How to check the legality of a casino before registering

1) Why checking legality is critical

In Australia, the online gambling market is regulated by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) and controlled by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Despite the ban for local operators without a license, international platforms are still available. But there are many illegal or fraudulent sites among them. Checking legality before registering is the only way to avoid losing money, stealing data and denying payments.

2) The main criteria for the legality of casinos

License

The license must be issued by a recognized regulator: MGA (Malta), UKGC (Great Britain), Curacao eGaming, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, etc.
The license number must be indicated at the bottom of the main page of the site or in the "About us" section.
The document must be valid and verifiable.

Jurisdiction

The country of registration of the operator must be specified openly.
The casino has an address and contact details, not just email.

Reputation

No mention in ACMA blacklists.
Positive reviews on independent portals and forums.

3) Step-by-step check-in

1. Find license information on the casino website
Usually this is the footer of the site, where the regulator logo and license number are indicated.

2. Go to the official website of the regulator
Enter the license number in the search and check if it is active.

3. Verify owner data
Make sure that the name of the company on the casino website matches the registration data of the regulator.

4. Check for ACMA locks in the lists
Go to the official ACMA website and make sure that the casino is not on the prohibited list.

5. Assess your online reputation
Search for reviews, check player forums and specialized sites to identify complaints.

6. Explore Terms of Use
Carefully read the sections on withdrawal, verification, limits and bonuses to exclude hidden restrictions.

4) Signs of a potentially illegal casino

No license information or dummy number specified.
Company physical address is missing.
The regulator's logo does not lead to the official website.
On forums and in reviews, there are often complaints about non-payment of winnings.
The site offers excessively high bonuses without transparent conditions.

5) Safety recommendations

Never make a deposit until the license is fully verified.
Choose an operator with a license from a jurisdiction with a high level of protection of the rights of players (MGA, UKGC, Isle of Man).
Take screenshots of the conditions and license when registering in case of disputes.

6) Withdrawal

Checking the legality of a casino is not a formality, but the protection of your funds and data. Australian players must target licensed platforms with transparent terms, high reputations and official registration. This minimizes the risks of fraud and guarantees access to winnings.