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Bet365 is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable brands in the world of online sports betting. Since its inception in the UK, the company has managed to grow into a global giant, offering its services to players from almost every corner of the world. Bet365 is headquartered in the UK and the licences under which the company operates have been issued by both the UK gambling regulator, the Gambling Commission, and the authorities in Gibraltar, a British overseas territory.
However, it is important to remember that despite its global presence, Bet365 is not legal in all countries. Differences in gambling regulations make access to the bookmaker’s services difficult or completely blocked in some places.
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Where does Bet365 operate legally and where are the bookmaker’s services banned?
Buckmacher Bet365 boasts a presence in various corners of the world. Its offerings are available in European countries, Asia, Africa and North and South America. Moreover, it is recognised as one of the most trusted betting operators in many countries. Players can use the platform in countries such as:
- UK,
- Germany,
- Italy,
- Brazil,
- Spain,
- Mexico,
- Japan,
- India,
- Kenya,
- Nigeria.
It is also worth mentioning that Bet365 has won the right to operate in more than a dozen US states, which in the context of US gambling regulations is quite an achievement. The bookmaker’s presence in places such as New Jersey, Colorado, Ohio, North Carolina and Tennessee proves that the company is able to adapt to strict regulations and operate in accordance with local laws. On the other hand, there are also countries that fully ban foreign operators – this includes China, Iran and North Korea.
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How do Bet365’s regional versions differ?
When we talk about the legality of Bet365 in different countries, it is worth noting that the mere availability of the site is not everything. Even in countries where the bookmaker is legal, its offering can vary significantly. The differences concern both the number of sports available, the types of bets and the odds. In addition, payment options, deposit limits and even applicable promotions and bonuses are often tailored to local regulations and user preferences. Some versions of the site offer full support in the national language, while others are limited to the English version. Bet365 operates flexibly, adapting to the regulations, requirements and culture of each market in which it wishes to have a presence.
VPN as a tool to circumvent restrictions – is it worth the risk?
Many users use VPNs (ExpressVPN, NordVPN or Surfshark to name but a few) to still enjoy access to Bet365. These tools offer not only IP relocation, but also high levels of data encryption, masking of user activity and privacy protection. Some VPN services also offer so-called obfuscated servers, which further hide the fact that you are using a VPN from ISPs. Despite all these advantages, it is important to be aware that this kind of activity is against the law in some countries (including, for example, Poland, about which more in a moment). The use of unlicensed bookmakers is not legal, even if the site is operational and not on the list of banned domains. In practice, this means that a gambler using a VPN to bypass the law takes the risk of legal liability.
Bet365 in Poland
Until 2017, many Polish players were able to use Bet 365 without any major obstacles, but everything changed with the amendment of the Gambling Act. The new regulations tightened the conditions for the legal operation of bookmaking companies on Polish territory. Any entity wishing to operate in this area must hold a licence issued by the Ministry of Finance, have a registered office in Poland, settle accounts with the tax authorities at a certain tax rate on turnover (12%) and maintain a website with a .pl domain.
Bet365 chose not to comply with these requirements. Almost immediately after the new regulations came into force, the company informed Polish users that it was withdrawing from the market. It blocked the possibility for people with a Polish IP address to register new accounts, as well as make deposits and place bets. Interestingly, thanks to this withdrawal, the domain www.Bet365.com was not included in the official list of banned domains published by the Polish Ministry of Finance.
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Is Bet365 planning a return to Poland? Perspectives and speculations
At the moment, there is no indication that Bet365 is planning a return to the Polish market. The company has withdrawn from it in an orderly and compliant manner, avoiding conflict with the local legislator. Nor have there been any official announcements in recent years indicating that Bet365 is pursuing a Polish licence. However, it should be remembered that the gambling market in Poland is growing all the time despite restrictive regulations. More and more players are using the services of licensed operators, and the government regularly updates the regulations to provide better protection for users. So it cannot be entirely ruled out that Bet365 will one day decide to return legally – but only if it finds it economically viable and in line with its growth strategy.
Summary
Bet365 is a brand known for its professionalism, its wide range of products and its enormous reach. It operates legally in many countries where it is licensed, complies with local regulations and offers a first-class service. In Poland, however, it does not have the required licence and the use of its services by Polish users can lead to serious consequences. Although it is technically possible to circumvent the restrictions with a VPN, legally this remains problematic. If you are a player from countries where it is not legally possible to play on Bet365, it will definitely be safer to use legal bookmakers operating under a licence from the Ministry of Finance. An informed approach to gambling, privacy and compliance with the law should be a priority for anyone planning to bet on sports online.