumstances.

This position is very much supported by the horseracing industry, as it supports the jurisdictional integrity of each country on gambling issues. The minister’s declaration also seems to indicate that the UK is moving away from its previously held position that UK law would govern online gambling transactions, wherever the consumer resides.

This apparent change in position may have been instigated by the recently adopted anti online gambling law in the US, which was until the ban went into force the largest online gambling market.