How to check an offshore casino license
Choosing an offshore online casino without checking your license is a direct path to the risks of losing funds and the inability to protect your rights. For Australian players who are considering playing at foreign venues, checking the legality of the operator is a mandatory stage.
1. Defining the Regulator and License Type
The license must be indicated in the footer of the site or in the "About "/" Terms and Conditions" section.
The most reliable regulators:
2. License Authentication
1. Find the license number and name of the regulator on the casino website.
2. Go to the official website of the regulator.
3. Enter the license number in the database or use the "Licensee Search" section.
4. Make sure that the license status is active and the owner matches the information on the casino website.
3. License Terms Analysis
Clarify what types of gambling the permit applies to.
Check if the regulator has obligations to protect players and return funds in case of violations.
Find out if the casino is obliged to keep the players' funds in separate accounts (* segregated accounts *).
4. Comparison of operator data
Coincidence of legal address and company name in the license and on the site.
Checking the history of the brand: how many years the operator has been working and in which countries it is represented.
Availability of third-party certificates of integrity - for example, eCOGRA *, iTech Labs *.
5. Review regulator feedback
Some licensing authorities actively assist players in disputes (MGA, UKGC).
Other regulators have a reputation for being "paper-based," limited to formal scrutiny (some offshore jurisdictions).
Conclusion:
1. Defining the Regulator and License Type
The license must be indicated in the footer of the site or in the "About "/" Terms and Conditions" section.
The most reliable regulators:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) - strict security standards and protection of players' rights.
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) - high level of control and mandatory testing of games.
- Gibraltar Regulatory Authority and Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission - transparent reporting and regular audits.
- Curacao eGaming is a common but less restrictive license. Requires additional operator reputation checks.
2. License Authentication
1. Find the license number and name of the regulator on the casino website.
2. Go to the official website of the regulator.
3. Enter the license number in the database or use the "Licensee Search" section.
4. Make sure that the license status is active and the owner matches the information on the casino website.
3. License Terms Analysis
Clarify what types of gambling the permit applies to.
Check if the regulator has obligations to protect players and return funds in case of violations.
Find out if the casino is obliged to keep the players' funds in separate accounts (* segregated accounts *).
4. Comparison of operator data
Coincidence of legal address and company name in the license and on the site.
Checking the history of the brand: how many years the operator has been working and in which countries it is represented.
Availability of third-party certificates of integrity - for example, eCOGRA *, iTech Labs *.
5. Review regulator feedback
Some licensing authorities actively assist players in disputes (MGA, UKGC).
Other regulators have a reputation for being "paper-based," limited to formal scrutiny (some offshore jurisdictions).
Conclusion:
- Checking an offshore casino licence for an Australian gambler is not a formality, but a key to minimising risk. A reliable license with an active status and transparent conditions is the main sign that the operator is at least formally accountable to the regulatory body. The stricter the regulator, the higher the likelihood of fair play and timely payments.
