When it comes to picking a gambling site, each player has distinct preferences when it comes to the various iGaming licensing agencies. Some people like slot machines, while other gamers prefer live dealers. Some gamers dislike meeting wagering restrictions.
Because of gambling sites’ accessibility, online gambling has grown in popularity. However, this allows gamers to select from several casinos and access hundreds of games on a single website. The best gambling sites provide nearly limitless options, including roulette, live dealer, and blackjack.
This realism is unmatched by land-based equivalents. Because of these factors, gambling site is growing increasingly popular. But one thing is more vital than all of the others. The vast majority of gamblers agree that all operators must be licensed. Is a casino’s license enough?? Are there distinctions between gaming regulating bodies throughout the world?
This piece will respond to these concerns by looking at the many agencies in charge of regulating and protecting the online casino business.
Gambling Sites Regulating Authorities
Gibraltar Licensing Authority
Gibraltar has followed Malta’s licensing authority’s lead. It commenced operations in 2005 and enacted laws similar to that of Malta. They gradually rose to prominence in the sector. The Gambling Acts contributed significantly to online gambling accounting for a record 40% of Gibraltar’s GDP.
Regarding gambling licensing authorities’ trivia, a Gibraltar license was valid in the United Kingdom. However, in 2014, the Licencing and Advertising Act altered things. It required operators with a Gibraltar license to pay a 15% tax on earnings earned in the UK. This licensing authority has issued more than 150 licenses. It will, without a doubt, influence the sector in the following years.
UKGC
Most gambling sites players believe that UKGC is solely responsible for overseeing internet gaming in England. However, UKGC offers diverse activities, including Wales and Scotland. The UKGC is among the world’s most stringent and well-respected licensing bodies. It serves as a model for all International and Local authorities.
UKGC was founded in 2007 and has significantly influenced the UK’s online gaming landscape. All gambling sites in the United Kingdom must get a legal license. This license, however, is not simple to obtain. UKGC is among the strictest licensing agencies in the country.
Any operator seeking a UKGC license must adhere to tight criteria and guarantee everything is under control. The UKGC has issued fines of up to $13 million on operators in some of the most high-profile cases. Over 300 internet bookmakers have been regulated by the UKGC, with approximately 3,000 granted licenses.
Malta Gaming Authority
The majority of industry specialists see Malta as the Mecca of online gaming. However, it was the initial jurisdiction to offer iGaming licenses in terms of licensing authority.
This little Mediterranean country’s EU membership attracts many industry’s most notable personalities. Online gaming licensing was pioneered by the MGA, which explains its popularity. Another key factor is operator fees.
The authority’s first name was LGA. In 2015, It altered the name to reflect the licensing authority’s modernization and operations. MGA is less restrictive than UKGC in terms of requirements. Additionally, they have strict standards about responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and KYC.
Without a licensing body, an MGA-licensed gambling site can function in every European country. Even if other nations enact gaming laws and establish government bodies to oversee online gaming, having an MGA license still enables gambling sites to enter markets such as Finland, Canada, and Norway.
The most reliable license, after the UKGC, is an MGA license. Most gamers believe that casinos with such licenses are secure. As of now, 348 gaming licenses have been issued by the MGA.
Curacao
Curacao is another well-known jurisdiction that facilitates the issuance of online gaming licenses in several nations. Although its standing is significantly inferior to that of the MGA and UKGC, it appears to be more widespread.
Most likely, Curacao’s licensing authority was set up so that it became well-known. The initial Master Licenses went to four operators. They have to be validated and follow an outlined set of rules. The problem is that the owner of a master license can grant a “sublicense” to allow other operators to use their own master license. This Curacao gaming license has already been given to several lesser-known gambling sites.
That is correct; nevertheless, this does not necessarily imply that Curacao licensed gambling site operators are reliable or will deliver inadequate services. Shady operators can exist and increase due to a lack of legislation and careful licensing checks.
PAGCOR/FCLRC
Businesses only receive casino licenses from PAGCOR, the Philippine gambling authority. This organization is in charge of all Philippine casino licenses, and it is of the most recognizable gaming license agencies in the area.
FCLRC handles e-gaming licenses. Online and land-based gambling is available to all gambling sites and bookies wishing to spread out throughout the Philippines. Local businesses establishing their regional corporate offices benefit from significant tax breaks. They are not, however, permitted to give their services to residents.
Antigua Division of Gaming
Antigua Division of Gaming has established itself in the history of iGaming despite not having the same level of popularity as the Curacao, UKGC, or MGA.
The licensing authority of Antigua and Barbuda stated that the United States anti-online gambling stance breached the GATT Services Agreement. The United States was mandated to pay Antigua $3.4 million after the World Trade Organization intervened and decided in favor OF Antigua in 2007.
Panama Gaming Control Board
Since 2002, this licensing authority has been in operation. The Board operates licensed venues throughout the country and around the world.
Because of its excellent connections with the US, operators wishing to access the US market often pursue the Panamese license. They are reliable because they have specific standards.
National Gaming Board
The Swedish Gambling Authority grants licenses to reputable businesses after a rigorous verification procedure. A license is required to operate in Sweden and provide opportunities for financial wagering. It is completely forbidden to engage in gambling without a license and to encourage such behavior. As of January 1st, 2019, a new gambling act is in effect.
Conclusion
There are no geographical restrictions on where companies may operate with these licenses, which usually are trustworthy. In terms of iGaming licensing agencies, playing at any of the above venues almost assures safety.