A licence is the first thing to check at an unfamiliar online casino. It does not guarantee a win and does not make play risk-free, but it shows the operator is accountable to a regulator that has a complaints mechanism.
Below is where to look up a licence with the main regulators, how to run the check step by step, and which signs point to a possible scam.
Key takeaways
- Check a licence in the regulator's public register, not by the logo on the casino site — an image is easy to fake.
- Main regulators: the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and Curacao, which moved to a new LOK regime with its own register.
- The legal entity name, licence number and domain/brand from the register should all match.
- Warning signs: a 'painted-on' licence, no legal entity, withdrawal problems, aggressive promises.
- This material is informational, 18+; a licence reduces some risks but does not remove the risk of losing.
Why check a licence
A regulator sets the rules: KYC, protection of player funds, game fairness, responsible-gaming tools and how complaints are handled. If there is no valid licence, or it is not confirmed in the register, you effectively have no authority to turn to in a dispute.
So checking a licence is not a formality but a way to understand who you are dealing with.
Where to check: regulator registers
Serious regulators have an open search of their licensees. Do not trust the logo in the footer — go to the register itself and look the operator up there by licence number or legal entity name.
| Regulator | Where to check | What to look at |
|---|---|---|
| Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) | Licensee register on mga.org.mt | Legal entity name, status, approved domains |
| UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) | Public register on gamblingcommission.gov.uk | Licence status and the type of activity allowed |
| Curacao (LOK regime) | Register of the Curacao Gaming Control Board | A current licence under the new regime, not an old sub-licence |
Step-by-step check
- Find the licence details on the casino site: regulator, number, company name (footer or About/Terms).
- Open the official register of that regulator.
- Find the operator by licence number or legal entity name.
- Check that the domain/brand is listed among the approved ones.
- Make sure the licence status is active, not suspended or revoked.
Signs of a possible scam
On its own a point is not a verdict, but a combination is a warning: the licence is not found in the register or 'sits as an image' with no link; no legal entity or jurisdiction is stated; withdrawal terms are vague and payouts drag on.
Additional red flags: promises of easy, risk-free winnings, pressure through bonuses with opaque terms, and no responsible-gaming tools or a clear KYC policy.
What to do if there is a problem
First, a written complaint to support, keeping the correspondence. If the operator is licensed, the next step is a complaint to the regulator through its official channel; some regulators and independent services help resolve disputes.
If the casino is unlicensed, there is almost no leverage — one more reason to check the licence before depositing.
This material is informational, 18+. Checking a licence reduces some risks but does not make play safe from loss. Use limits and self-exclusion; if you notice signs of addiction, seek help.
Frequently asked questions
Is the regulator's logo on the site proof of a licence?
No. Check the operator in the regulator's register itself; an image is easy to copy.
Does a licence guarantee I will not lose?
No. It sets the rules and gives an authority for complaints, but it does not remove the risk of losing.
What changed in Curacao?
The jurisdiction moved to a new licensing regime (LOK) with direct licensing and its own register; check the current status, not old sub-licences.
Where do I complain about a licensed casino?
First to support in writing, then to the regulator through its official channel; keep all correspondence.
Sources
- Malta Gaming Authority — Licensee Register — www.mga.org.mt
- UK Gambling Commission — www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
- Curacao Gaming Control Board — www.gamingcontrolcuracao.org