The difference between white and gray licenses
In the online casino industry, the concepts of "white" and "gray" licenses are often used to classify the legality and reliability of an operator. Understanding their differences helps players assess risks and make informed decisions.
1) What is a white license
A "white" license is an officially issued and registered permit by a regulatory authority that meets all legal requirements of the chosen jurisdiction. Such licenses:
2) What is a gray license
A "gray" license is a term used to refer to licenses that:
3) Legal and practical differences
4) White licenses: examples
UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
Kahnawake Gaming Commission
5) Gray licenses: examples and cases
Curacao eGaming (often perceived as gray due to low regulation, although formally licensed)
Some offshore jurisdictions with low requirements and weak controls
White-label solutions without native B2C licensing
6) Risks for players when playing in a casino with a gray license
Possible delays or denial of payments without explanation.
Lack of guarantees of game integrity and lack of manipulation.
Difficulties with protecting rights and lack of support from the regulator.
Risk of account blocking and loss of funds.
7) Why a white license is important for trust
A white license guarantees transparency of casino activities, respect for the rights of the player and strict control of operators. It reduces the risks of fraud, ensures the predictability of payments and gives the player the opportunity to assert their rights.
8) The bottom line
Players are encouraged to favor casinos with white licenses, especially those issued in reputable jurisdictions. A gray license often means increased risks and lack of effective protection, which negatively affects the safety and comfort of the game.
1) What is a white license
A "white" license is an officially issued and registered permit by a regulatory authority that meets all legal requirements of the chosen jurisdiction. Such licenses:
- Obtained legally and in compliance with all procedures.
- They assume full control by the regulator, including auditing, checking the integrity of games, protecting data and finances.
- Allow the operator to openly declare their legality, place a logo and license number with the possibility of verification.
- Provide the player with legal protection, a complaint mechanism and the ability to involve the regulator in a dispute.
2) What is a gray license
A "gray" license is a term used to refer to licenses that:
- Obtained in jurisdictions with minimal regulation or formal procedures.
- Do not provide full control or protection for players.
- Often used to circumvent strict requirements or restrict access to large markets.
- May imply legal risks for players due to lack of transparency and operator responsibility.
- Sometimes they imply the operation of a casino on a white-label basis, when the operator uses someone else's license, but does not have its own completeness of permissions.
3) Legal and practical differences
| Criteria | White License | Gray License |
|---|---|---|
| Throttling | Full, Audited | Partial or Formal |
| Player Protection | Regulator Guaranteed | Limited or None |
| Checking software and payments | Mandatory | Often formal or absent |
| Possibility of complaints | Through official channels | Minimal, disputed terms |
| Transparency | High, license public | Low, often hidden or questionable |
| Jurisdiction | Respectful and Recognized | Offshore, Obscure |
4) White licenses: examples
UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
Kahnawake Gaming Commission
5) Gray licenses: examples and cases
Curacao eGaming (often perceived as gray due to low regulation, although formally licensed)
Some offshore jurisdictions with low requirements and weak controls
White-label solutions without native B2C licensing
6) Risks for players when playing in a casino with a gray license
Possible delays or denial of payments without explanation.
Lack of guarantees of game integrity and lack of manipulation.
Difficulties with protecting rights and lack of support from the regulator.
Risk of account blocking and loss of funds.
7) Why a white license is important for trust
A white license guarantees transparency of casino activities, respect for the rights of the player and strict control of operators. It reduces the risks of fraud, ensures the predictability of payments and gives the player the opportunity to assert their rights.
8) The bottom line
Players are encouraged to favor casinos with white licenses, especially those issued in reputable jurisdictions. A gray license often means increased risks and lack of effective protection, which negatively affects the safety and comfort of the game.
