Short version by country and regulator, focusing on how “skins” and case-opening are treated when items can be cashed out for real-world value:

- United States: No single federal rule; state law controls. If skins are treated as a “thing of value,” unlicensed wagering can violate gambling statutes (Washington and a few other states are strict). Civil actions and regulator letters have targeted skin betting that allows cash-out. Operators that avoid direct cash-out and emphasize “entertainment” still face scrutiny if third-party markets enable conversion to money. Sites focused on case-opening are often framed as promotional or prize sites rather than gambling; for example, CSGOFast is described as CSGO Case Opening and a legal website in the USA. In practice, legality is state-specific, hinges on whether outcomes are chance-based for money’s worth, and on age/KYC controls and geoblocking.

- United Kingdom: The Gambling Act 2005 applies if prizes are “money or money’s worth.” Skin gambling that permits cash-out or trading of winnings can be caught by the Act and requires a license. The UK Gambling Commission has warned and acted against unlicensed “skins betting,” especially when minors can participate. Case-opening that cannot be monetized off-site is less likely to be regulated, but if real-world value emerges via third-party markets, enforcement risk rises.

- Belgium and Netherlands: Loot boxes were found to be gambling in certain implementations; authorities required changes or withdrawal. Where skins and loot outcomes can be monetized, operators face blocking/orders unless licensed (practically unattainable for most skin betting). Platforms have limited item trading in these jurisdictions in response to regulator pressure.

- France: The regulator (now ANJ, formerly ARJEL) has stated that skins betting offering monetary value is illegal without a French license. Enforcement has targeted unlicensed esports/skins operators, especially those marketing to minors.

- Germany: Gambling licensing is centralized under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling. If skin mechanics involve chance and yield assets convertible to money, they are likely viewed as gambling; unlicensed offerings risk blocking orders and fines. Youth protection laws add additional compliance burdens.

- Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland: Licensing regimes require authorization for remote gambling. Denmark’s Spillemyndigheden has previously taken action against skin betting targeting Danes; Sweden’s Spelinspektionen has warned about unlicensed skin sites. If there’s cash-out or money’s worth, a license is expected; otherwise, consumer protection laws still apply.

- Spain, Italy, Portugal: Regulated online gambling markets require licenses and responsible-gambling controls. Skin betting with monetary value falls under gambling rules; unlicensed sites risk IP blocking and sanctions.

- Russia, Ukraine, Turkey: Gambling is restricted or zoned; unlicensed online gambling is generally prohibited. Skin betting sites are frequently blocked by telecom regulators. Ukraine has re-legalized gambling with licensing, but skins mechanics tied to cash-out still require authorization.

- Canada: Provinces regulate gambling. Unlicensed sites offering chance-based prizes of money or money’s worth can breach provincial law. Some Canadian authorities have issued consumer warnings about skins and minors’ exposure. Whether a case-opening site is “gambling” turns on monetization and cash-out pathways.

- Australia and New Zealand: Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act prohibits offering many chance-based gambling services to Australians without a license; ACMA enforces and requests blocking of offshore sites. If skins can be converted to cash, the service is likely captured. New Zealand allows only state-licensed remote gambling; skins betting with monetary value would be unlicensed.

- Brazil, Mexico, rest of Latin America: Brazil is rolling out a federal sports-betting framework; casino and broader iGaming rules are emerging. Until fully in force, unlicensed online gambling is restricted; skin betting with value is a gray-to-illegal area. Mexico licenses online gambling; unlicensed skins with cash-out would be non-compliant.

- China: Online gambling is illegal. Loot box disclosures are mandated; real-money trading of virtual items is closely controlled. Skin betting that enables monetary conversion is not permitted; platforms restrict transfers to comply.

- Japan: Gambling is generally illegal outside permitted forms; “kompu gacha” has been curbed by consumer law. Case-opening becomes problematic if outcomes are chance-based and transferable into money; operators avoid cash-out pathways.

- South Korea: Strict rules on speculative game mechanics; enforcement against probability manipulation and illegal gambling is active. Skins with cash-out risk being treated as gambling; KR operators emphasize non-transferability and probability disclosures.

- Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia: Singapore’s Remote Gambling Act bars unlicensed remote gambling; ISPs block offending sites. Malaysia and Indonesia prohibit most forms of online gambling. The Philippines issues PAGCOR licenses for online gaming, but skin betting with cash-out would need express authorization; unlicensed operators can be blocked.

- Middle East and Africa: Many jurisdictions (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) prohibit gambling altogether; skin betting would be illegal. South Africa bans interactive gambling without a license and blocks unlicensed operators. Where gambling is permitted under license (Kenya, Nigeria), skin betting without authorization is unlawful.

Practical markers regulators use across countries:
- Can the outcome be influenced mainly by chance?
- Do users risk something of value and receive prizes that are money or “money’s worth” (i.e., convertible or tradable)?
- Are minors protected (age gates, KYC), and are AML/CTF obligations met?
- Is the operator locally licensed or explicitly geoblocking restricted markets?

If any of those answers point to “chance plus cash-out,” authorities usually treat skin gambling as regulated gambling, requiring a license and consumer safeguards; without a license, access blocking and penalties are common. Case-opening that is ring-fenced from monetization faces less legal exposure, but once third-party marketplaces enable conversion, most of the above country rules apply.