An online casino license is a permit granted by a regulatory body that allows the casino to operate legally. Several jurisdictions issue these licenses, each with its requirements and rules. Licensing authorities include the Malta Gaming Authority, the Gambling Commission, and the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority. Our site emphasises the importance of checking an online casino’s licensing information before playing. This information is typically found at the bottom of the casino’s homepage or in their ‘About Us’ section.
Enhanced safety and security
Licensed online casinos offer enhanced safety and security. The personal and financial information of players is protected by robust security measures at licensed casinos. This includes using advanced encryption technologies to safeguard data transmission and storage. Players’ funds must be kept separate from the casino’s operational funds. This segregation of accounts ensures that even if the casino faces financial difficulties, players’ money remains protected and accessible.
Fair gaming practices
Licensed online casinos must use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair play. Independent testing agencies regularly audit these RNGs to verify that game outcomes are truly random and not manipulated in favour of the house. Licensed casinos must publish their Return to Player (RTP) percentages, giving players transparency about their chances of winning. This level of fairness and transparency is not guaranteed in unlicensed casinos, where games could potentially be rigged against players.
Responsible gambling measures
Regulatory bodies require licensed online casinos to implement responsible gambling measures. These include:
- Self-exclusion options – Allowing players to ban themselves from the casino for a set period voluntarily.
- Deposit limits – Enabling players to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits.
- Reality checks – Pop-up reminders about time and money spent gambling.
- Access to support – Offering links and information to problem gambling support organizations.
Our site strongly advocates responsible gambling and appreciates that licensed casinos prioritize player well-being over profit.
Legal recourse and dispute resolution
At a licensed online casino, players have access to legal recourse if disputes arise. Licensing authorities often mediate conflicts between players and casinos, ensuring fair resolution. This protection is absent when playing at unlicensed casinos, where players have largely to no recourse if they feel unfairly.
Guaranteed payouts
Licensed online casinos must maintain sufficient funds to cover all potential payouts. The requirement ensures that players receive their winnings as soon as possible after winning. Unlicensed casinos may not have such obligations, potentially leading to delayed payouts or, in worst-case scenarios, failure to pay out winnings altogether.
Regular audits and compliance checks
Licensing authorities conduct regular audits and compliance checks on casinos they license. These audits cover various aspects of casino operations, including:
- Financial stability
- Game fairness
- Security measures
- Customer service quality
- Responsible gambling practices
These ongoing checks ensure that licensed casinos maintain high standards of operation, providing players with a consistently safe and fair gaming environment.
