Online Baccarat Regulations Around the World

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why Proper Oil Level Matters
• Risks of Overfilling
• Risks of Underfilling
• Determining the Ideal Oil Level
• Measuring and Adjusting Oil Level
• Best Practices and Maintenance Tips
• Conclusion 

Introduction

Online baccarat has exploded in popularity around the globe, but the legal environment varies dramatically from one jurisdiction to another. Some nations embrace and tightly regulate internet-based card games, while others maintain outright prohibitions or leave the rules vague. Before you log in or wager a single chip, it’s crucial to understand how your country—or region—treats online baccarat, both to ensure compliance and to protect your rights as a player.

United States

State-Level Regulations

In the U.S., gambling laws are primarily set at the state level rather than federally. That means whether you can play baccarat online (or in a casino at all) depends entirely on local legislation:

Fully Legal States

Nevada & Louisiana permit casino-style gambling statewide.

Limited Resort Zones

New Jersey (Atlantic City) and Mississippi (Tunica) allow casinos within specified gaming zones.

Tribal Casino Compacts

Over 30 states host tribal casinos on sovereign land, under federal-tribal compacts.

Online Baccarat Licensing

As of May 2025, six states have expressly legalized web-based baccarat through licensed operators:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• West Virginia

Additionally, numerous brick-and-mortar casinos nationwide—from Las Vegas resorts to riverboat casinos in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana—offer Baccarat tables but do not necessarily extend these services online.

United Kingdom

UK Gambling Commission Oversight

The United Kingdom stands among the world’s most mature markets for both land-based and online gambling. Any operator wishing to offer baccarat (or other casino games) to UK residents must hold a valid licence issued by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

Player Protections & Fair Play

Licensed sites and venues must comply with stringent requirements:

• Secure Payment Processing
• Data Privacy & Encryption
• Responsible Gaming Tools (self-exclusion, deposit limits)
• Certified Random Number Generators

Thanks to these safeguards, UK players can enjoy classic baccarat, no-commission variants, and live-dealer tables with confidence in fairness and security.

Asia

Online baccarat legality across Asia is highly fragmented. Below is a snapshot of key markets as of mid-2025:

Thailand

• Law Revision (Jan 1, 2025): Thailand began overhauling its Gambling Act.
• Resort Casinos Legalized: A small number of integrated resorts can host physical casinos.
• Future Outlook: Draft legislation is expected soon to permit regulated online casino platforms.

Vietnam

General Prohibition: All forms of gambling are typically banned for citizens.

Exceptions:

• State Lottery: Operated by government.
• Tourist-Only Casinos: Foreign visitors may gamble at designated resorts.

China (Mainland)

• Strict Ban: All casino gambling—including online baccarat—is prohibited.
• Exception: State-run lottery products under the Ministry of Finance.
• Enforcement: The government actively blocks unlicensed offshore sites.

Japan

• Limited Legalized Gaming: Pachinko parlours, lotteries, and pari-mutuel horse racing are allowed.
• Casino Legislation: Integrated resort (IR) casinos are being introduced, but online casino laws remain unclear.
• Enforcement Trend: Authorities monitor offshore operators that target Japanese players.

South Korea

• Tight Restrictions: Casino gambling is mostly off-limits to citizens; a handful of land-based venues serve foreign tourists exclusively.
• Online Gambling: Fully illegal; access to unauthorized sites is blocked and prosecuted.

Emerging and Gray-Area Markets

• Philippines & Macau: Regulated online casinos operate under government licences.
• Singapore: A tightly-regulated regime allows online betting on specified games.
• Kyrgyzstan: Foreign nationals may gamble in licensed venues.
• Sri Lanka: Offshore operators serve as a legal gray zone; domestic licensing remains murky.

Conclusion

The legal landscape for online baccarat is anything but uniform. While jurisdictions like the UK offer robust regulatory frameworks and player protections, others—especially in Asia—maintain prohibitions or patchwork rules. In the United States, the patchwork of state laws means your ability to play varies even from one county line to the next. Always verify local legislation and choose licensed, reputable operators to ensure both legality and a fair, secure gaming experience.