One of the first and most important steps when playing at an online casino is to ensure that the chosen casino is legal and licensed. In the following guide, we will discuss how to check this, what warning signs to look for, and what a license actually guarantees for the player.
Quick Check Steps
License Number and Regulatory Authority (Footer / T & C)
The first step is to look at the website's footer or the Terms & Conditions page. It is common to see phrases like “Licensed by …” along with a license number. If there is no clear information in this regard, it is already a red flag. If a license logo is present, click on it — it often leads to the regulator's site where you can check the status and validity of the license.
Owner Company, Registration Code, Contact Information
Licensed casinos must have the operator's name, registration code, address, and contact information published. The same information can be verified in company registries (e.g., the Estonian Business Register or the corresponding registries of other countries). If the verification of the company's identity fails or the information is unclear, caution should be exercised.
Official Registries and Verification Sources
In Estonia, a legal remote gambling operator must have the approval of the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA) and be listed in the official registry. You can check the EMTA “List of Legal Gambling Organizers,” which includes companies authorized to conduct gambling in Estonia. If the casino is not on this list, it is not operating legally in Estonia.
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Curacao Master Licenses
Many international casinos use licenses from the MGA or Curacao jurisdiction. For example, the MGA website has a license verification tool — enter the license number and see if it is active. In the case of Curacao, a license registry is available on the regulator's portal, where you can check if the operator is a license holder. To check Curacao licenses, click on the Curacao logo button in the casino's footer — it will lead you to a validator that displays the license status. However, caution is advised — a false validator link may be a scam.
What a License Actually Means
Player Protection, Dispute Resolution, Sanctions
A licensed casino must operate under regulated rules: ensuring fair gaming mechanisms (e.g., RNG), correct payouts, and transparent terms. If the operator fails to fulfill its obligations, the player can turn to the regulator for dispute resolution. Regulators can sanction the operator — suspend the license, impose fines, or prohibit further activities.
Data Protection (GDPR), Payment Solutions Oversight
Licensed casinos are required to protect users' personal data and comply with data protection regulations (GDPR in Europe). They are also subject to oversight of financial transactions: reliable payment solutions, transparent fees, and anti-money laundering (AML) measures are required. This provides players with additional assurance that their financial and identity risks are not neglected.
Warning Signs
Missing or Unclear License, Copied Numbers
If a casino website lacks a license or states “license no. 0000” or if the number appears copied from another site, this is a serious warning sign. If the license logo is not clickable or leads to a suspicious page, that is also questionable. Additionally, if the company's information (name, address, registration code) does not match the regulator's information or cannot be found in public registries, it raises concerns.
Unrealistic Bonus Conditions and Hidden Fees
If bonuses promise very high profits without wagering requirements or conditions that seem too good to be true, it is a potential scam. Hidden fees — additional charges on deposits or withdrawals that are not clearly outlined in the terms — may indicate unlicensed activity. If a player cannot find contact information or communicate with support services, that is also a red flag.
Checklist Before Registration
7-Point Check (as PDFs)
Before creating an account, go through the following checkpoints: 1. Ensure that the footer / terms contain the license number and regulator. 2. Click on the license logo and check if it leads to the regulator's site. 3. Verify the company's name, registration code, address, and contact information in public registries. 4. Scroll down the website and look for the official regulator's registry or list. 5. Review the bonus conditions — if they seem too good, be skeptical. 6. Check payment options — are well-known and regulated payment methods used? 7. Look for independent reviews, player comments, and scam warnings. If desired, you can conveniently format this checklist as a PDF and share it with players.
Summary – Framework for a Safe Choice
In summary, a casino's reliability mainly depends on whether it is truly licensed and whether that license is verifiable. Quick check steps (footer, license verification), official regulators (EMTA, MGA, Curacao), and recognizing warning signs provide a solid foundation for making a safer choice. If all checks pass — license matches, company information is correct, bonuses are reasonable — you can play with more peace of mind. If you want, I can also create a visual guide or infographic to use online — would you like me to prepare that?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an unlicensed casino always dangerous?
An unlicensed casino may not always be a scam, but it carries significantly higher risks, and player rights are not protected.
Is an EMTA license always the best choice for Estonians?
Yes, an EMTA license provides the strongest protection for Estonians as it is subject to local laws and oversight.
How to ensure that the license number is not fake?
Verify the authenticity of the license number by checking it directly on the official website of the respective regulator.
Where to find up-to-date blacklists?
Up-to-date blacklists can be found on the websites of EMTA, the Consumer Protection Board, and gambling forums.
