Casino Licensing Explained

Casino licences aren’t just logos in the footer — they’re rulebooks operators must follow. This guide breaks down what MGA (Malta), Curaçao, UKGC (UK), the Swedish licence and other jurisdictions mean in practice, what protections you really get, and how to verify a licence in minutes.

What a licence actually covers

A licence sets minimum standards and makes casinos accountable — but it doesn’t guarantee fast payouts or generous bonuses. Typically covered:

✅ Fair games via approved providers and audited RNG.
✅ Responsible Gambling (RG) tools — limits, time-outs, self-exclusion.
✅ Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) checks.
✅ Dispute routes (official complaints and/or ADR depending on regulator).

Remember: A good licence gives you recourse if something goes wrong. The casino’s own behaviour (terms, support, payouts) still matters most.

Licence Comparison

Key differences that matter to players. Always judge the individual casino — not just the badge on the footer.

MGA (Malta)

✅ Strong RG/AML standards and clear complaint routes via the authority.
✅ Transparent ownership and approved suppliers.
✅ Reputable brands often process withdrawals efficiently.

Balanced & trusted Solid recourse

Curaçao

✅ Framework improving; quality varies by operator.
✅ Often broader bonuses and fast onboarding.
⚠️ Verify public register entry, ownership and terms carefully (LOK reform in force).

Many brands Extra diligence

UKGC (United Kingdom)

✅ Very strict RG, KYC and affordability controls.
✅ Clear complaint escalation via approved ADR.
✅ Heavy enforcement on advertising/bonus compliance.

Stringent rules Strong enforcement

Sweden (Spelinspektionen)

✅ Local tools like Spelpaus (self-exclusion).
✅ Strict marketing and bonus limitations.
✅ Operators must meet Swedish consumer protection laws.

Local protections Robust RG toolkit

Anjouan (Comoros)

✅ Emerging framework attracting new operators.
✅ Setup can be efficient; standards vary by brand.
⚠️ Always verify the public register entry and domain match.

Emerging option Verify carefully

Estonia

✅ National licensing with RG/AML obligations.
✅ Clear operator lists and market-specific rules.
⚠️ Confirm the licensed entity and permitted domains.

Clear framework Market-specific

Costa Rica

⚠️ No dedicated central iGaming regulator.
⚠️ “Data Processing Licence” model; oversight is limited.
👉 Treat claims of “licensing” cautiously; check T&Cs and ownership.

Limited oversight Extra checks

Kahnawà:ke (Canada)

✅ Long-standing jurisdiction via Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission.
✅ Technical standards and a complaints process.
⚠️ Availability depends on player location and brand policy.

Established Defined standards

Gibraltar

✅ Mature regime for major international operators.
✅ Robust compliance expectations and ongoing monitoring.
⚠️ Availability and requirements vary by target markets.

Mature market High compliance

Jurisdiction	Player Protection	Dispute Route	Notes
MGA	Strong	Authority complaints	Good balance, clear suppliers
UKGC	Very strong	Approved ADR	Affordability focus
Sweden	Strong	Regulator	Spelpaus, local rules
Curaçao	Improving	Regulator	LOK model in force
Gibraltar	Strong	Regulator	Mature, big brands
Kahnawà:ke	Defined	KGC process	Availability varies by market
Estonia	Clear	Regulator	Local compliance
Anjouan	Varies	Register	Emerging; verify carefully
Costa Rica	Limited	—	No central iGaming regulator

How to verify a licence (5 quick checks)

You don’t need to be a lawyer. Here’s the simple, practical checklist we use.

Find the licence details in the footer

Look for the regulator name and a licence number or company name. If it’s just a logo image with no details, be cautious.
Cross-check on the regulator’s website

Open the official public register (MGA, UKGC, Spelinspektionen, Curaçao, etc.) and search the brand or legal entity. Confirm the domain matches.
Verify the ownership entity

The trading name on the site should map to a licensed company. If you see a mismatch or shell names, investigate further.
Scan the T&Cs for payout/KYC rules

Reasonable withdrawal limits, clear document lists, and fair bonus terms are green flags. Hidden fees, vague terms, or retroactive rules are not.
Test support

Ask live chat how to find their licence on the official register. A good operator will answer clearly and quickly.

Tip: When in doubt, play small first. Make a small deposit, verify, and try a test withdrawal before committing bigger sums.

Common red flags

One red flag doesn’t always mean a scam — but multiple together is a hard pass.

Logo with no details

Regulator badges without licence numbers or company info. Always cross-check.

Copy-paste T&Cs

Terms referencing the wrong regulator/country, broken links, or contradictions.

Unusual KYC/fees

Requests for irrelevant documents, withdrawal fees, or arbitrary caps after wins.

Unreachable company

No physical address, no legal entity, generic email only, or vanishing live chat.

FAQ – Casino Licensing

How do I verify a casino’s licence?

Find the regulator and licence number in the footer, then search the official public register. Confirm the legal entity and that the domain you’re on is listed for that entity.

MGA vs UKGC — what’s the difference for players?

Both are strict and provide strong consumer protection. UKGC uses approved ADR providers for disputes and has tougher affordability checks; MGA has a formal complaints route via the authority.

What changed with Curaçao licensing?

The LOK reform replaced the old sub-licence model with direct licensing under a central authority. Expect tighter oversight; still verify registry entry, ownership and terms per brand.

Is Anjouan a safe licence?

It’s an emerging jurisdiction. Some brands operate responsibly, but standards vary. Always check the public register entry and ensure the domain and company match.

How does the Estonian licence work?

Estonia issues national licences and publishes a list of authorised operators. It’s designed for locally compliant operations; verify the entity and permitted domains.

What about Costa Rica “licences”?

Costa Rica does not have a central iGaming regulator. Companies may operate under general corporate or data processing permissions. Treat claims of licensing cautiously and verify everything.

What is the Kahnawà:ke licence?

Issued by the Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission. It has technical standards and a complaints process. Availability can depend on your country’s rules and the operator’s market policy.

How does Gibraltar licensing compare?

Gibraltar is a mature jurisdiction that hosts many large operators, with robust compliance expectations and ongoing monitoring. Still, judge each brand’s terms and practices.

Does a licence guarantee fast withdrawals?

No. A licence gives you rules and recourse, not payout speed. Test with a small deposit and a small withdrawal first.

Can I play without a local (Swedish/UK/etc.) licence?

Always follow your local laws. Some jurisdictions restrict where you can play; if allowed, confirm that the operator officially accepts players from your country.

Official Registers

MGA Register UKGC Register Spelinspektionen Estonia (EMTA) Curaçao Register Kahnawà:ke Gibraltar Anjouan

Tip: match the domain you’re playing on to the entry in the official register and double-check that the legal entity matches.

Disclaimer: This guide is for information only and is not legal advice. Always follow your local laws and verify licences on the official registers linked above.