TOP-10 signs of fake licenses

A fake "license" is a favorite trick of gray operators. On the site - logos of regulators, loud wording, "number" that does not break through anywhere. Below are 10 main fake markers, quick tests and an understandable verification algorithm.

1) License number does not break through in the registry

What it looks like: the number is indicated, but a search in the official registry does not give anything, or the entry belongs to another company/type of license.

Quick test: punch the number and the exact name of the operator; the number, the legal entity, and the status of the permit should coincide.

2) The link at the "badge" does not lead to the regulator

What it looks like: clicking on the logo - to the internal page "About us," a PNG picture or a shortened link.

Quick test: a real license leads to a card in the regulator's registry (direct domain), and not to a blog/landing page.

3) Mismatch of legal data

What it looks like: in the basement - one legal entity, in Terms - the second, in the "license" - the third; addresses and registration numbers do not break.

Why it matters: A real license is issued to a strictly specific company; any "mixes" are a red flag.

4) Incorrect license type (B2B instead of B2C, etc.)

What it looks like: a supplier's license (aggregator, studio) is shown, and it is issued for the right to accept bets from players.

Rule: B2B does not replace B2C. A partner with a license does not "share" it with the casino.

5) Old/redrawn regulator logos

What it looks like: muddy PNG, distorted colors, stretched proportions, an outdated version of the logo.

Quick test: an honest site has pure vector graphics (SVG/high DPI), correct signatures and alt texts.

6) "License" from a jurisdiction where online casinos are not allowed

What it looks like: they declare a license from a national body that does not issue B2C permits for online casinos/betting.

Meaning: an impossible bunch of "regulator ↔ product" = myth.

7) No ADR/Ombudsman and clear complaint procedure

What it looks like: there are no independent dispute resolution contacts next to the "license."

Sign of a fake: The point of entry for the complaint is only a casino support chat.

8) Wording "Licensed by..." without number and parameters

What it looks like: general phrase without a number, issue/renewal dates, categories (remote gaming, B2C, etc.).

Rule: this license always has an identifier and type.

9) "PDF-certificate" without reconciliation in the registry

What it looks like: a beautiful PDF/scan of the "certificate," which cannot be confirmed on the regulator's website.

Trick: substitution of the official card for a picture/scan is a classic of fakes.

10) Inconsistencies in locales, domains and links

What it looks like: the license is "European," and the domain and contacts are on random zones; references to the "register" go through redirects/abbreviators; texts translated by machine.

Meaning: for real operators, domains, contacts and legal texts are verified and agreed.

Check list for 5-10 minutes (before deposit)

The license number is and is punched in the registry along with the operator name.
Clicking on the badge leads directly to the card at the regulator.
Legal entity, address, license type in the card coincide with the basement and Terms/Privacy.
ADR/Ombudsman and complaint procedure are indicated.
No "B2B instead of B2C," PDF without registry, shortened/masking links.
Logos of regulators - correct, with normal alt/title, not "soap."

7 quick questions to support (and normal answers)

1. License number and type? - "ХХХХ, B2C/remote gaming, Operator Ltd."

2. Link to the card from the regulator? - gives a direct URL; the data is the same.

3. ADR/Ombudsman? - calls the service + response time.

4. Legal entity and address? - identical to the license card.

5. For which products is the license? - lists the types (slots, live, rates).

6. Issue/Renewal Date? - same as registry.

7. What is the jurisdiction of custody (safeguarding/custody)? - bank/EMI/custodian and country named.

Evasive, aggressive or "it's confidential" is a reason to leave.

Typical tricks of scammers (and how to respond)

"Partner license means we have it" → No. Partner (B2B) license does not cover B2C.

"The regulator changed the site, so the card is not available →" Check in the current registry; regulators always have a mirror/archive.

"Scan license instead of registry" → Unacceptable. Scan without registry does not confirm anything.

"Link to the registry through the abbreviation" → Require a direct link to the regulator domain.

If found fake

1. Do not replenish or upload KYC documents.

2. Collect proofs: screenshots of the basement, badges, links, Terms/Privacy.

3. Inform the official brand (if it is a clone) and profile cyber channels in your country.

4. Warn the bank/provider when trying to write off; enable monitoring, change passwords, activate 2FA.

5. Put the domain on the stop list and do not go to emails/ads from similar addresses.

This license is a verifiable number + a card in the registry + matching legal data + ADR, and not a beautiful picture in the basement. Any combination of an unconfirmed number, "internal" links, PDF without a registry and inconsistencies in the legal entity is a sure sign of a fake. The rule is simple: no direct verification - no deposit.