Gambling in Kiravia

Gambling in Kiravia is heavily restricted by law in most forms, but nonetheless remains a fairly popular leisure activity for many.

Restriction & Regulation

Gambling is subject to heavy restrictions throughout the Kiravian Federacy, at both the federal and subject (state/territorial) level. These restrictions are in place primarily for purposes of moral integrity and revenue control, though opponents of gambling legalisation also cite public health concerns and the issue of organised crime.

Before Kirosocialism, gaming houses were legal in many states, but subject to expensive licensing requirements by the state or restricted to particular cities and districts. As such, many were located on Urom lands which were not subject to state law. The Kirosocialist constitution of the Kiravian Union banned casino gambling nationally, with the sole exception of Urom lands. When the National Renewal government "restored" the pre-Kirosocialist constitution, much of the content of the Kiravian Union constitution was appended in the form of "amendments", and the prohibition on casino gambling was carried over as Amendment XLVII.

Bookmaking

Wagers on the outcome of sports matches and other events is a time-honoured an widespread tradition in Kiravia, especially among the Celtic population. Kiravians are quite fond of placing bets on all manner of events, including elections and even the weather. Making book is legal and licensed in the Gaelic states of the Far Northeast (Mariava, Kintyre, Arkelly, and Potatostan), Irovasdra, Ilánova, Arkvera, Niyaska, Asperidan, and Kensonia. Kiravians elsewhere may use the internet to access bookies operating in these states, on Urom lands, or on select offshore islands (see Online Gambling section below).

Online Gambling

The Digital Customs Act of 21172 prohibits online, wire, or other electronic transfers of money from Kiravia to any foreign entity offering online gaming services or for the purpose of settling an online gaming wager. However, the Act contains a loophole allowing the Prime Executive or an appropriate designée thereof to "designate certain offshore islands attendant to Continental Ixnay, provided that the islands are not part of the integral territory of any sovereign state" and that "the provisions of the above clauses will not apply to transactions with entities legally domiciled on islands so designated, provided that the computer equipment through which the online gaming services are accomplished is also physically located on the same island." The two islands currently designated as exempt by the Customs & Revenue Administration are Zhijun, a Daxian territory, and Pribraltar, a Kiravian dependency.

Craps

Shooting craps is a popular and ancient pastime in Kiravia, particularly among the urban working class.