How a casino loses its license - precedents and examples

The license is the main asset of the online casino, allowing you to legally work, cooperate with game providers and accept payments. Its review is a serious blow to reputation and often the end of business in a particular market. Regulators strictly control compliance with the rules, and violation of license conditions leads to fines, suspension or complete loss of permission.

1. Main reasons for license loss

1. Violation of AML and CFT requirements

Lack of KYC procedures.
Ignoring mandatory checks of players' sources of funds.
Failure to notify the regulator of suspicious transactions.

2. Failure to comply with responsible play standards

The absence or fictitious operation of self-restraint tools.
Violation of the rules for working with self-excluded players (for example, sending them ads).

3. Cheating or cheating players

Refusal of payments without good reason.
Changing the rules of bonuses and bets after they are activated.
Manipulating game results or working with unconfirmed RNG.

4. Violation of advertising rules

Use of misleading information.
Advertising gambling to minors.

5. Breach of financial obligations

Failure to pay out winnings due to lack of funds.
Mixing client money with the operating budget.

6. Lack of reporting or concealment of information

Failure to provide financial and technical data at the request of the regulator.
Withholding information about owners and beneficiaries.

2. How is the process of license revocation

1. Violation detection - a routine check, a player's complaint or an independent auditor's report.
2. Order to eliminate violations - the regulator gives a time for correction.
3. License suspension - the casino is temporarily unable to accept bets and payments.
4. License revocation - complete loss of the right to work in the market.

3. Examples of precedents

The UK Gambling Commission has repeatedly revoked licences for AML breaches and failure to meet responsible gaming standards.
MGA (Malta) deprived operators of a license for non-payment of winnings and lack of reserves to cover obligations.
Curacao eGaming revoked permits from companies convicted of fraud or non-compliance with RNG technical standards.

4. Casino implications

Loss of access to payment systems.
Breaking contracts with game providers.
Block the site in countries where licenses are required.
Loss of confidence of players and inability to obtain a new license in an authoritative jurisdiction.

5. How the player can use this information

Check the status of the license in the register of the regulator before registration.
Study the operator's history and possible past violations.
Avoid casinos with frequent complaints about payouts and transparency of terms and conditions.

6. Result

Online casinos lose their license for serious or systematic violations related to player safety, financial obligations and the integrity of games. For the player, this is a signal to immediately withdraw funds and stop the game. Knowledge of precedents helps to choose only reliable and responsible platforms.