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Online Casino Licence Types - Reliable Gambling Licences

Online gambling licences lie at the very core of a secure, trustworthy, and transparent iGaming environment. Yet, for many players, the concept of an online casino licence remains mysterious. What exactly is a casino gambling licence, how does it safeguard your interests, and why should you care whether an operator holds one?

On this page, we illuminate the essential role of online gambling licences, explain how to get a gambling licence, and clarify what sets a licensed online casino apart. We will also examine key global jurisdictions—such as Malta, the United Kingdom, Gibraltar, and Estonia—and uncover how their regulations influence the quality, fairness, and reliability of licensed online casinos, also from the player's perspective.

All Casino Sites by Licences

Discover your options by filtering this list of licensed casinos online by country. For players from Europe, pretty much all licenses inside the European Union are good options. Depending on the country people are playing from, there are tax-free factors to consider when playing in countries that belong to EEA.

Beyond European borders, several notable licensing regimes ensure trustworthy gaming environments. In the United States, a New Jersey licence is well-regarded for its robust player protections, while Kahnawake and Costa Rica present more flexible frameworks that still uphold reputable standards. Together, the platforms on our list provide valuable insight into the integrity of online casinos around the globe.

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Where and why casinos should be licensed?

All online casinos should be licensed in order to ensure that they are operating within the law and to protect the public from any potential criminal activity that may take place on the premises. Licensing also allows casinos to be monitored and regulated to ensure that they are providing a safe, fair, and honest gaming environment for all customers. Additionally, licensing helps to ensure that casinos are paying their taxes in a timely manner and that all staff members are properly trained and qualified.

Less known gambling licenses

Every country has its own authorities that regulate gambling licenses. This authority defines the requirements for getting a license. For example, Malta Gaming Authority works from Malta, UK Gambling Commission from the United Kingdom and Estonia’s authority is the Estonian Tax and Customs Board.

It’s easy to see that licenses from Malta and the United Kingdom are the most popular ones. Most of the casinos working in Europe are being regulated by these two. There are other reliable licenses mentioned in this article too, however. For example, there is Curacao, which obviously works outside the EU and has a bit less strict requirements for a license. Though all the licenses mentioned in this article are reliable, we still consider European licenses to be the best option for European players.

Some commissions pass out licenses more readily with less strict rules and laws than the European ones. But European licenses are the strictest ones in the world. But online casinos operating with non-European licenses can still be safe and reliable. But if you bump into a commission you have never even heard of, you probably should change your direction to a better-known casino with a good reputation.

There are a few more exotic gambling authorities too such as Costa Rica, Aruba, and Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Many of us might have encountered these licenses, but they are not that regular on the European market compared to the ones that we have previously mentioned in this article.

The types of online casino licenses: Curacao, UK, Malta, Kahnawake, Gibraltar

How can casinos apply for a license?

For an applicant to get a license, they must first go through many security and background checks. This is essential so that gambling commissions can ensure the legitimacy and fairness of a casino. Some of these searches include background information, game fairness, RNG guarantee (random number generation), tax information, financial status, business practices, criminal background and more.

The casinos applying for licenses must also undergo frequent financial and tax auditing, as well as technical tests to ensure that they meet the requirements of a license. The procedures that casinos must undergo to get a license are set in place, so that gambling commissions can guarantee the safety of a casino that they grant their license to. The most popular gambling commissions include:

Why use whitelabel platform to get a licensed casino

Using a whitelabel casino platform to get a license is a great way to save time and money. It eliminates the need to go through the lengthy process of obtaining a license from the government, which can take months or even years. Additionally, it allows businesses to quickly and easily access the necessary licensing requirements, streamlining the process and making it more efficient. Furthermore, using a whitelabel platform ensures businesses are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations, helping to protect them from potential legal issues.

Summary

The reliability of casino licenses has been talked about a lot during the past few years. This is totally understandable because real money is being played in online casinos. And many players tend to check out casino licenses before making any deposits to an online casino for that reason.

Licenses help to better the reliability and safety of online casinos. They ensure that all the important things are taken care of by the casinos. If these factors are not on point, no license will be granted for a casino. So, one could say that a commission looks after the player, as they ensure casinos’ trustworthiness for the player so that they can safely deposit their money there. Gambling authorities are very careful about who they grant their license to, as they don't want to get their own hands dirty.

Nowadays, online casino players are largely aware of which licenses are reliable. And all players know that they shouldn’t play their money on a casino with no license at all. Players are also unwilling to play under licenses that do not provide tax-free winnings.

All in all, there are a lot of reliable casino licenses and gambling authorities out there. But we hold that a casino with a European license is the best place for a European player to head to.

FAQ

Can a casino operate without a licence?

Technically, yes, but playing at an unlicensed casino is risky. Without regulation, there are no guarantees of fair play, secure payments, or responsible gambling protections. Many payment providers and software developers only work with licensed casinos, meaning unlicensed sites often use unverified games or unreliable banking methods. Always check a casino’s licence before depositing money.

How do casinos get a licence?

Casinos obtain a licence by applying to a recognised gambling authority. The process involves background checks, financial audits, and game fairness testing to ensure compliance with strict regulations. Applicants must provide details on ownership, anti-fraud measures, responsible gambling policies, and secure payment processing. Once approved, casinos undergo regular audits to maintain their licence and continue operating legally.

What are the best casino licenses?

1. Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
2. UK Gambling Commission
3. Curacao eGaming
4. Alderney Gambling Control Commission
5. Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
6. Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
7. Kahnawake Gaming Commission
 

How much does a casino license cost?

The cost of an online casino licence depends on the jurisdiction. For example:

  • Curacao: Starting around $15,000–$25,000 annually.
  • Malta: Between €25,000–€50,000 per year, plus application fees.
  • UK: Application fees start at £5,000, with annual fees from £2,500–£57,000 depending on revenue.
  • Gibraltar: Typically starts at £85,000 annually.

Costs include application fees, annual renewals, and compliance requirements.

Why do some online casinos have multiple licences?

Some online casinos hold multiple licences to operate legally in different regions. For example, a casino may have a Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) licence for European players and a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence for UK users. Multiple licences also indicate higher regulatory compliance, as the casino must meet strict rules from several governing bodies.

Can a casino lose its licence?

Yes, a casino can lose its licence if it fails to meet regulatory standards. This can happen due to late payouts, unfair gaming practices, security breaches, or violations of responsible gambling laws. Regulatory bodies monitor casinos and can suspend or revoke licences if they fail audits or breach industry rules. Players can check a casino’s licensing status on the regulator’s website.

    • avatar-Paavo Salonen
      Paavo SalonenCreative Director
      Paavo's passion for all things casinos led to building a world-class iGaming company. Having over a decade of experience, he knows exactly what gamblers are looking for — he shares his wealth of knowledge in all the articles Mr. Gamble publishes...
    • avatar-Jonas Kyllönen
      Jonas KyllönenCreative Director
      Jonas is a veteran within the iGaming business. His passion is to provide truthful and helpful information for online gaming enthusiasts globally...