A gambling licence is the casino's permission to operate, granted by a regulator that can, in theory, take it away. For you it answers one question: if something goes wrong, is there anyone above the casino to complain to?
A licensed operator has had its ownership and finances looked at, has agreed to rules on fair games and player funds, and can be sanctioned. An unlicensed site has promised nothing to anyone. The difference shows up when you try to withdraw a big win.
| Regulator | Where | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) | EU | Strict checks, a formal complaints process and regular audits |
| Curaçao Gaming Authority | Caribbean | The most common licence for crypto and international casinos; the system was reformed from 2023 |
| Anjouan | Comoros | Quick and cheap to obtain, popular with newer crypto casinos; limited player recourse |
| Kahnawake Gaming Commission | Canada | Has licensed online gaming since the late 1990s; runs a complaints process |
| Tobique Gaming Commission | Canada | A newer First Nation regulator used by several international brands |
National regulators such as the UK Gambling Commission or Sweden's Spelinspektionen are stricter still, but they only license casinos serving their own countries.
For years Curaçao licences were issued through a few master licence holders, who granted sub-licences to hundreds of casinos with little direct oversight. Under the reform, operators apply to the Curaçao Gaming Authority directly and face more checks on ownership, anti-money-laundering and player protection. When you see a Curaçao licence, it is worth checking whether it is a current one under the new system.
Bonuses35x sounds simple until you find out whether it counts your deposit. A plain guide to the number that decides if a bonus is worth claiming.
26 Oct 20262 min read
BonusesTip: a licence is the minimum, not a guarantee. Also look at who runs the casino, how long it has been around and how it handles withdrawals.
Every casino page on our site shows the licence and number we hold on file, and you can browse casinos by licence from the filters.
Gambling is for adults and should stay fun. Offers and terms change: check them on the casino's own site before you sign up. Free help at BeGambleAware.
Free chips and free spins without paying in sound like free money. Here is what a no-deposit offer really is, and how to get value from one.
23 Oct 20262 min read
CryptoFast withdrawals and no card declines are the draw. Network fees, wrong-chain transfers and price swings are the catch.
15 Oct 20262 min read
