Casino Licensing: Why The UKGC And MGA Matter

To the average player, the small logos at the very bottom of a casino's homepage might seem like meaningless legal jargon.


These regulatory bodies serve as the global police force for the online betting industry, punishing rogue operators.

The Power of the UK Gambling Commission

Acquiring a license from the UKGC requires millions of dollars, intense background checks, and flawless software auditing.


They strictly forbid the use of credit cards for deposits, ensuring players cannot gamble with borrowed money.

The commission heavily monitors VIP programs, heavily restricting the aggressive targeting of losing playersAny software provider supplying games to a UK casino must also hold a separate UKGC software licenseIf a casino goes bankrupt, a UKGC license essentially guarantees that the players will receive their money back
The Importance of the Malta License

While the UKGC only protects British citizens, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) serves as the primary regulator for the rest of Europe.


While slightly less draconian than the UKGC regarding marketing, the MGA is still a highly reliable indicator of a trustworthy platform.

AuthorityCost for OperatorReputation among PlayersMGA (Malta)Very ExpensiveHighly Trusted GloballyKahnawake (Canada)ModerateAcceptable for North America

Always scroll to the bottom of the page and click the regulatory logo to ensure the license is currently active.