Every reputable online casino operates under at least one gaming licence. The licence tells you which regulator oversees the operator, what player-protection rules apply, and where you can complain if something goes wrong. Before depositing anywhere, run through the five checks below.
1. The licence seal links to the regulator
Scroll to the footer. A real seal — MGA, UKGC, Curaçao, Anjouan, Kahnawake — is clickable and opens the regulator's own site with a certificate page naming the operator's legal entity. A non-clickable image is a red flag.
2. Cross-check the licence number on the public register
Every serious regulator publishes a public list of licensees. Look up the operator's number directly on the regulator's site (not via a link from the casino) and confirm the legal entity matches the one in the casino's Terms & Conditions.
3. Terms & Conditions name a real company
The T&Cs should identify a registered company name, an EU/UK/Caribbean address, and a way to reach customer support beyond a generic webform. Vague language and missing addresses indicate an unregulated operator.
4. Responsible-gambling tools are present
Licensed operators must offer deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and session reminders. Open the account preferences before depositing — if these tools are missing, the operator is almost certainly not licensed.
5. Payment processors are mainstream
Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller and reputable crypto processors require a valid gaming licence before they will work with an operator. If the only payment option is a random crypto address, treat that as a warning sign.
What to do next
For a deeper dive into each licence type, see our licensing guide. If you ever feel that gambling is no longer fun, free confidential help is available at our responsible-gambling page.