In our previous articles we have already explained that every online casino should be registered and controlled by a reliable regulatory body of the respective gambling jurisdiction. There are several gambling jurisdictions existing nowadays that are entitled to license online gambling. However, one of these jurisdiction is justly considered to be the best one. Antigua and Barbuda country was the first gambling jurisdiction as it appeared back in 1994. Appearance of the first online casino jurisdiction became a strong stimulus for the development of the whole internet gambling industry. In this article we are going to take a look at this jurisdiction and what it is responsible for.
Division of Gaming is a regulatory body of Antigua and Barbuda jurisdiction. Over 50 online casino operators are licensed in this jurisdiction including Playtech and Microgaming powered gambling sites. Division of Gaming ensures that online casinos that got its license offer players the utmost gambling experience that is safe, honest and reliable. Its casino management divisions are responsible for money laundering prevention on licensee gambling sites, as well as comprehensive protection of all gamblers and secure financial operations. For example, under the Division of Gaming initiative all licensee casinos had to follow the ‘Know Your Customer’ procedure and undergo a comprehensive audit check of all financial transactions, accounts and so on. All these factors are extremely important for online gamblers as they guarantee them a safe gambling experience and prevent the identity theft.
Unfortunately, after the UIGEA Act was passed in the US government in 2004, gambling sites licensed in Antigua and Barbuda jurisdiction suffered enormous loss of profit. The reason is that under the UIGEA Act all financial transactions to online casino operators were restricted. It was supposedly made to prevent money laundering by terrorist organizations, however in reality it made a life of American gamblers much more complicated. American players made the main share of online casinos audience, that’s why gambling sites lost so much. Antigua and Barbuda filed this case to the WTO organization that actually rulled in favour of this online gambling jurisdiction. According to the judicial decision, the USA had to compensate the losses to Antigua and Barbuda and allow US citizens to play in their internet casinos. However, neither of this was done. Lately Antigua and Barbuda lawyers took the issue to the European Union court, however the US government is not going to make any concessions when it comes down to internet casino gambling.
Thank God, the situation in the United Kingdom is not as gloomy as in the United States.Recently online casinos licenced in Antigua and Barbuda jurisdiction have been permitted to advertise their services in mass media. Hopefully, it will lead to the fact that more British players will opt for gambling online compensating the loss of American players audience.
It’s really important for all online gamblers to pay the special attention to licenses of gambling sites. Largest and most reputable US gambling sites usually provide the most comprehensive information about a jurisdiction, audit company and regulative body on the designated page of their website. Selecting online casinos licensed in Antigua and Barbuda jurisdiction you are practically guaranteed to get the most exciting and safe gambling experience ever.
