Licensing Guide
Licensing Bodies & Regulators
Understand the importance of licensing in online gambling and learn about major regulatory authorities that oversee the industry worldwide.
Major Licensing Authorities
UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
Tier 1 - Gold Standard
Est. 2007
United Kingdom
gamblingcommission.gov.uk
Coverage: UK market only
Key Features:
- Comprehensive consumer protection
- Strict financial requirements
- Regular compliance monitoring
- Strong dispute resolution process
- Mandatory responsible gambling tools
Requirements:
- Extensive background checks
- Substantial financial reserves
- UK-based operations requirement
- Ongoing compliance obligations
- Regular audits and reporting
Player Protections:
- Segregated player funds
- GAMSTOP self-exclusion
- Deposit limits and cooling-off periods
- Independent dispute resolution
- Financial ombudsman service
License Verification:
License number verification available on website
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
Tier 1 - High Standard
Est. 2001
Malta (EU Passporting)
mga.org.mt
Coverage: EU and selected international markets
Key Features:
- EU passporting rights
- Comprehensive regulatory framework
- Multiple license types available
- Strong AML/KYC requirements
- Player protection standards
Requirements:
- EU incorporation requirement
- Minimum capital requirements
- Fit and proper person tests
- Technical systems compliance
- Ongoing supervisory fees
Player Protections:
- Player fund protection
- Responsible gambling measures
- Complaint resolution service
- Regular operator monitoring
- Financial security requirements
License Verification:
Authorized games register publicly available
Curacao Gaming Control
Tier 2 - Moderate Standard
Est. 1996
Curacao
gaming-curacao.com
Coverage: International (excluding restricted territories)
Key Features:
- Single license for multiple verticals
- Lower cost and faster approval
- Flexible operational requirements
- International market access
- Cryptocurrency-friendly
Requirements:
- Curacao incorporation
- Basic financial requirements
- Technical compliance
- AML/KYC procedures
- Annual license fees
Player Protections:
- Basic player fund protection
- Dispute resolution available
- Responsible gambling requirements
- Regular compliance monitoring
- Consumer complaint mechanism
License Verification:
License verification system available
Gibraltar Gambling Commission
Tier 1 - High Standard
Est. 2005
Gibraltar
gibraltar.gov.gi
Coverage: UK (via special arrangements) and international
Key Features:
- English law-based regulation
- Strong consumer protection
- Technical standards compliance
- Financial security requirements
- Comprehensive monitoring
Requirements:
- Gibraltar establishment
- Substantial paid-up capital
- Technical systems certification
- Management probity checks
- Ongoing compliance costs
Player Protections:
- Player fund segregation
- Independent dispute resolution
- Responsible gambling tools
- Regular financial monitoring
- Consumer protection measures
License Verification:
Public register of licensed operators
Ontario iGaming (iGO/AGCO)
Tier 1 - New but Strict
Est. 2022
Ontario, Canada
igogaming.ca
Coverage: Ontario province only
Key Features:
- Provincial monopoly model
- Strict player protection focus
- Revenue sharing with province
- Comprehensive oversight
- Modern regulatory framework
Requirements:
- Partnership with OLG
- Substantial registration fees
- Ontario-specific compliance
- Local tax obligations
- Enhanced due diligence
Player Protections:
- Mandatory self-exclusion tools
- Deposit and loss limits
- Reality checks and session limits
- Problem gambling resources
- Independent complaints process
License Verification:
Public list of registered operators
New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
Tier 1 - Very Strict
Est. 1977 (Online 2013)
New Jersey, USA
nj.gov/oag/ge
Coverage: New Jersey residents and visitors
Key Features:
- Strict regulatory oversight
- Partnership with Atlantic City casinos
- Comprehensive background checks
- Regular auditing and monitoring
- Strong consumer protections
Requirements:
- Partnership with AC casino
- Extensive suitability investigations
- New Jersey-based operations
- Substantial licensing fees
- Ongoing compliance costs
Player Protections:
- Segregated player accounts
- Self-exclusion programs
- Responsible gambling resources
- Independent testing of games
- Robust complaint process
License Verification:
Public list of authorized operators
How to Verify a License
1
Find License Information
Look for licensing details on the platform
Check website footer for license numbers
Look for regulator logos and certifications
Find 'About Us' or 'Legal' pages
Note the licensing jurisdiction
2
Visit Regulator Website
Go to the official licensing authority website
Use official government or regulator websites only
Avoid clicking links from gambling sites
Look for license verification tools
Check for public registers of operators
3
Verify License Details
Confirm the license is valid and current
Search by license number or operator name
Check license status (active/suspended)
Verify license scope and permissions
Confirm expiration dates
4
Cross-Reference Information
Ensure all details match
Compare operator name exactly
Verify business address matches
Check authorized activities
Confirm license covers your jurisdiction
Benefits of Licensed Operators
Legal Protection
Licensed operators must comply with consumer protection laws
Financial Security
Player funds are protected and segregated from operational funds
Fair Gaming
Games are tested for fairness and random number generators are certified
Dispute Resolution
Access to independent dispute resolution services
Responsible Gambling
Mandatory tools and resources for problem gambling prevention
Regular Monitoring
Ongoing supervision ensures continued compliance
Warning Signs of Unlicensed Operations
No license information displayed
Fake or expired license numbers
Claims license from non-existent authority
License doesn't cover your jurisdiction
Refuses to provide license verification
Uses multiple unrelated licenses
License authority doesn't verify operator
Understanding License Tiers
Tier 1 (Gold Standard): UK, Malta, Gibraltar, major US states, Ontario. Strictest regulations, highest player protection, substantial operator requirements.
Tier 2 (Good Standard): Curacao, Isle of Man, Alderney. Moderate regulations, reasonable player protection, established frameworks.
Tier 3 (Basic Standard): Some Caribbean and European jurisdictions. Basic regulations, limited oversight, lower operator requirements.
Avoid: Unlicensed operators, fake licenses, or licenses from jurisdictions with no gambling regulation.
Choose Licensed, Regulated Platforms
Protect yourself by only using platforms licensed by reputable authorities. Our platform rankings prioritize licensed operators with strong regulatory oversight.