How to Check an Online Casino Is Properly Licensed
With hundreds of online casinos competing for attention, it can be hard to tell which ones are properly regulated.
The good news is that in Great Britain, checking takes a couple of minutes and doesn’t require any special knowledge.
Every operator serving British customers has to hold a licence from the Gambling Commission, and the regulator publishes a free, searchable register of everyone who does.
Here is a simple walkthrough, using BetWright Casino as an example of what a properly licensed operator’s website looks like.
Whichever site you are looking at, the same checks apply.
Why the Licence Matters
A Gambling Commission licence is the baseline for operating legally in Great Britain.
To get and keep one, operators have to meet standards on fair games, handling customer funds, preventing underage gambling and keeping crime out of the industry.
They also have to offer tools that help players stay in control, and the regulator can fine operators or revoke their licences if they fall short.
Licences issued by other regulators overseas don’t authorise a company to serve British customers.
A site can look polished and still be operating outside the UK system, which is why checking matters.
Step One: Look at the Footer
Licensed operators display their licensing information at the bottom of every page. You are looking for a statement naming the licensed company, the regulator and a licence or account number.
On BetWright’s pages, for example, the footer explains that BetWright is a trading name of Onyx Gaming Limited, which is licensed and regulated in Great Britain by the Gambling Commission under account number 64666. It also gives the company number and registered office.
The detail to note is that the licence is held by a company, not by the brand name. Many operators run several brands under one licence, so the legal entity named in the footer is what you need to look up.
Step Two: Search the Public Register
Next, go to the Gambling Commission’s website and use its public register. You can search by the operator’s name or by the account number from the footer.
The entry should show:
- The licensed company’s name, which should match the one in the footer.
- The licence status, which should be active.
- The activities covered, such as casino and betting, to confirm the licence matches what the site offers.
If a site gives a number that doesn’t appear on the register, or the details don’t match, treat that as a warning sign.
A site that simply says it is “fully licensed” without giving the details isn’t giving you anything you can verify.
Step Three: Check for GAMSTOP
All online gambling operators licensed in Great Britain must be part of GAMSTOP, the free national self-exclusion scheme, and have been since 31 March 2020.
Licensed sites typically show the GAMSTOP logo alongside other regulatory badges, along with links to support organisations such as GamCare and BeGambleAware.
Seeing these in the footer is a good sign. Their absence on a site that claims to serve British players is worth questioning.
Step Four: Look for Dispute Resolution
Licensed operators must give players access to an independent dispute resolution service, in case a complaint can’t be settled directly.
This is usually an approved body such as IBAS, and licensed sites generally name theirs in the footer or terms.
It’s a useful sign of a mature operation, as it shows there is a route for complaints beyond the company itself.
Step Five: Read the Basics
A quick look at a few other pages can tell you a lot about a site. Clear terms and conditions, a visible privacy policy, a working help centre and transparent information about each game are all good indications.
For example, slot pages on licensed sites usually show details such as the provider, volatility and RTP, which is the theoretical return to player over a large number of spins.
Check that the site also states a minimum age of 18, and that its payment options are clear and standard.
Watch for Lookalike Sites
Occasionally, unlicensed sites copy the branding or licence details of real operators.
Before signing up, make sure you are on the correct web address, and be cautious about links in unsolicited emails, texts or social media messages.
If in doubt, go to the Gambling Commission’s register and follow the operator’s details from there.
A Two-Minute Habit
Verifying a casino takes almost no time, and once you’ve done it, you can enjoy it knowing it operates under British rules.
For most people, three checks cover everything: find the licence number, confirm it on the Gambling Commission register and look for the GAMSTOP and support logos.
If all three line up, you are dealing with a properly licensed operator.
Gambling should be fun, not a way to make money. 18+ only. Gamble responsibly and visit BeGambleAware.org for free support and advice.
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