What gives an online casino license: why it is important for the player
Published: April 29, 2025
A license is not just a formality, but the foundation of fair and safe play. For a casino, it means the right to work within the law, and for a player - a guarantee of protection, transparency and justice.
In this article, we will analyze what the license actually gives: what authorities issue it, how it works, and why playing in a licensed casino is not just right, but the only reasonable thing.
What is an online casino license?
A licence is an official document issued by a government or independent regulator authorising an operator to provide gambling services. She confirms that the casino:
Who issues licenses?
Here are some of the most respected licensing authorities in the industry:
What gives a license to a player?
1. Legal protection
The licensed casino must comply with the rules protecting the player. In case of conflict:
2. Fair play
All slots and games are certified:
3. Data security
The license requires compliance with security standards:
4. Honest payouts
The regulator ensures that:
5. Responsible play
Licensed casinos are required to implement the tools:
And if there is no license?
Unlicensed Casino:
If a casino does not have a license, then it is not regulated - and no one will force it to play by the rules.
How do I check my license?
1. Find the license number and regulator logo at the bottom of the site
2. Follow the link or go to the regulator's website (for example, [mga. org. mt](https: //www. mga. org. mt/))
3. Enter brand or licensee name
4. Make sure your license is valid, not expired
Are the slots themselves licensed?
Yes I did! Each slot from a reputable provider (NetEnt, Play 'n GO, Pragmatic Play, etc.):
Fake casinos often use "copies" of slots where RTP is tweaked and bonuses are simply disabled.
Frequent questions
Can a casino licensed by Curaçao be trusted?
Yes, but only if it is actually registered and not seen in fraud. Check - Curacao issues many licenses, among which there are both reliable and "dirty."
Can I complain?
Yes I did. Each regulator has a mechanism for receiving complaints. Especially UKGC, MGA, Gibraltar - they have strict supervision.
If the casino with the license has not paid - is this a guaranteed refund?
Not always, but a complaint to the regulator can affect: casinos can be fined, obliged to pay or revoked licenses.
Conclusion
A license is a key filter when choosing an online casino. It provides:
Playing without a license means playing blindly, without guarantees and rules. And in most cases - to lose not only money, but also confidence in the industry.
See also: "How to distinguish a fake casino," "TOP licensed sites," "How to check a provider."
In this article, we will analyze what the license actually gives: what authorities issue it, how it works, and why playing in a licensed casino is not just right, but the only reasonable thing.
What is an online casino license?
A licence is an official document issued by a government or independent regulator authorising an operator to provide gambling services. She confirms that the casino:
- registered in the jurisdiction;
- passed a security audit;
- complies with data protection requirements;
- uses a certified RNG (random number generator);
- grants the player the right to appeal to arbitration in controversial situations.
Who issues licenses?
Here are some of the most respected licensing authorities in the industry:
| Authority | Jurisdiction | Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) | Malta | Very High |
| UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) | UK | Very High |
| Curacao eGaming | Curacao | Medium (depends on sub-license) |
| Gibraltar | Gibraltar | High |
| Isle of Man | Isle of Man | High |
| Kahnawake | Canada (Indian Reservation) | Moderate |
| Swedish Spelinspektionen | Sweden | Very High |
What gives a license to a player?
1. Legal protection
The licensed casino must comply with the rules protecting the player. In case of conflict:
- you can file a complaint with the regulator;
- the casino may receive a fine or lose its license.
2. Fair play
All slots and games are certified:
- using an independent non-manipulative RNG;
- not manually managed;
- RTP, volatility, pay tables - transparent and set by the developer.
3. Data security
The license requires compliance with security standards:
- SSL encryption;
- protection of payments and personal information;
- compliance with international standards (including GDPR).
4. Honest payouts
The regulator ensures that:
- payments were made on time;
- there were no hidden conditions and locks;
- the client received his winnings in full.
5. Responsible play
Licensed casinos are required to implement the tools:
- deposit and rate limits;
- self-exclusion;
- addiction tests;
- links to help (e.g. GamCare, BeGambleAware).
And if there is no license?
Unlicensed Casino:
- can use fake slots;
- are not required to pay winnings;
- do not protect your data;
- easily disappear with players' money.
If a casino does not have a license, then it is not regulated - and no one will force it to play by the rules.
How do I check my license?
1. Find the license number and regulator logo at the bottom of the site
2. Follow the link or go to the regulator's website (for example, [mga. org. mt](https: //www. mga. org. mt/))
3. Enter brand or licensee name
4. Make sure your license is valid, not expired
Are the slots themselves licensed?
Yes I did! Each slot from a reputable provider (NetEnt, Play 'n GO, Pragmatic Play, etc.):
- certified for RNG;
- audited (e.g. eCOGRA, iTechLabs);
- comes with encrypted RTP - and the casino cannot be changed (if it is honest).
Fake casinos often use "copies" of slots where RTP is tweaked and bonuses are simply disabled.
Frequent questions
Can a casino licensed by Curaçao be trusted?
Yes, but only if it is actually registered and not seen in fraud. Check - Curacao issues many licenses, among which there are both reliable and "dirty."
Can I complain?
Yes I did. Each regulator has a mechanism for receiving complaints. Especially UKGC, MGA, Gibraltar - they have strict supervision.
If the casino with the license has not paid - is this a guaranteed refund?
Not always, but a complaint to the regulator can affect: casinos can be fined, obliged to pay or revoked licenses.
Conclusion
A license is a key filter when choosing an online casino. It provides:
- fair play,
- transparent conditions,
- payments,
- protecting your rights.
Playing without a license means playing blindly, without guarantees and rules. And in most cases - to lose not only money, but also confidence in the industry.
See also: "How to distinguish a fake casino," "TOP licensed sites," "How to check a provider."
