Online Casino Licences: What You Need to Know for Safe Gambling
Reliable gambling platforms obtain online casino licences from renowned regulators to comply with existing laws and fairness requirements. Read this guide to discover the benefits of holding a gambling licence.
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Benefits of Obtaining Online Gambling Licences
The online gambling market is constantly growing, providing numerous opportunities to have fun and play real-money games. Every online gaming business that wants to thrive in the competitive iGaming industry must hold a valid gambling licence. Casinos with slot machines, other games, and sports betting options must have licences for the following reasons.
Trust and Credibility: A gaming licence demonstrates that a casino or sports betting business maintains fair gaming practices, leading to increased trust among players.
Player Safety: Gambling sites with gaming licences commit to combat money laundering, protect personal data, and resolve disputes.
Access to International Markets:Offshore casinos with international gaming licences can offer legal gambling services to players in various jurisdictions.
Safe Gambling Payments Gateways: Gambling platforms with licences find it easy to collaborate with trustworthy payment providers and vice versa.
The above benefits are not guaranteed if you join an unlicensed casino as a player. For your safety, be sure to choose the licensed gaming platforms recommended by Revpanda.
How Online Casino Licences Vary by Country
The licensing process is not the same in all gambling jurisdictions. Each region or country has varying requirements for online gambling activities, land-based casinos, the personal details of ultimate beneficial owners, privacy, and information sharing. Curacao casinos, for example, are popular due to their relatively simple licensing process and broad international reach. Tax laws also differ from one jurisdiction to another, with many countries requiring gambling operators to pay corporate income tax. Moreover, some gaming licences are limited to players in certain regions, as is often the case with Kahnawake casinos.
Trusted Regulatory Bodies that Issue Online Gambling Licence
Online gambling companies can apply for different types of gambling licences in various licensing jurisdictions. If you want to start an online slot business, offer real-money games, or provide sports betting services, you can obtain trusted licences from the following regulators.
1
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
Many top-rated casino sites hold the widely popular Maltese gambling licence. The Malta Gaming Authority issues licenses for video slots, lotteries, and various casino games such as roulette and poker. The top MGA casinos with an online gaming licence uphold fair gaming principles and protect the interests of online players.
2
UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
The UK Gambling Commission is one of the strictest online gambling licence issuers. Founded in 2007, its responsibilities include issuing gaming licences in Great Britain, ensuring compliance with gambling regulations, protecting players, and guiding people and businesses that offer iGaming services. Also, the UKGC regulates the industry’s most popular casino software providers.
3
Curacao Gaming Control Board (Curacao eGaming)
Many master licence holders obtain remote gambling permits from Curacao. As one of the leading licensors in the online gambling industry, the Curacao Gaming Control Board has licensed many gaming operators to offer slots, casino games, bingo, lottery, and sports betting options. Therefore, Curacao-licensed casinos are safe for playing real money games.
4
Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
The Isle of Man is among the top jurisdictions where gaming companies can apply for gaming licences. All leading Isle of Man casinos enjoy a high level of trust from players and are recognised globally. They also use robust player protection measures, and operators in this gambling jurisdiction benefit from favourable tax conditions.
5
Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA)
Established under the Gibraltar Regulatory Act of 2000, the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA) is an independent body that licenses online gambling business operators in Gibraltar. The organisation also enforces gaming laws under relevant legislation in Gibraltar and the European Union (EU). Its major duties include promoting data privacy, upholding information rights, and ensuring fair competition.
6
Swedish Gambling Authority
The Swedish Gambling Authority, known as Spelinspektionen, is responsible for regulating and licensing all forms of gambling in Sweden. Established in 2019, this regulatory body ensures that gambling is conducted fairly and responsibly, promoting player protection and preventing gambling-related harm.
7
Kahnawake Gaming Commission
Kahnawake casinos are regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, established in 1996. With no local incorporation requirements and a 0% tax rate on gaming revenue, Kahnawake offers an attractive jurisdiction for online casino businesses.
8
Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority
Anjouan-licensed casinos operate under strict regulations set by the Betting and Gaming Act of 2005, ensuring a safe and fair gaming environment. Managed by Gaming Control Anjouan and the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority, Anjouan online casinos comply with robust AML practices and player protection measures.
Playing at Regulated Casinos vs Playing at Unlicensed Casinos
There are many licensed operators in the online gaming market, but some gambling sites operate without licences. Naturally, Revpanda advises against selecting a platform that lacks a valid online casino licence. Playing at licensed casinos is safer than joining unlicensed ones, as demonstrated below.
Regulated Casinos
Unlicensed Casinos
Partnership with trustworthy payment providers
Increased risk of delayed payouts or non-payment
Fair games from licensed developers
Untrustworthy casino games
Stringent player and data protection measures
Higher risk of fraud and data theft
Guaranteed legal protection and dispute resolution
No legal protection for players
Restricted gameplay and geographic limitations
Fewer restrictions on games and countries
How to Check if an Online Casino is Licensed
Players can choose from various mobile-compatible casino sites and apps in the online gaming industry. However, it’s important to always select casinos with verifiable online gaming licences. Consider the following steps to find licensed operators with safe gambling platforms.
Time Needed:
5-10 Minutes
Device Required:
PC, Smartphone, Tablet
STEP 1
Scroll to the Footer Section of the Website
Pick one of the top casino sites recommended by Revpanda and go to the official website. Scroll to the bottom section of the page. You should be able to see the operator’s name, online gambling licence, and regulator in the footer area.
STEP 2
Verify the Licence Number
If the online gambling company is licensed, the next step is to verify the licence number. The top regulators such as the provide an easy-to-access database, such as the MGA licensee register, where you can find licences and their respective numbers. Players can use this information to verify licence details.
STEP 3
Check for Certifications and Seal of Trust
Another crucial step after verifying the gaming licence is to check for certifications and the seal of trust. Trustworthy gaming businesses are certified by third parties to prove that their services are legitimate. Their games are audited by eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and other testing agencies.
STEP 4
Choose Casinos from Trusted Sources Like Revpanda
You must always choose online casino sites recommended by industry experts like Revpanda. Our iGaming veterans bring you trusted online casino reviews with gambling licence information and other important details. Explore our list on this page to find the safest casino sites.
Wrapping Up: Licensed Online Casinos
Any online platform that offers casino and sports betting services must obtain a gambling licence to meet safety and fairness standards. A licensed gambling business complies with the law and protects players. You can join secure casinos licensed by top-tier regulators by choosing from the list of gaming sites recommended by Revpanda’s team. Pick your preferred casino, register, and deposit to play safe casino games with huge bonuses.
Obtaining gaming licences is proof that the operator will abide by existing gambling laws, protect players, and offer safe casino games. Licenced casino operators also offer secure payment methods and establish their businesses as legitimate entities that can be trusted.
Reputable gambling businesses display their licence numbers and regulators on their websites. Once you pick a casino, go to the footer section of the website to see the operator’s licence details. You can visit the regulator’s website to verify.
There are many gambling licensors and regulators in the online gaming industry. The top gambling authorities include the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, the Curaçao Gaming Control Board, and the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.
The risks of playing at casinos without online gambling licencces include noncompliance with gaming regulations, fraud and money laundering, a lack of player protection measures, and data theft. Unlicenced operators may also refuse to release your winnings.
