What are the major online casino licenses?

With the rise of online gaming, account and financial transaction security has become a major concern for players. It is essential to be able to trust an online casino before depositing money and banking information. This is where gaming licenses come into play, allowing casinos, game providers, and bookmakers to operate legally in a given country.

In this article, we invite you to discover how gaming licenses work, the criteria for their issuance, and the most reputable licenses on the market.

What is a gaming license and how do you obtain one?

A gaming license is a certificate issued by the legal authorities of a country, allowing online casinos, game providers, and bookmakers to operate legally within its territory. Each country has its own license, although some, like that of Malta, are valid in several European countries.

To obtain a license, gaming houses must apply to the competent authorities. Several criteria are assessed to evaluate the reliability of the casino, such as fund security, fairness of gaming software, legal structure, truthfulness of advertising, quality of customer service, protection of private information, security protocols for banking transactions, verification of players' legal age, anti-money laundering measures, and site restrictions for dependent players.

In exchange for taxes and often an annual fee, regulators offer a strict legal framework that protects players. It is therefore crucial to check a casino's license before signing up.

The most reliable gaming licenses

All licenses provide a legal framework for online casinos, but some are known for their strictness and reliability. Among them are the UKGC (United Kingdom), DGE (New Jersey), MGA (Malta), and SGA (Sweden) licenses, which reject half of the license applications submitted.

There are also licenses considered less reliable, as they are granted more easily and at a lower cost. However, this does not mean that these licenses do not guarantee a certain level of security for players.

The most common casino licenses

Here is a list of the most commonly encountered gaming licenses in the world of online casinos:

- Curaçao License: established in 1996, this license is very widespread, especially in French-speaking and European casinos. Its success is due to its competitive price and advantageous taxation, namely 11,000 dollars when acquiring the certificate and only 2 % tax per year on revenue.

- Malta License (MGA): implemented in 2004, this license is difficult to obtain but opens access to several European countries. License fees range from €10,000 to €25,000, with additional royalties.

- United Kingdom License (UKGC): created in 2014, this license is one of the most respected in the online gaming industry. Obtaining costs can reach £15,000, and the annual tax amounts to 15%.

- New Jersey License: this license primarily concerns online casinos and is known for its difficulty of attainment.

- Antigua License: originating from the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, this license is recognized by other major jurisdictions and by the World Trade Organization.

- Kahnawake License: well-known to Canadian players, this license is difficult to obtain but protects players at most gaming houses in North America.

- Alderney License (AGCG): issued by an island between England and France, this license is one of the most reliable on the market.

- Gibraltar License (GRA): Gibraltar is a small island south of Spain that has been issuing gaming licenses for many years. License rights are €39,000 per year, with very low taxes (0.15%).

- Isle of Man License: this British island has been regulating casino licenses since 1962. License fees amount to £35,000 per year, with a tax of 1.5%.

Are there other reliability criteria for online casinos?

A good license is the number one quality criterion for an online casino, but there are indeed other elements of reliability to consider when choosing a secure and reliable online casino. Here are some of these criteria:

Customer service: A good customer service is always essential! Indeed, it is critical to rely on responsive and competent assistance in case of problems or questions. A customer service available 24/7, reachable by various means of communication (phone, email, live chat) is a guarantee of quality and seriousness for an online casino. The speed and efficiency with which problems are resolved also demonstrate the reliability of the casino.

e-Reputation: The online reputation of a casino is another element to consider when evaluating its reliability. Specialized sites like CasinoDoc study online casinos based on objective criteria and provide expert reviews to help players make their choices. These sites aim to assist players in choosing a good casino, but also, and above all, to avoid scams and dangerous sites. It is therefore important to consult these sites and gather information about a casino's reputation before signing up.

Opinions of other players: The online gaming world is small, and players are generally quick to share their experiences, whether positive or negative. Gaming forums, social networks, and review sites are platforms where players can express themselves and give their opinions on online casinos. A large number of complaints or negative reviews should alert you and prompt you to be cautious about a casino. Conversely, mainly positive reviews and satisfactory feedback are good indicators of a casino's reliability.

Payment and withdrawal methods: The payment and withdrawal methods offered by an online casino are also a reliability criterion to consider. A serious and reliable casino typically offers several secure and recognized payment methods (credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, etc.). Processing times for withdrawals should also be reasonable and respected. A casino that imposes abusive withdrawal conditions or deliberately delays payment of winnings should be avoided.

Data security: The security of players' personal and banking data is an essential aspect of an online casino's reliability. A serious and reliable casino must implement strict security measures to protect its players' data, such as SSL encryption, protection against malware and cyberattacks, and the verification of players' identities during registration.

Gaming licenses, guarantees of security

Gaming licenses are an essential element to consider when choosing an online casino. They guarantee the legality, security, and reliability of online gaming operators. Among the most reputable and reliable licenses are those issued by the United Kingdom (UKGC), New Jersey (DGE), Malta (MGA), Sweden (SGA), and Curaçao. However, it is also important to consider other reliability criteria such as the quality of customer service, e-reputation, feedback from other players, payment and withdrawal methods, and data security. Take the time to thoroughly inform yourself and compare different online casinos before making your choice to enjoy a secure and pleasant gaming experience.