Casino License: What It Is and Why It Matters

As a punter in New Zealand looking for some online gaming machines or a place to secure a great welcome bonus, it helps to be aware of how to find a place to put down that minimum deposit that has an online casino license.

In this guide, we will discuss five types of online casino licenses from different regulatory authorities. These authorities are the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), Curacao eGaming, the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA), and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Each of these licenses has its own set of requirements, advantages, and historical background.

By understanding the different types of licenses available, players can make more informed decisions when choosing an online casino to play at. Whether you’re looking for a particular game or a casino with fast payouts, a good rule of thumb for new customers is to understand what type of license an online casino has.

Importance of Choosing a Licensed Online Casino

Licenses are important for online casinos because they serve as a way to regulate the industry and ensure fair and safe gameplay for players. Without a license, there is no oversight or accountability for an online casino company’s operations, which can put players at risk of fraud or unfair practices from shady internal affairs.

New Zealand has a gambling act (2003) that dictates that online casinos cannot operate with headquarters based in New Zealand, however, Kiwis are allowed to gamble at online gambling platforms that are licensed and headquartered in other nations.

By obtaining a license from a reputable regulatory authority, online casinos must adhere to certain standards rules and regulations, including providing fair games, ensuring the security of players’ personal and financial information, and being transparent about their operations.

It’s important to choose a licensed online casino as it provides players with the assurance that the casino is operating legally, fairly, and with the appropriate regulations in place. Licensed online casinos are held accountable for their actions and must follow strict guidelines (for things like game rules and promotions) to maintain their licenses.

This ensures a high level of trust and confidence for players who are looking for a safe and enjoyable online gambling experience. Exacerbated by the ever-growing question of cyber security, security when playing casino games or carrying out your first deposit is important for old and new players alike.

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

The Malta Gaming Authority has established itself as a go-to for most online casinos, especially those with a new casino, or safe casinos who would like to be validated by the best of the best.

Historical background of the MGA

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is a regulatory authority responsible for overseeing all forms of gaming in Malta, including online and gaming machines. The MGA was established in 2001 and was formerly known as the Lotteries and Gaming Authority. In 2015, the authority changed its name to the Malta Gaming Authority to reflect its expanding role in the gaming industry.

Overview of MGA license requirements

To obtain an MGA license, online casinos must undergo a rigorous application process and meet strict requirements. These requirements include having a registered office in Malta, having a solid financial background, providing proof of technical and operational capability, and undergoing regular audits and inspections.

Advantages of having an MGA license

Having an MGA license provides several advantages for online casinos.

Firstly, it provides a level of credibility and trust with players, as the MGA is a well-respected regulatory authority with a reputation for enforcing strict regulations. Additionally, the MGA provides support and guidance to licensed online casinos, which can be helpful in ensuring compliance with regulations and resolving disputes.

Finally, having an MGA license allows online casinos to access a wide range of payment processors, making it easier for them to process payments and cash withdrawals.

Famous online casinos with MGA licenses

There are several famous online casinos that hold MGA licenses, including Betway, 888 Casino, and Casumo. These online casinos are well-known for providing a high-quality gaming experience, and their MGA licenses ensure that players can trust that their operations are fair and safe.

United Kingdom Gambling Commission

One of the most famous licensing bodies for gambling sites worldwide, a casino site with a license from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission is sure to have great casino games, safe casino gambling, and secure online pokies.

Historical background of the UKGC

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing all gambling activities in the United Kingdom, including online gambling. The commission was established in 2005 and replaced the former Gaming Board for Great Britain.

Overview of UKGC license requirements

To obtain a UKGC license, online casinos must undergo a rigorous application process and meet strict requirements. These requirements include having a registered office in the UK or a country within the European Economic Area (EEA), providing proof of technical and operational capability, having robust measures in place to prevent money laundering, and undergoing regular audits and inspections.

Advantages of having a UKGC license

Having a UKGC license provides several advantages for online casinos. Firstly, it provides a level of credibility and trust with players, as the UKGC is a reputable regulatory authority known for its strict enforcement of regulations.

Additionally, the UKGC provides support and guidance to licensed online casinos, which can be helpful in ensuring compliance with regulations and resolving disputes, continually providing further notice to assist casinos with their licensing system.

Finally, having a UKGC license allows online casinos to operate legally within the UK, which is one of the largest online gambling markets in the world.

Famous online casinos with UKGC licenses

There are several famous online casinos that hold UKGC licenses, including Bet365, Ladbrokes, and William Hill. These online casinos are well-known for providing a high-quality gaming experience, and their UKGC licenses ensure that players can trust that their operations are fair and safe.

Curacao eGaming License

Curacao eGaming is a regulatory authority responsible for overseeing online gambling in Curacao, a Caribbean island nation.

Historical background of Curacao eGaming

The Curacao eGaming license has been available since 1993, making it one of the oldest online gambling licenses available.

Exactly a year prior to its Caribbean cousin Antigua, the small island nation of Curaçao was one of the first to issue internet gaming licenses in 1993. Curaçao eGaming was established shortly after to keep an eye on the legitimacy of the nation’s e-Gaming license holders in 1996.

One license is currently available for all forms of gambling thanks to Curaçao eGaming, which was decentralised from the offline authority Curaçao Gaming Control Board in 2002.

Overview of Curacao eGaming license requirements

To obtain a Curacao eGaming license, online casinos must submit an application and meet certain requirements, including having a registered office in Curacao, providing proof of financial stability, and undergoing regular audits and inspections.

There are two types of licenses typically issued, master license and sublicense, the only difference between what terms apply is that sub-license holders cannot issue other sublicenses.

Advantages of having a Curacao eGaming license

Having a Curacao eGaming license provides several advantages for online casinos. Firstly, the licensing process is relatively quick and straightforward compared to other regulatory authorities, which can make it an attractive option for new online casinos.

Additionally, the fees paid for obtaining and maintaining a Curacao eGaming license are relatively low compared to other licenses, which can be a cost-saving advantage for online casinos. Finally, the license allows online casinos to operate legally in many countries where online gambling is not explicitly regulated.

Famous online casinos with Curacao eGaming licenses

There are several famous online casinos that hold Curacao eGaming licenses, including 1xSlots, BetChain, and BitStarz. These online casinos are known for providing a wide range of games (such as progressive jackpots, poker and blackjack) and accepting cryptocurrency payments, and their Curacao eGaming licenses ensure that players can trust that their operations are fair and safe.

However, it should be noted that the Curacao eGaming license is not as strictly regulated as other licenses, so players should exercise caution when choosing to play at a Curacao eGaming-licensed online casino.

Gibraltar Regulatory Authority

Having earned its reputation as a key player in the gambling world, Gibraltar is no stranger to matters of casino gambling, casino games or internal affairs as such.

However, this creates a need for these activities to be regulated by a gambling commission, which is where the GRA comes in.

The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing online gambling in Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located on the southern coast of Spain.

Historical background of the GRA

The GRA was established in 2005 and has become one of the most respected regulatory authorities in the online gambling industry for issuing a casino license.

Since Gibraltar began to offer gaming licenses back in 1998, it has firmly established itself as a destination to get a license and for further regulation, due to both the reputation of the region and the authority it commands.

Overview of GRA license requirements

To obtain a GRA license, online casinos must meet strict requirements, including having a registered office in Gibraltar, providing proof of financial stability, undergoing regular audits and inspections, and having robust measures in place to protect players’ funds and prevent problem gambling.

Advantages of having a GRA license

Having a GRA license provides several advantages for online casinos.

Firstly, the GRA is known for its strict enforcement of regulations, which provides players with a high level of trust and confidence in the online casinos licensed by the GRA. Additionally, the GRA provides support and guidance to licensed online casinos, which can be helpful in ensuring compliance with regulations and resolving disputes.

Finally, Gibraltar is a respected international financial centre, which can provide additional credibility and stability to online casinos licensed by the GRA.

Famous online casinos with GRA licenses

There are several famous online casinos that hold GRA licenses, for example, 888 Casino, BetVictor, and Mansion Casino. These online casinos are known for providing a high-quality gaming experience and their GRA licenses ensure that players can trust that their operations are fair and safe.

Additionally, some of these online casinos have been operating for many years, which is a testament to the stability and reliability of the GRA licensing process.

Kahnawake Gaming Commission

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) is a regulatory authority in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake, Canada.

Historical background of the Kahnawake Gaming Commission

The KGC was established in 1996 as a result of legislation for a gambling act in the region known as the Kahnawake Gaming Law and has since become a well-respected regulatory body in the online gambling industry.

After being established, the commission wasted no time in making changes within their respective region of Kahnawake, passing their first regulations concerning Interactive Gaming in 1999.

Overview of Kahnawake Gaming Commission license requirements

To obtain a KGC license, online casinos must meet strict requirements, including having a registered office in Kahnawake, providing proof of financial stability, undergoing regular audits and inspections, and having robust measures in place to protect players’ funds and prevent problem gambling.

The KGC also requires online casinos to have a physical presence in Canada, which can be a barrier to entry for some operators.

Advantages of having a Kahnawake Gaming Commission license

Having a KGC license provides several advantages for online casinos.

Firstly, the KGC is known for its strict enforcement of regulations, which provides players with a high level of trust and confidence in the online casinos licensed by the KGC. Additionally, the KGC provides support and guidance to licensed online casinos, which can be helpful in ensuring compliance with regulations and resolving disputes.

Finally, the KGC license allows online casinos to operate legally in many countries where online gambling is not explicitly regulated.

Famous online casinos with Kahnawake Gaming Commission licenses

As it stands, there are currently around 50 gaming operators that possess this license, which totals approximately 250 different online gambling sites around the world.

There are several famous online casinos that hold KGC licenses, including Bovada, Bodog, and Ignition Casino. These online casinos are known for providing a high-quality gaming experience and their KGC licenses ensure that players can trust that their operations are fair and safe.

Additionally, some of these online casinos have been operating for many years, which is a testament to the stability and reliability of the KGC licensing process.