The difference between licensed casinos and "mirrors" and benches
Licensed online casinos operate under regulatory control, ensuring fair play and player protection. In contrast, "mirrors" and scam sites are often disguised as legal sites, but operate outside the law and without obligations to customers. Understanding the differences helps avoid losing money and data.
1. What is a licensed casino
Works with permission from an authoritative regulator (UKGC, MGA, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Kahnawake, etc.).
There are regular audits of games (RNG, RTP) by independent laboratories.
Provides security for player data and tools (SSL/TLS, PCI DSS).
It has transparent rules, access to ADR (independent arbitration) and control by the regulator.
2. What is a casino "mirror"
An alternative domain that copies the original site, often created to bypass locks.
It can be official (created by the casino itself) or fake (created by fraudsters to steal data).
Even the official mirror should lead to a licensed operator and have a secure connection.
3. What is a scam casino
A fraudulent site that does not have a license or uses false documents.
There is no control of the regulator, protection mechanisms or obligations to the players.
Often copies the design of well-known brands, but changes payment details.
4. Key differences between a licensed casino and mirrors and benches
5. How to authenticate a casino or mirror
1. Check domain - official mirrors are published on the main website or in casino mailings.
2. Check license - the number and regulator must match the original.
3. View SSL certificate - the address bar should contain a lock icon.
4. Compare design and content - scam sites often make mistakes, inaccurate translations or outdated promotions.
5. Check payment details - they must coincide with the original site.
6. Risks of playing in a scam casino or on a fake mirror
Loss of deposit without possibility of return.
Theft of payment and personal data.
Manipulation of game outcomes.
Lack of legal protection mechanisms.
7. Result
A licensed casino differs from benches and dangerous mirrors in the presence of regulator control, certification of games, secure data processing and mechanisms to protect the rights of players. You can play safely only on official sites and verified mirrors, links to which are posted by the operator himself.
1. What is a licensed casino
Works with permission from an authoritative regulator (UKGC, MGA, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Kahnawake, etc.).
There are regular audits of games (RNG, RTP) by independent laboratories.
Provides security for player data and tools (SSL/TLS, PCI DSS).
It has transparent rules, access to ADR (independent arbitration) and control by the regulator.
2. What is a casino "mirror"
An alternative domain that copies the original site, often created to bypass locks.
It can be official (created by the casino itself) or fake (created by fraudsters to steal data).
Even the official mirror should lead to a licensed operator and have a secure connection.
3. What is a scam casino
A fraudulent site that does not have a license or uses false documents.
There is no control of the regulator, protection mechanisms or obligations to the players.
Often copies the design of well-known brands, but changes payment details.
4. Key differences between a licensed casino and mirrors and benches
| Sign | Licensed Casino | Official Mirror | Fake Mirror/Scam |
|---|---|---|---|
| License | Yes, checked in registry | Yes (same as original) | No or fake |
| Regulator control | Yes | Yes (if the mirror is official) | No |
| SSL/TLS | Always | Should be | May be missing |
| Fair Play | Audited | Confirmed (if original) | Unconfirmed |
| Complaint Mechanism | Yes | Yes | No |
| Risks | Minimum | Minimum (with official mirror) | Maximum |
5. How to authenticate a casino or mirror
1. Check domain - official mirrors are published on the main website or in casino mailings.
2. Check license - the number and regulator must match the original.
3. View SSL certificate - the address bar should contain a lock icon.
4. Compare design and content - scam sites often make mistakes, inaccurate translations or outdated promotions.
5. Check payment details - they must coincide with the original site.
6. Risks of playing in a scam casino or on a fake mirror
Loss of deposit without possibility of return.
Theft of payment and personal data.
Manipulation of game outcomes.
Lack of legal protection mechanisms.
7. Result
A licensed casino differs from benches and dangerous mirrors in the presence of regulator control, certification of games, secure data processing and mechanisms to protect the rights of players. You can play safely only on official sites and verified mirrors, links to which are posted by the operator himself.
