Posted in Guides, Industry January 14, 2018
5 Popular Online Gaming Licensing Jurisdictions and What It Means to You and the Industry
The online gaming industry is highly competitive, demanding, and regulated. Online gambling involves more than just fun, entertainment, and money—it is subject to rules and regulations enforced by licensing jurisdictions. These jurisdictions play a crucial role in sustaining the casino business and directly impact both operators and players.
For casino operators and investors, obtaining a license is essential. It serves as a stamp of approval, allowing them to legally engage in gambling activities and services in a specific country or territory. Without a license, operations would be considered illegal. For players and consumers, licenses and jurisdictions serve as a guide in choosing trustworthy casinos. Licensing agreements can be used to determine the credibility and safety of a casino.
At Casino.Dev, all the online casinos listed on our platform have licenses from various jurisdictions.
To highlight the importance of licensing jurisdictions, we have compiled a list of the most popular and significant jurisdictions that every responsible casino player should be aware of.
1. United Kingdom (UK Gambling Commission)
The UK Gambling Commission is one of the most popular licensing bodies worldwide. It operates in Great Britain, covering various forms of gambling, including online casinos. The commission was established under the Gambling Act of 2005 and took complete responsibility for online gaming in 2007. It ensures that gambling is not associated with crime, protects vulnerable individuals, and ensures fair games and services.
2. Malta (Malta Gaming Authority)
The Malta Gaming Authority is a highly sought-after licensing jurisdiction. It regulates land-based and online gaming in Malta, offering four types of licenses depending on the needs of the industry and applicants. The four types are Class 1 (remote gaming), Class 2 (sports betting), Class 3 (license to advertise gaming), and Class 4 (license to manage remote gaming). Approximately 10% of all online casinos are licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority.
3. Gibraltar (Gibraltar Regulatory Authority)
In addition to the UK Gambling Commission, the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority also provides licenses to reputable online casinos and gambling companies. It requires applicants to test and certify their games and services. Some approved testing houses include eCOGRA and iTech Labs.
4. Isle of Man (Gambling Supervision Commission)
The Gambling Supervision Commission of the Isle of Man primarily licenses land-based casinos but has expanded its coverage to include online gambling. It ensures the industry remains free from crimes and protects vulnerable individuals. The Isle of Man implemented legislation in 2001 that benefits e-gaming companies and players.
5. Kahnawake (Kahnawake Gaming Commission)
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission is one of the oldest licensing jurisdictions. It operates in Kahnawake, a territory in Quebec, Canada. The commission approves licenses for both online and land-based poker rooms located in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake. Over 250 online casinos are licensed by the commission.
These are just five of the most popular gaming jurisdictions globally. While each commission has its own rules and policies for applicants, they all share the common goal of ensuring online gaming is fair, secure, and free from criminal activities. Compliance with these licensing jurisdictions is crucial for operators and players alike. Compliance promotes a productive gaming community for operators and allows players to engage responsibly.
At Casino.Dev, we prioritize player and enthusiast care. We recommend reading our section on Responsible Gaming for further education and guidance.
