Online Casino Licences

The Definition and Importance of a Gambling Licence

You can think of licences as a kind of “permit”: they show that the casino can legally offer gambling services and is authorised & regulated by a government agency. Online casino licensing also indicates from which regions the site can accept a sign-up. These documents ensure the fairness of casino games, the protection of minors, and the safety of your payments & winnings.

The Most Popular Casino Licences

Gaming operators each have unique requirements. For this reason, the licences obtained by one gambling company may differ from another. In this section, we break down the five most popular options when choosing an online casino licence.

UK Gambling Commission

This is a gambling authority based in the United Kingdom. Operators who plan on offering services in the territories of Scotland, Wales, and England must earn certification from this regulatory body. To do so, gambling businesses must apply and pay the registration fee, then await the results of the commission’s investigation. The process takes around 16 weeks, giving operators plenty of time before launching the product in the UK. The UKGC is one of the most reputable commissioning bodies in the world – and for this reason, just mentioning its name on a platform is seen as an excellent benefit for a website.

Malta Gaming Authority

One of the most recognisable names in the online gambling industry, the Malta Gaming Authority stands as a stalwart in the scene. Many operators base their projects in Malta to avoid harsh taxes elsewhere – as is shown by the incredibly low-rate taxes seen in the small country. To give you an idea of the tax rate, virtual casinos are taxed at just 5%, whereas physical betting businesses are hit with a whopping 30% tax bill. Such a vast difference has led to a decrease in land-based franchises and an increase in online ventures. Located in Europe and surrounded by countries where online betting is legal, Malta’s Gaming Authority resides in one of the hottest licence jurisdictions.

Curacao Gambling Board

If you’re a regular at online casinos, you’ve likely come across the Curacao Gambling Board in one way or another. Comprised of a seven-person board selected by the state’s governor, Curacao’s Gambling Board is tasked with regulating online gambling sites located within its borders. Although the authority has been at the centre of controversy, it has since cleaned up its image.

Today, almost three decades from its inception, the Curacao Gambling Board hosts software provided by some of the world’s most prominent gambling businesses. With four-year terms for each board member, fresh ideas are constantly brought to the table – helping Curacao become a lucrative haven for betting projects around the globe. Expect further companies to get licensed by this body in the near future.

Gibraltar Licensing Authority

Being under the rule of the United Kingdom, Gibraltar is home to a vast array of top online betting talent. The authority has licensed several sports betting and online casino operators, with millions of players indulging in Gibraltar-licensed action daily. Like other authorities, the board has been in trouble – with some investigators accusing Gibraltar of convening with operators to publish unfair games. However, the authority has since cleaned up its act and eliminated potential bad actors from obtaining certificates from Gibraltar.

These days, Gibraltar’s gambling board is tremendously strict concerning granting certifications to operators – and any operator found to behave in an unfair, unsafe, or illegal manner will be punished comprehensively. Part of this includes a vehement vetting process, where the authority delves into the details of each project and how its owners have behaved previously.

Isle of Man Gaming Licence

A small island located between the UK and Ireland, the Isle of Man stands as a favourite among betting operators. Companies accepted by the authority are given lucrative packages – but the problem is this: it’s nigh on impossible to get accepted. This is why the Isle of Man gaming authorities are considered some of the best in the business.

Moreover, it’s why most of our reviews of online casinos based on the island are so positive. You see, operators must cough up tens of thousands in cash to maintain a licence each year. In turn, successful operators are credited with a 0% corporate rate tax package – meaning they have to pay nothing towards taxes when the end of the tax year rolls around. It’s a win-win for both parties, as the Isle of Man earns millions in certification money from its operators while betting companies keep their profits.

On top of an advantageous package for operators, the Isle of Man’s gambling authority is diligent and focused and will not accept businesses that carry out shady practices. Since online casino gambling makes up a sizeable portion of the island’s yearly income, it’s in the Isle of Man’s best interests to accept top-quality providers. Hence, gambling conglomerates consider it a mainstay in the industry – with a collapse of its gambling infrastructure improbable. Any entity seeking a certificate to operate in the Isle of Man will need to wait 12-16 weeks.

How to Get Online Casino Licences

The licensing agency determines the requirements for obtaining a licence. In other words, for example, the Curaçao terms and the UK Gambling Commission terms will be different. However, it is possible to see some common conditions in all of them:

• The applicant must provide proof of identity, background, and financial standing.
• The person making the application must not have a criminal record or tax debt.
• The applicant must show an indemnity to secure player payments (i.e., a letter of indemnity).
• The head office (or servers) of the applicant company must be in the country where the licensing agency is located.

Some Online Casinos Licensed Overseas

As a rule, each licence is valid only in the country it was issued. However, there are some exceptions covering the European Economic Area. For example, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has added permits issued by Gibraltar, Alderney, and the Isle of Man to a white list. This means that casinos with authorisations issued by these countries (even if they do not also hold a UKGC licence) can operate in the United Kingdom legally.

For such territories to maintain their remote licences, the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014 requires them to locate a portion of their equipment or facilities in the United Kingdom.

How to Find out Where an Online Casino is Licensed

A licensed company will display this information on its website. Check the bottom of the main page of the website and look for a logo: it will show you the name of the licensing agency, and for the same reason, it will allow you to understand where the casino is licensed from.

Certifications that Complete a Licence

Licences are not the only thing that guarantees that online gaming sites provide a fair, legal, and safe service. There are also some certificates that show that they meet certain standards. For example:

• eCOGRA: This London-based organisation tests the games of casinos and determines whether they are fair. It also determines what ethical standards will be in the iGaming industry. You can be sure that eCOGRA-certified casinos play fair and act ethically.
• IBAS: Independent Betting Adjudication Service has settled disputes between players and casinos since 1998.
• IBIA: International Betting Integrity Association is a global organisation that detects suspicious betting activity and protects players.
• ESSA: European Sports Security Association is an organisation established by betting operators to collaborate with national regulators.