TOP-10 countries with robust licensing systems
How we selected
The list includes jurisdictions that have:1. there is a public register of licenses and decisions of the regulator;
2. real supervision and sanctions (fines, suspensions, recalls);
3. formal requirements for RG/AML (responsible play and anti-laundering);
4. technical standards (game certification, logs, fault tolerance) and complaint procedures (ADR/Ombudsman).
1) UK (UKGC)
Why in the top: the strictest daily supervision, personal manager licenses (PML), mandatory GAMSTOP, detailed RTS.
What to check: the status of the company in the UKGC registry, connection to GAMSTOP, the level of protection of client tools (basic/medium/high), ADR.
Strengths: transparent sanctions, advertising/affiliate control, quick dispute resolution.
2) Malta (MGA)
Why in the top: European "hub" eGaming; an extensive register of coercive measures, clear RG/AML requirements.
What to check: a card in the MGA registry (legal entity, status, brand/domain), Player Protection/Complaints section.
Strengths: a mature ecosystem of providers and auditors, understandable guidelines for players.
3) Netherlands (KSA)
Why in the top: tight control of the local market, public decisions on fines, focus on the "safe game."
What to check: is the brand/domain included in the public list of allowed ones; age/advertising restrictions.
Strengths: active fight against illegal sites, strict marketing rules.
4) Sweden (Spelinspektionen)
Why in the top: centralized supervision, "Spelpaus" - a national system of self-exclusion, resonant sanctions.
What to check: register of licenses, participation in Spelpaus, local bonus rules.
Strengths: tight control over payments and advertising.
5) Denmark (Spillemyndigheden)
Why in the top: a technical regulator with clear English-language documentation, a balance of rigor and practicality.
What to check: permission list, operator RG/AML policy, reporting.
Strengths: predictable requirements, strong tech standards.
6) France (ANJ)
Why in the top: a single regulator, regular reports, restriction of "aggressive" promos, channels of players' appeal.
What to check: register of operators, product compliance (betting/casino), available dispute mediator.
Strengths: protecting vulnerable groups, market transparency.
7) Spain (DGOJ)
Why in the top: strict licenses and monitoring, public services and procedures.
What to check: list of licenses (general/private), local limits and advertising rules.
Strengths: High bar for entry, consistent penalty practice.
8) Germany (GGL)
Why in the top: a young but rapidly "tightening" single regulator; "white lists" of admitted brands.
What to check: inclusion of a domain/brand in the official whitelist, product restrictions (limits, assortment).
Strengths: transparent admission and prohibition lists, land coordination.
9) Belgium (Kansspelcommissie)
Why in the top: one of the first "strict" regulators of continental Europe; emphasis on local legality and advertising.
What to check: A +/B +/F + license list and binding to a ground operator (for online).
Strengths: Consistent enforcement practice, player protection.
10) Italy (ADM)
Why in the top: high technical and financial requirements, regular tenders for licenses, strict marketing control.
What to check: register of concessions/licenses, local limits and RG tools.
Strengths: developed legal framework and cooperation with financial regulators.
Honorable mentions (strong, but with specificity)
Gibraltar- Isle of Man GSC
- Alderney (AGCC)
- USA (New Jersey DGE, Nevada GCB/Commission) - strictly at the state level
How to check your license in 5 minutes (any country)
1. In the site footer, find a legal entity, license number, regulator and domain.
2. Open the official register (Register/Licensee Search/White List).
3. Check the status (Active/Current), the coincidence of the legal entity and the presence of your brand/domain.
4. Check RG/ADR: self-exclusion, limits, independent ombudsman/mediator.
5. Look at the rules of payments: closed-loop, terms, commissions; transparency of bonuses (vager, max bet, contribution of games).
How strong jurisdictions differ from "soft"
Public sanctions and revocation/suspension practices.
Mandatory RG tools and verifiable AML procedures (SoF/SoW at thresholds).
Game certification and version control/RTP, logging and fault tolerance.
Protection of client funds (segregation/trust/insurance) and clear complaint channels.
Short player checklist
- Found in the footer license number and legal entity.
- In the regulator registry, the status is Active, the brand/domain is the same.
- The site has limits, self-exclusion, ADRs.
- Payment rules are transparent (closed-loop, deadlines, fees).
- Bonus terms are clear (vager, games contribution, max bet).
Mini-FAQ
Is it possible to focus only on the regulator's logo?
No, it isn't. Always check the registry and compliance of the domain/legal entity.
Where are payments faster - in "strict" countries?
The speed depends on the payment rails (push-to-card, A2A) and the operator's processes. But the stricter the supervision, the more transparent the cashouts are usually.
Why is the US not on the main list if there are strong rules?
Because the regulation is regular (DGE/NGCB, etc.). They are exemplary, but not "national."
Gibraltar, O-to-Maine, Alderney are the countries?
These are dependent territories/jurisdictions with their own regulators. They are often put on a par with states for the level of supervision.
A secure license is publicity + enforcement + player protection. Great Britain, Malta, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium and Italy hold a high bar: they have registers, sanctions, RG/AML and technical standards. Saw the logo - check the status and domain in the registry, take a look at the RG/ADR and payouts - and play it calmer.
