How to check your casino license before signing up

Why do it

A license is not a logo in a footer, but a legal right to accept bets, keep funds and process your data. The check takes 5-10 minutes and saves from freezing the balance, denial of payments and toxic conditions.

Quick check algorithm (5 steps)

Step 1. Find the props in the footer

Look for:

license number, full legal entity (Ltd/LLC/SA, etc.), jurisdiction (e.g., "licensed by Commission X"), address, references to "Terms & Conditions," "Responsible Gambling," "Privacy/AML."

💡 If you see only a logo picture without a number and link, this is the first red flag.

Step 2. Check on the regulator's website

Go to the official register of the regulator (through the search engine for the query "regulator + register"). Check:

whether your legal entity is on the list, license status (valid/suspended/canceled), trading names and domains - the current site, allowed verticals (casino/sports/live) and age/geo-restrictions must match.

Step 3. Match domain and brand

The same company ≠ the same name. See if the domain is listed in the license card and if the brand matches in "trading as." Mismatch is the reason to ask the support a question.

Step 4. Check badges and audits

Badges eCOGRA/iTech Labs/GLI/ISO should lead to the verification page, where your domain/brand is indicated. Unclickable, blurry pictures are a sign of imitation.

Step 5. Read the critical points of the rules

withdrawal limits and deadlines, KYC/EDD/SoF rules, bonus terms (vager, max bet/win), complaints/ADR section (independent ombudsman), closed loop policy (withdrawal to deposit source).

If there is no ADR and deadlines for resolving disputes, this is a minus.

What does "reliable license" mean (without politicization and myths)

The regulator has a public register, transparent sanctions and complaints mechanics.

The license is issued for a legal entity, and not "for the brand as a whole."

Allowed countries and prohibited geo are indicated; the site blocks registration from prohibited jurisdictions.

KYC/AML and responsible play (limits, self-exclusion) are required.

There is an ADR/Ombudsman - an independent mechanism for resolving player complaints.

💡 Important: some operators work under multi-license (different domains for different countries). Always check a specific domain, not the "main" showcase.

Red flags (from practice)

1. No license number - only logo/text "licensed somewhere."

2. The link in the footer leads not to the regulator, but to the blog/copy of the domain.

3. The legal entity does not coincide: in the registry one thing, in the rules - another.

4. The domain is not in the license card; trade name does not match.

5. Unclickable audit/responsible play badges.

6. Aggressive bonuses with dishonest conditions (huge vager, "max bonus win" 50-100 €).

7. Barrage rules for conclusions: "only X per month," "only through provider Y," incomprehensible commissions.

8. No ADR and timeframe for complaint response; a ban on bringing disputes out.

9. Intrusive "intermediaries" for verification (they ask you to send documents to the messenger, and not through the office).

10. Hidden affiliation - a clone site with the same texts and support.

Additional two-click checks

Whois/domain age: a freshly registered domain under the "old brand" is a reason to be wary.

Payment rails: well-known PSP/wallets/cards and local fast transfers - plus to trust; "gray" aggregators - minus.

RG policy: presence of deposit/loss/self-exclusion limits and understandable forms.

Transparency of RTP/game providers: list of providers and verifiable RNG certificates.

How to ask a support (template)

💡 Hello! Please tell me:
1. Full legal entity of the operator and license number.
2. Link to the register of the regulator with the card of our domain/brand.
3. Who is your ADR/Ombudsman and how to file a complaint?
4. Timing and limits of conclusions, is there a closed-loop policy?
Thank you!

Refusing to provide this data is a reason to leave.

Common Questions (Mini-FAQ)

Is the regulator logo in a footer enough?

No, it isn't. There must be a license number and a clickable link to the card in the registry.

If there is a company in the registry, but not my domain?

Check with your support. While the domain is not officially tied - risk.

Casino writes "license from platform provider" - is that ok?

Partner "white labels" are found, but the domain must be covered by this license (trading name/authorized URL).

Can I trust feedback on forums instead of the registry?

Feedback is helpful, but only the regulator's register and ADRs confirm legal status.

What else to check in the rules?

KYC/SoF, withdrawal limits, bonus clauses, processing times, complaint procedure and DPO (privacy) contacts.

Check-list before registration (print)

The footer has a license number and a legal entity.
The link leads to the official register, the status of the license is valid.
The domain and brand are indicated in the card (trading names/authorized URLs).
There is an ADR/Ombudsman and an understandable complaints procedure.
Limits/lead times, closed-loop policy and KYC are prescribed.
Audit badges (eCOGRA/GLI/iTech Labs) are clickable about this domain.
Real RG tools (limits, self-exclusion).
Payment methods are known and local, without "gray" schemes.
Bonus rules are transparent: vager, max bet, games contribution.
Privacy policy and DPO contacts are available.

License verification is not a formality, but basic hygiene before registration. Check the legal entity, number and status in the registry, make sure that your domain/brand is actually covered by the license, check the ADR, conclusions, KYC/RG and the clickability of the badges. Ten minutes of verification - and you either calmly register, or save yourself money and nerves.