Without a gambling license, an online casino cannot be legal. It’s that simple. If you’re playing at an online casino that doesn’t display its license in plain view, you could be playing illegally and, therefore, dangerously.

One of the most important factors is whether or not an online casino has a valid gambling license.

Many players are unsure as to what they’re looking for and what the difference is between different regulators.

Online gambling licenses at casinos are so very important. More than just a tick box that needs to be fulfilled before they’re legal, having a license generally means that you can trust the online casino you’re frequenting.

If an online casino has no license, they’re essentially lawless. Pirates out at sea with no one to answer to! And that means they can do as they please with your personal information and the money you deposit into your account without being accountable by any higher powers.

Another reason online gambling licenses are so important is due to the fact that you cannot work with a bank, or create a merchant account, without one. Banks know that online casinos can be risky business but having a license in hand means there’s automatically a level of trust that wasn’t there before.

More than just a piece of paper or a license fee that has to be paid, there are certain requirements that must be met for an online casino to be legal. 

The owners and managers of the casinos must undergo a “fit and proper person” test, the casino must stick to a list of customers that are permitted and take note of those who are prohibited from gambling online – such as minors.

You’ve just discovered an online casino that you think may suit your playing needs perfectly, but how can you be sure that it's licensed? 

1. Look for the badge – Any licensed online casino will proudly display their license badges. Visit the website and scroll to the bottom of the homepage. Most online casinos feature their license badges in the footer of the site. Other safety seals such as the eCOGRA seal of approval should also be visible.
2. Ask customer support – A fully licensed and legal casino will never hide its status. Ask the customer support staff members via live chat or email about the licenses they hold, and you should receive a clear and straightforward answer.
3.  Take a look at the available software – Reputable such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, and Playtech will only team up with licensed online casinos. If you find their casino games available, there’s a good chance the casino you’re interested in is licensed.
4. Read reviews – Visiting forums and reading trustworthy casino reviews are a good way to discover everything you need to know about an online casino – including their licensing status. If there’s no license mentioned, it may be safer to try your luck at a legal online casino instead.

Gambling jurisdictions refer to the parts of the world where gambling is either regulated or has specific laws in place to allow licensing and regulating of gambling in its many different forms.

Gambling regulators are the organizations that have been established within these jurisdictions to enforce the laws that exist there. These regulators are the authorities on gambling within their jurisdictions and help protect you as you play.

It must be noted that certain gambling regulators are more trustworthy than others. While all regulators have a hand in making sure casinos in their area are legal, some choose to steer clear of keeping a firm hand on the industry, while others choose to side with casinos rather than players.

1. Alderney – One of the most respected gambling jurisdictions in the world, the Alderney Gaming Control Commission is the regulator in this area, and they keep a tight rein on their license-holders with strict rules.
2. Antigua and Barbuda – One of the first regions in the world to embrace online gambling and casinos, the Antigua Directorate of Offshore Gambling is a regulator that can be trusted. After fighting hard for their right to hand out licenses on their terms, this region and its regulator take good care of players.
3. Belize – Another early adopter of online gambling, the regulator in this area is the Belize Computer Wagering License Board. First able to hand out licenses in 1996, many changes have been made to this jurisdiction’s laws since that time.
4. Costa Rica – Not the safest of regions to place your bet, Costa Rica requires a license to operate within the country as a company, but there are no specific gambling licenses required. The lack of regulations makes this a jurisdiction to steer clear of.
5. Curacao – Online gambling is one of its main income sources and because of this, the Curacao e–Gaming Licensing Authority has very lenient rules in place for offshore casino operators. In fact, this regulator tends to side with casinos instead of the player, leaving you out in the cold if anything negative were to happen that you needed to be dealt with at a regulatory level.
6. Cyprus – If gambling sites want a license in Cyprus, they must apply for one from the Ministry of Finance. The country now only allows fixed-odds sports betting and lottery games.
7. Gibraltar – One of the most trusted jurisdictions in the world, Gibraltar has developed a top-notch reputation for itself. While it may be small in size, Gibraltar plays host to many gambling countries and rules with an iron fist. This makes it a safe bet and is why it has a glowing reputation.
8. Isle of Man – Licences are issued by the Gambling Supervision Commission in the Isle of Man. This jurisdiction has a well-established reputation and has shown to be above board in every way possible.
9. Kahnawake – A Native American reserve in Canada, Kahnawake was actually one of the first jurisdictions to allow online gambling as we know it. The Kahnawake Gaming Commission works closely with other regulatory bodies to ensure their players are safe and secure.
10. Malta – Another jurisdiction that is small in stature, but huge in reputation, Malta is trusted and respected. Any online casino that receives a license from the Malta Gaming Authority is bound to be trustworthy.