All players have different preferences when it comes to choosing an online casino. Some of them look for slots where others prefer live dealer tables. Likewise, most claim bonuses but you can find players that steer clear of wagering requirements altogether and the list can go on for days. However despite all that, all gamblers agree that a reputable licence is a must for everyone. But is it really enough for a casino to display its perit? Or are there differences between multiple gambling regulatory authorities around the globe? These questions are going to be answered in this article by exploring the various entities around the world in charge of regulating and safeguarding the online casino industry. According to https://beste-casinos.com.de/, reputable online casinos always operate under strict iGaming licensing regulations to ensure fair play and player protection.
Online casino licensing authorities are split into two big categories, one that gives operators access to several jurisdictions and local authorities that function in certain countries or territories.
While most casino players think the UKGC, the abbreviated and most used form, only handles online gambling in England but its area of activity includes Scotland and Wales as well. The United Kingdom Gambling Commission is one of the most prestigious and reputable licensing authorities in the globe and is an example that all other international and local authorities look up to.
Established recently, it brought some important changes in the UK’s online gambling environment making it mandatory for any UK online casinos. However, doing this is not as easy as it sounds as they are one of the most exigent and thorough licensing authorities around. With a special focus on detailed KYC procedures like anti money laundering and responsible gambling, any operator that wants to get a license from the UKGC is forced to follow some strict rules and have everything in order.
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission is the issuer of some record breaking fines towards operators with some reaching up to 13 millions. Overall, over 300 online casinos and bookmakers are licensed by the UKGC while the total number of licenses issued rises over 3.000.
Malta is seen by most industry professionals as the Mecca of online gambling as it is one of the first countries to issue an iGaming license. This small Mediterranean country hosts some of the biggest names in the industry thanks to its EU member status. Being a pioneer to online gambling licenses is one of the reasons why the MGA enjoys that much popularity and the low fees for operators is another important aspect for sure.
Initially, the authority was named LGA, and the name changed in an effort to revamp the licensing authority and its practices. In terms of strictness, the MGA is considered to be more relaxed compared to the UKGC but they also have clear KYC, anti money laundering and responsible gambling procedures in place.
Any casino equipped with an MGA licence can operate in all European states that don't have a licensing authority of their own. While more and more countries are passing gambling laws and establishing government agencies to oversee online gambling, an MGA license will still give casinos access to markets such as Finland, Canada or Norway and many more. As far as trustworthiness goes, the MGA license is considered to be the second most trusted after UKGC, so any casino displaying such a license is considered safe by most players. Up to this day a total of 348 iGaming licenses have been issued.
Gibraltar followed the footsteps of Malta and its licensing authority, starting in 2005 and implementing legislation that’s very similar to the Maltese one. They slowly managed to gain prominence in the industry and the Gambling Acts had a major influence in making online gaming responsible for a record breaking level of 40% of Gibraltar’s GDP. For a while, a Gibraltar license was valid in the United Kingdom as well. However, the licencing and Advertising Act was altered in 2014 and required operators with a Gibraltar license to pay a 15% tax on profits obtained within the UK. With more than 150 licenses issued, this licensing authority is certainly going to have an impact in the upcoming years.
Curacao is another jurisdiction that issues online gambling licenses in several states. However, there’s a big difference in the reputation and popularity it has compared to the MGA or UKGC. The reason for this is the way the Curacao licensing authority is organized. They first issued what is known as Master Licenses to four operators that were verified and had to comply with a list of regulations. The problem is that the owner of a master license can issue a so-called “sub license” or simply authorize other operators to function based on their master license. This caused a series of less reputable casinos using the Curacao license.
To be fair this doesn’t mean that all Curacao licensed casinos are not to be trusted or will deliver low quality services. Although, a lack of regulations and thorough checks from licensing authority makes it a lot easier for shady operators to exist and multiply.
Established in the Philippines, PAGCOR is the only notable gambling regulator in Asia that offers gambling licenses to operators. In reality, PAGCOR is the entity responsible for all land based licenses. FCLRC, the First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corporation is the authority handling e-gaming licenses. Both online and land based gambling have made the Philippines very appealing to all casinos and bookmakers who want to get some traction in the area. Operators that establish their headquarters here have the benefit of extensive tax credits but are not allowed to offer their services to locals.
The Panama Gaming Control Board has been active. From the beginning this regulatory authority licenced operators activating inside the country and the rest of the world. Thanks to its good relations with the USA and the rest of the American continent the Panamese license was targeted by operators wanting to penetrate the USA market. The Panama Gaming Control Board has clear requirements making them very trustworthy.
The Alderney Gambling Control Commission is located in the British Isles and has put a lot of effort into attracting operators that are looking for an online gambling license. Eliminating percentual fees and agreeing to a fixed annual rate collected from each licensee and few restrictions when it comes to targeting various markets around the globe has helped AGCC to become rather appealing. Despite a few complaints every now and then its reputation is very good.
The Gambling Supervision Commission is located in Isle of Man and is one of the oldest around, as it has operated and quickly adapted to online licenses as soon as the trend hit. Offering long term licenses and a low taxation system has made its services very appealing to operators. An Isle of Man license is very advantageous for operators as it doesn’t come with any restrictions as to where they can offer services.
Even though the Antigua Division of Gaming is not as popular as the UKGC, MGA or Curacao, this entity has earned its spot in iGaming history through being part of a significant dispute with the US. The licensing authority in Antigua and Barbuda argued that the US was violating the General Agreement on Trade Services through its anti-online gambling stance. The World Trade Organization stepped in and ruled in Antigua’s favour forcing the US to pay 3.4 million to Antigua back. The licenses issued here are mostly trustworthy, but there are no real restrictions on where companies offer tier services.