Online casino license: why it is important and how to check

If you want to play in an online casino, it’s better to choose the ones that have a license. It is like your shield that guarantee safe and fair gaming on the internet. In this article, we will tell you why it is important that an online casino has a license and how to check it. After reading, you will be able to check the licenses of the sites you are interested in. We will also talk about the types of licenses that exist, how they differ, and what are the risks of playing on shady sites without a license.

What does a license give and why is it important for a player?

A license is basically a permission slip for the casino, given by a fancy authority called the regulator. This regulator is like the gaming police, making sure the casino plays by the rules and follows the laws of the land it's registered in. The regulator's got players' backs, sorting out disputes and problems between the casino and its customers.

Having a license means the online casino is playing by the book – it's legal, fair, and trustworthy. This gives the player a number of perks.

• Confidence that your data and money are protected, that the casino encrypts the traffic, securely stores the information and does not share it with third parties.
• Access to a wide selection of certified games that are checked for fairness, have a high return rate.
• The ability to receive bonuses with clear and understandable conditions that do not hide any pitfalls and do not scam the player.
• Support from the regulator in case of disputes or problems that may arise between the casino and the player. The regulator can act as a mediator, arbitrator or judge, depending on the situation and jurisdiction.
• Participation in the responsible gaming program.
• The possibility to play in different currencies and payment methods that are convenient and safe for the player.
• Compliance with the laws of your country and payment of taxes, which depend on where the player lives and plays.

How to check in practice that the license exists and that it is legit?

A legit online casino always has a license. And the owners of the site always indicate the data about it: number, date of issue, regulator and a number of details. They are usually located at the bottom of the main page or in the “About us” section. You can go to the regulator’s website and check if the license is valid and what conditions it provides.

If you are convinced that there is no data about the license, it means that you are dealing with a sketchy platform that operates without rules. Playing on such sites is a risk of losing your money, as the player is not protected by anything. If you found the license number, but it is not on the regulator’s site, it means fraud. You should not play on such a platform either.

What do regulators check when issuing a license?

Regulators check and control different aspects of the online casino’s activity that affect the quality and safety of the game.

1. Checking if the company that owns the casino is legit and financially solid, following the laws of its country, having enough cash to keep the business stable, and steering clear of criminal connections.
2. Verifying that the casino uses certified and licensed software from reputable providers. This ensures fair and random game results, no nasty malware or glitches, and secure encryption for traffic, data storage, payments, and other operations.
3. Scrutinizing the game selection to make sure it matches players' interests, has a high return rate, and plays fair.
4. Bonuses and promos get a once-over too, making sure they're clear and don't break any laws.
5. Checking the support service to make sure the casino provides quality and speedy support in various languages and channels.
6. Making sure the casino provides responsible gaming principles and supports social projects.

What types of licenses are there and how do they differ?

There are many countries that issue licenses for online casinos. Here are some of the most popular and authoritative jurisdictions that regulate online gambling: Malta, Curacao, UK, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Kahnawake, Australia, Denmark, Estonia and others. Each of these countries has its own features, requirements, taxes and benefits for operators and players.

• Malta. This is one of the most prestigious and reliable jurisdictions that issues licenses since 2000. If your online casino is Maltese, that's top-notch. Getting a license here requires casinos to meet high standards of safety, fairness, and responsibility. Malta's recognized by most countries, so casinos with this license have a broad reach and player trust.
• Curacao. This is one of the most popular and affordable jurisdictions for online gambling. Curacao issues licenses since 1996 and allows to conduct all types of gambling activities with one license. The process of obtaining a license is relatively simple and fast, but requires the casino to comply with high standards of security, fairness and responsibility. Curacao is recognized by many countries, but has access restrictions on some markets.
• UK. This is one of the strictest and most protected jurisdictions for online gambling, available since 2005. he regulator demands casinos follow the rules of the UK and other countries they're operating in. Getting a UK license is a maze – complex and time-consuming, but it guarantees top-notch protection and player trust. The UK is the VIP lounge of licenses, recognized and respected worldwide.
• Gibraltar. Also one of the most famous and respected jurisdictions for online gambling, operating since 1998. Getting a license here is a walk in the park, but casinos still need to stick to high standards of safety, fairness, and responsibility. Gibraltar's licenses get a nod from most countries.
• Kahnawake. This is one of the most popular and affordable licenses, which is issued by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, in Quebec, Canada. Allows operators to throw all kinds of gambling games under one license. The process is breezy and quick, but it demands top-notch safety, fairness, and responsibility standards. Kahnawake's license is a hit with many countries, though not everyone's invited to the party.

There are other license options too. If your chosen casino is rocking a different jurisdiction, take a sec to check out the details about the regulator.

What are the risks of playing on sites without a license?

The absence of a license from an online casino means that it operates illegally. It violates the laws, is not controlled by anyone and is not responsible for its actions. Such casinos are dangerous for several reasons.

• The risk of losing your money. You can become a victim of fraud, viruses, hackers, data theft, falsification of game results, non-payment of winnings, lack of support, and problem solving. Such casinos can disappear at any time with the money of the players. They change their rules and conditions and use malicious software or errors. Such sites not fulfill their obligations and not solve the problems of the customers.
• Addiction and gambling problems. Sites without a license do not comply with the principles of responsible gaming. They do not provide the opportunity to limit or stop their game.

Therefore, if you want to have a good time in an online casino, you should choose licensed sites that have a good reputation, reviews and ratings. You can see the list of such casinos on our website, and make sure they have a license. We have collected only licensed popular sites, where you can enjoy the game safely and at any time withdraw your winnings. No shady business, just good times and safe gameplay. Happy gaming!