Is Gambling Legal in Andorra?
In the small European country of Andorra, located between Spain and France, gambling has only recently been legalized. Until 2014, gambling was illegal in Andorra, but in July of that year, the government approved a law that would permit and regulate gambling activities. The decision was made in an effort to attract more tourists and increase the country’s revenue from the tourism industry. However, the process of establishing a legal gambling framework has been slow, and there are still several restrictions in place.
What is the Legal Status of Sports Betting in Andorra?
With the legalization of gambling in Andorra, sports betting has also been given the green light. However, like other forms of gambling, the implementation of a legal framework for sports betting has been slow. Currently, there are no physical sports betting establishments in the country, but the Andorran government has expressed interest in developing this industry. For now, Andorrans and tourists alike can enjoy sports betting through international online platforms.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Andorra?
While the 2014 law paved the way for the legalization of gambling in Andorra, online gambling has not been specifically addressed in the legislation. This means that, technically, online gambling is neither legal nor illegal in Andorra. As a result, many Andorrans and visitors turn to international online gambling platforms to enjoy casino games, poker, and sports betting. It is important to note that the Andorran government has not taken any action against players who use international online gambling sites.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Gamble in Andorra?
The legal gambling age in Andorra is 18 years old. This applies to both land-based and online gambling activities. It is important for anyone who wishes to participate in gambling activities in Andorra to be aware of the legal age requirement, as there may be penalties for underage gambling.
What are the Most Famous Casinos and Games in Andorra?
Despite the legalization of gambling in 2014, Andorra has yet to see the establishment of any land-based casinos. The government initially planned to issue a single casino license, which was awarded to Jocs SA in 2018. However, the license was revoked in 2019 due to legal disputes, and the construction of the planned casino has been delayed indefinitely.
As a result, the most famous casinos and games in Andorra are those found on international online gambling platforms. These platforms offer a wide range of casino games, such as:
- Slots
- Roulette
- Blackjack
- Poker
- Baccarat
- Craps
Do You Need a Gambling License in Andorra?
Yes, any operator wishing to offer gambling services in Andorra must obtain a gambling license from the Andorran government. This includes both land-based and online gambling operators. However, as mentioned earlier, the process of obtaining a gambling license in Andorra has been fraught with delays and legal disputes, and there are currently no licensed gambling establishments in the country.
Is There a Gambling Tax in Andorra?
As part of the 2014 gambling law, the Andorran government established a gambling tax for operators. The tax rate varies depending on the type of gambling activity, with casino games taxed at 10% of gross gaming revenue, sports betting taxed at 2.5% of turnover, and lottery games taxed at 1% of turnover. These taxes are meant to help fund public services and infrastructure projects in Andorra. However, since there are currently no licensed gambling establishments in the country, these taxes have yet to be collected.
Official Links and Resources on Gambling Legality in Andorra
For more information on the legal status of gambling in Andorra, you can visit the following official websites:
- Government of Andorra – The official website of the Andorran government provides information on the country’s laws and regulations, including those related to gambling.
- Andorran Gaming Control Board (AGRA) – This regulatory body is responsible for overseeing the gambling industry in Andorra, including issuing licenses and enforcing regulations.
It is important for anyone interested in gambling in Andorra to stay up-to-date on the latest legal developments and to only participate in gambling activities that are permitted under Andorran law.