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Reviews of Online Gambling Sites Complete Guide to Online Gambling Licenses and Regulators
You’ll enjoy fair games, secure payouts, and reliable customer service if you play at sites with strong gambling licenses. It’s important to choose sites that hold licenses from trusted international regulators, as you can rely on them to keep you safe.
This guide explains who the key regulators are, how gambling licenses work, and why they’re so important. Let’s get into it.
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List of Online Gaming Licensors and Regulators
We can divide online gambling regulators into two groups:
- International regulators: These authorities issue remote gaming licenses to online casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks. The licensees can then welcome players from various countries around the world.
- Local regulators: These regulators only cover their domestic markets. They issue licenses to gambling sites, which can then operate in that specific country.
International Regulators
These regulators issue gambling licenses to offshore casinos and crypto gambling sites. There are lots of international regulators, but we’ve highlighted the most trusted licensing bodies.
Malta Gaming Authority
The MGA is one of the world’s most respected gambling regulators, with a strong focus on fairness, transparency, and player safety. Licensees can welcome players from across Europe and around the world.
- Year established: 2001
- Website: www.mga.org.mt
Curaçao Gaming Authority
Curaçao is a prominent gambling regulator, which issues licenses to crypto casinos and offshore sportsbooks. The CGA has significantly toughened its licensing process in recent years, so Curaçao-licensed sites are trusted by millions of players.
- Year established: 1996 (previously known as the Curaçao Gaming Control Board)
- Website: www.gamingcontrolcuracao.org
Government of Anjouan
Many online casinos abandoned Curaçao in favor of Anjouan after Curaçao tightened its regulations in 2024. Anjouan-licensed sites still need to meet strict player protection rules, but they don’t need to conduct KYC checks.
- Year established: 2023
- Website: anjouangaming.com
Panama Gaming Control Board
The Junta de Control de Juegos is the official regulator for Panama. It issues licenses to a few online sportsbooks and casinos, which primarily target the US and Canadian markets.
- Year established: 1947
- Website: mef.gob.pa/secretaria-ejecutiva-junta-de-control-de-juegos/
Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner
Gibraltar is another major hub for European online casinos, along with Malta. The Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner ensures that these sites comply with the Gambling Act of 2005.
- Year established: 2000
- Website: gibraltar.gov.gi/finance-gaming-and-regulations/remote-gambling
Isle of Man Gambling Commission
The Isle of Man Gambling Commission also issues licenses to online casinos and sportsbooks, which can then accept players from across the globe.
- Year established: 1962
- Website: isleofmangsc.com
Alderney Gambling Control Commission
The AGCC is one of the world’s strictest regulators, as it only gives licenses to “serious gambling operators” who have reputations that they “wish to protect.” It has issued licenses to more than 70 online casinos since launching.
- Year established: 2000
- Website: gamblingcontrol.org
Kahnawake Gaming Commission
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission is run by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake in Québec, Canada. It issues gambling licenses to online casinos and sportsbooks, which target players in the Canada, US, and further afield.
- Year established: 1996
- Website: gamingcommission.ca
Tobique Gaming Commission
The Tobique First Nation in New Brunswick, Canada, established this regulator in 2023. The TGC takes a similar approach to the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, as it awards licenses to crypto gambling sites that welcome customers from around the world.
- Year established: 2023
- Website: thetgc.ca
Local Regulators
These regulators focus exclusively on their home countries, states, or provinces. They don’t issue remote gaming licenses to international casino sites.
There are more than 100 local regulators around the world, so we’ve focused on the most prominent authorities. These are the top gambling regulators in the US, the UK, Canada, Europe, and Australia.
United States
Almost every state has its own gambling regulator. The only exceptions are Hawaii and Utah, as those states haven’t legalized any forms of gambling.
There are gambling commissions, gambling control boards, lottery commissions, and racing commissions in dozens of states. We won’t list them all, as these regulators are pretty similar. Instead, we’ve focused on the seven states that currently have local online casino markets:
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
The Department of Consumer Protection oversees the state’s two regulated gambling sites: DraftKings and Mohegan Sun.
- Year established: 1959
- Website: portal.ct.gov/dcp
Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement
The Division of Gaming Enforcement regulates the state’s three racinos and the lottery. It also oversees BetRivers DE, which runs online sports betting and casino gaming on behalf of the Delaware Lottery.
- Year established: 1974
- Website: delottery.com/More/iGaming
Michigan Gaming Control Board
The MGCB regulates the state’s online casinos, poker rooms, sportsbooks, land-based casinos, and all other gambling providers.
- Year established: 1996
- Website: michigan.gov/mgcb
New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
The DGE is one of the most prominent regulators in the country. It enforces all gambling laws in the Garden State, covering online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms, plus Atlantic City casinos and racinos.
- Year established: 1977
- Website: njoag.gov
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board issues licenses to US companies that want to offer online casino games, poker, and sports betting. It also regulates land-based gaming venues.
- Year established: 2004
- Website: gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/
Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation
The Department of Business Regulation’s Gaming and Athletics section oversees the state’s two land-based casinos. It’s also in charge of regulating online sports betting and casino gaming in Rhode Island.
- Year established: 1974
- Website: dbr.ri.gov/gaming-and-athletics
West Virginia Lottery Commission
The commission regulates West Virginia’s land-based casinos, the state lottery, and online casinos and sportsbooks.
- Year established: 1974
- Website: https://business.wvlottery.com/#igaming
As you can see, regulations vary by state, so we keep a running list of the Best US online casinos we think are worth considering.
United Kingdom
Gambling Commission
The Gambling Commission oversees all forms of online and in-person gambling in England, Wales, and Scotland. There isn’t currently a regulator for gambling in Northern Ireland.
- Year established: 2007
- Website: gamblingcommission.gov.uk
Canada
Each Canadian province has its own gambling regulator. Some purely focus on gambling, but most combine gambling with liquor and cannabis. Federal territories regulate local lotteries and charitable gaming, but they don’t have standalone gambling commissions.
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
This crown agency issues licenses to privately-owned online casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks in Ontario. The commission also oversees land-based casinos, lottery games, horse racing, and alcohol under provincial law.
- Website: https://agco.ca
- Established: 1998
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission
Alberta’s provincial regulator, overseeing gaming (lotteries, land-based casinos, video lottery terminals, and online gambling regulation), plus liquor and cannabis.
- Website: aglc.ca
- Established: 1996
British Columbia Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch
This agency is part of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The branch regulates all forms of gambling in British Columbia, including the BC Lottery and its PlayNow site.
- Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/gambling
- Established: 2002
Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba
Manitoba’s provincial regulator, responsible for licensing and regulating casinos, video lottery terminals, and lottery games, plus liquor and cannabis.
New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety – Gaming Control Branch
The regulatory branch of New Brunswick’s provincial government, which regulates gambling operators and enforces gambling control laws.
- Website: gnb.ca
- Established: 2008
Newfoundland & Labrador Consumer Affairs Division (Service NL)
Service NL is responsible for regulating charitable gaming, lotteries, and gaming permits in the province.
- Website: https://www.gov.nl.ca
- Established: 2011
Nova Scotia Alcohol and Gaming Authority
The Nova Scotia Gaming Control Commission and the Liquor License Board merged in 1997 to form this provincial regulator.
- Website: novascotia.ca/alcohol-and-gaming-forms
- Established: 1997
Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission
The commission oversees all lottery games and gambling on Prince Edward Island.
- Website: princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/pei-lotteries-commission-annual-reports
- Established: 1997
Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux
This is Québec’s provincial regulator, overseeing government-run gambling sites Espace Jeux and Mise-o-jeu+. The regulator also covers racing, lottery games, land-based casinos, and alcohol.
- Website: racj.gouv.qc.ca
- Established: 1993
Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority
Crown corporation that oversees liquor and most gambling regulation in Saskatchewan, including casinos, video lottery terminals, and bingo.
- Website: slga.gov.sk.ca
- Established: 1996
If you want a quick shortlist of operators we trust, head to our Best Canadian online casinos guide.
Europe
Most European countries have official gambling regulators. Major regulators include ANJ in France, ADM in Italy, and the DGOF in Spain. These are the most famous European gambling regulators:
Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder
GGL is the federal gambling regulator for Germany. States previously regulated their own local markets, but the GGL took over as the nationwide regulator in 2023.
- Website: gluecksspiel-behoerde.de
- Established: 2023
Kansspelautoriteit
This licensing authority regulates all gambling activity in the Netherlands, with a mandate to protect consumers and prevent addiction.
- Website: kansspelautoriteit.nl/home
- Established: 2012
Spelinspektionen
Sweden’s official gambling regulator oversees casino games, lotteries, and all other forms of commercial gambling.
- Website: spelinspektionen.se/en
- Established: 2019
Australia
The Australian Communications and Media Authority enforces the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. This federal authority oversees online sports betting and lotteries. There are also specific gambling regulators in each state.
Australian Capital Territory Gambling and Racing Commission
An independent authority that licenses and monitors gambling, racing, lotteries, and betting operations in the ACT.
- Website: gamblingandracing.act.gov.au
- Established: 1999
Liquor & Gaming New South Wales
This state government agency regulates all gambling activities, pokies, liquor stores, bars, and clubs in NSW.
- Website: liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au
- Established: February 2016
Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation
This regulator governs licensing and compliance for gambling and alcohol in the state of Queensland, with a strong focus on consumer protection.
- Website: justice.qld.gov.au/about-us/services/liquor-gaming
- Established: 2011
South Australia – Consumer and Business Services
The regulatory division of South Australia’s Consumer and Business Services department oversees sports betting, pokies, and lotteries in the state.
- Website: cbs.sa.gov.au
- Established: 2011
Tasmania – Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission
An independent commission within the Tasmanian Department of Treasury and Finance, responsible for issuing gambling licenses and enforcing gaming laws.
- Website: treasury.tas.gov.au/liquor-and-gaming
- Established: 1993
Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission
Victoria’s principal gambling regulator oversees licensing, compliance, and enforcement for casinos, sports betting pokies, and lotteries.
- Website: vgccc.vic.gov.au
- Established: 2022
Western Australia Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (Racing, Gaming & Liquor)
The WA state government department that administers gambling policy, licences, and compliance under the Racing, Gaming and Liquor portfolio.
- Website: dlgsc.wa.gov.au
- Established: 1 July 2017
See our picks for the best online casinos in Australia.
How Online Gambling Sites Obtain a LicenseHow Online Gambling Sites Obtain a License
The process of obtaining a license varies from one regulator to the next. For example, it’s quicker and easier to get a license from Anjouan or Kahnawake than from Great Britain or New Jersey.
However, the steps are reasonably similar. This is the general process that online gambling sites follow:
A Gambling Site is Licensed, Now What?A Gambling Site is Licensed, Now What?
The gambling site then needs to uphold strict licensing conditions. If it fails to comply with the regulations, the site could lose its license.
Operators face continuous obligations, such as:
- Regular reporting (financial checks, operational reports, compliance checks).
- Independent audits to guarantee fairness, safety, and anti-money laundering.
- Incident and breach reporting.
- Ongoing suitability checks to confirm financial probity.
The license will also expire after a certain period of time. For example, Curaçao licenses only last for a year, whereas Malta licenses normally last for 10 years.
Operators need to apply for a renewal when the license is due to expire. At that point, they’ll need to pay a fee and pass additional checks.
Who Audits Online Gambling Sites?Who Audits Online Gambling Sites?
Regulators audit online gambling sites on a routine basis. The games at online casinos also need to be independently tested for fairness and accuracy.
These are five of the leading auditors for online casino games. They test the Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure the results are completely random and fair.
Gaming Labs International
GLI is one of the world’s largest and most respected testing labs. The company works with leading regulators, such as the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. GLI also tests RNGs for operators and providers, including major studios like AGS and Light & Wonder.
BMM Testlabs
This established testing company has labs in Australia, Europe, and North America. BMM Testlabs offers game testing, system audits, compliance reviews, and cybersecurity tests.
eCOGRA
A London-based testing lab that certifies RNGs and payout percentages for the world’s leading online casinos. eCOGRA has a strong focus on UK and European casinos, but it also works with some North American operators.
iTech Labs
An Australia-based testing lab that offers certification for online casino games. iTech Labs is approved by most of the world’s leading online gambling regulators.
Quinel
This specialist testing lab is based in Slovenia. Quinel also focuses primarily on the European market, but it certifies games for some international providers and casinos too.
Gambling Licenses FAQs
It’s difficult to gain a casino license from the world’s most respected regulators. Authorities in the US, Canada, the UK, and Malta vet online casinos thoroughly before issuing licenses. The online casinos need to meet very strict compliance rules, covering everything from player safety to risk assessment. Some smaller regulators make it much easier to get a casino license, so it really depends on the licensing body.
Scroll to the bottom of the gambling site’s homepage to find details of the license. You should see the regulator’s logo. Click on the logo, and you’ll be taken through to the regulator’s site. If the license is valid, you should see an “Active” sign, along with details of the license.
That really depends on the licensing authority. For example, Curaçao gambling site licenses are renewed every year, whereas gambling licenses in the US and the UK can last for five years, 10 years, or longer.
Summary
Gambling licenses help protect you by ensuring sites are regulated, games are fair, and operators are held accountable.
Choose sites that hold licenses from trusted regulators in jurisdictions like Malta, Curaçao, and Anjouan for maximum security. Many of our favorite gambling sites are licensed by those same authorities, which adds to their appeal.
Make sure you understand the licenses and regulators in place at any given online gambling site before signing up.
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