Online casinos operate under various licenses issued by regulatory bodies across the world. These licenses serve as a Online casinos are licensed by several bodies of gambling jurisdictions all over the world. These licenses act as a seal of approval as they assure the players that the casino is operating within the confines of the law, though and players’ are being protected, the casino follows set levels of fairness, and the casino promotes responsible gaming. In relation to online casinos this is an important aspect to give attention to because it provides research information about the licenses available and their governing policy in the region.

1. Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) License

The Malta Gaming Authority or shortly MGA is one of the most popular and reputable regulating organizations all over the world of Internet gambling. It was formed in 2001, their main responsibilities are to license and monitor gaming in Malta in categories such as; online casinos, betting and lotteries to mention but a few.

Reputation: This, together with other factors which comprise of high standards of player protection, fairness, and transparency, make MGA a strict regulating authority. Overall, the perception of the level of trust towards operators with MGA license is significantly high.
Regulation: Tour operators and casinos must also abide by the rules concerning Anti Money Landring, consumers money and responsible gambling where measures to allow a client to exclude himself/herself from gambling, or placing a limit on depositing money to gamble among others are offered.
Licensing Process: The MGA can only operate after passing through the application process and this involves the consideration of the background checks, financial audit and other regular checkups.
Player Benefits: An MGA license ensures that the player is safe with many options to make complaints in case of a dispute.

2. Curacao eGaming License

Curacao has been in the business of granting online gambling licenses since 1996 making it one of the oldest regulators in the industry. But, it is important to know that Curacao licenses are said to be less strict than others such as the MGA.

Reputation: Although it is easier and much quicker to get a Curacao license, the requirements are not as stringent as those of the MGA or the UKGC for instance. Nevertheless, some of the recognized online casinos continue obtaining Curacao licenses and working honestly.
Regulation: Curacao primarily covers technical aspects together with the anti-money laundering laws without paying much attention to player’s issues and legal complaints.
Licensing Process: Curacao has relatively lower licensing costs and unlike some other regions, obtaining a license do not take very long which is perfect for new entrants. That said, MGA or UKGC doesn’t offer nearly the same amount of player support as they do.
Player Benefits: There is no doubt that casinos holding Curacao license can be quite legitimate, however one has to be very careful, as the level of control is not very high, which leads to less players’ protection.

3. PAGCOR Gambling License

Currently the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) regulate and issue license for online and brick and mortar gambling operations in Philippines.

Reputation: Currently PAGCOR is established as a reputable regulatory commission in the South-East Asian region. It oversees both the domestic and foreign based firm to make sure they operate within the set measures of fairness and security.
Regulation: In its corporate management and operations, PAGCOR heavily focuses on its goal of having licensed operators to contribute their quota towards the overall development of the Philippine economy and at the same time, achieving the board’s vision of responsible gaming. It also provides protection for games and players by making sure that no games are rigged, and casinos are offering sufficient players’ protection.
Licensing Process: The process is rigorous one that involves this essentials which include financial disclosure, criminal check, and having to meet legal requirements set by the Philippine government.
Player Benefits: The casinos that operate in the Philippines which occur in PAGCOR-licensed have an assurance that they operate legally and meeting the legal provisions of the Philippines.

4. UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is another popular licensing authority which is famous for its stringent rules and policies regarding players’ protection.

Reputation: The UKGC is considered to be one of the most rigid regulating authorities worldwide, thus UKGC licensed casinos are considered to be highly credible.
Regulation: The UKGC regulates some extremely significant policies regarding players’ protection, responsible gambling, fair gaming, and preventing money laundering. It also requires that the casinos undergo self-assessments at least on a monthly basis.
Licensing Process: The UKGC process is time-consuming and asks the operators to demonstrate that they are financially secure, technically protected and fully compliant with the laws of the United Kingdom.
Player Benefits: UK players are very well protected as they have the opportunity to get to know the services offered by agencies that deal with disputes and have quite good responsible gambling instruments at their disposal.

5. Gibraltar Gambling License

Another reputable authority is the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA) which is popular among the operators who target European players.

Reputation: As by this point, everyone knows the GRA leaves no doubt in terms of player protection and responsible gambling.
Regulation: Just like the MGA, the GRA principally targets the principles of youth, security, and accountable betting pointers. There are some high-impact requirements performed on the operators, such as anti-money laundering regulations compliance and player funds safeguarding.
Licensing Process: Here are activities that are performed by GRA: The examination of the company’s financial, technology, and corporate governance system.
Player Benefits: All the casinos having GRA license are safe and can be trusted because they are very much concerned with the fairness of the games that they offer and the safety of the players.

6. Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission

Another famous commission is the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) that attracted mainly the European and international online gambling operators.

Reputation: The GSC is widely appreciated for their fairness and non-discrimination when it comes to regulating the industries, and a lot of attention is paid to the player’s safety.
Regulation: The GSC is responsible for making sure that casinos meet high standards that are set within the areas of fairness, security and also responsible gambling.
Licensing Process: Licensing process is very complex and existing casinos are obliged to demonstrate high levels of efficiency in terms of client’s protection and transparency.
Player Benefits: The casinos licensed in Isle of man are reliable since the player’s protection and fair play measures are well protected.

In order to play in online casino that is safe and fair, the player should opt for the casino which has an approval from a renowned jurisdiction. Each regulatory body has its strengths:Each regulatory body has its strengths:

Both MGA and UKGC licenses are perfect for those who want to have the maximal level of trust and proper customers’ protection.
However, Curacao has its advantages for operators yet it makes players to be selective in choosing the platforms they use for their gaming activities.
PAGCOR with other similar Asian regulators like GRA and GSC hence offers a favourable local regulation environment.
As a result, before you start playing at any online casino, make sure you are allowed to do that with a legitimate operator.