It is clear that online gambling is allowed in countries where relevant laws have been adopted and there is no legal prohibition on such activity. Most states allow online casinos to operate on their territory only if they are licensed. Users are encouraged to bypass sites that operate illegally and prefer the resources of registered and verified companies.
Why do you need to check the casino license?
States that allow online gambling are required to register with companies that provide online gambling services. They must obtain permits required by local and international law. This allows you to control the honesty of their work and collect income taxes. If a certain platform doesn’t have a license, it will be more difficult to work on the Internet because the operator can not open a bank account and use some methods of electronic transfers. It will not be possible to attract software providers who enter into agreements only with licensed companies. Unlike Yukon Gold Casino, such a platform will be considered illegal.
In some countries of the EU, Australia, USA, etc. access to sites that operate illegally is blocked. Companies and owners of illegal resources are subject to legal prosecution. Domains may be arrested as well.
Types of licenses
Licenses are divided into types according to the jurisdictions to which they apply:
- Local. Allow working within one country or state. For example, the Division of Gaming Enforcement provides licenses to operate in New Jersey. Additional permits are required to provide services in other US states (Delaware, Pennsylvania, etc.);
- Global. Operate in all countries following the rules of the World Trade Organization and other international agreements. Exceptions are states that have banned or restricted gambling activities on the Internet. Despite their international status, they are issued under the legislation of the country of registration.
Countries where the concept of “online games” is not legally established may require additional licensing from site owners. For example, obtaining a permit to provide paid services, making bank transfers, exchanging currency, and so on.
International regulators and commissions
Conditions for issuing permits differ from one regulator to another in terms of the registration cost, features of software testing, taxation, etc. The owner of the institution must also take into account the attractiveness of the jurisdiction for users. Meanwhile, gambling commissions mediate disputes between casinos and customers or other companies. Appeals and complaints are accepted by the relevant offices of the governing bodies. Despite the many institutions that license online casinos, most sites are registered in ten gaming offshores:
- Malta – is the most popular jurisdiction for online gambling in the world;
- Isle of Man – issues a universal license that applies to all types of gambling services at the same time;
- Curaçao – only business licenses are issued;
- UK – the most strict regulator, which attracts many European users;
- Kahnawake – is a very good Canadian regulator;
- Costa Rica – this regulator is known for almost no supervisory control and a low income tax. So, it is recommended to bypass platforms registered here;
- Gibraltar – the license of this regulator is no less prestigious than of the UK. It implies strict requirements for doing business and strict control over institutions;
- Alderney – this regulator implies strict supervision over the software and hardware of the operator to ensure fairness to players.
When choosing an institution, the player should check the availability of a license obtained from one or another reputable commission. Usually, this information is located at the bottom of the page. Sometimes, there is also a banner that leads to a page with detailed information. Authenticity can be verified on the official website of the relevant commission.