Before using any online gambling platform, verifying that the operator holds a valid license is an important step. Licensed operators are subject to regulatory oversight, which typically includes requirements for player fund protection, fair gaming standards, and responsible gambling measures.
This guide explains how to verify a gambling license in five straightforward steps, using official regulator registers.
Step 1: Identify the Claimed Jurisdiction
Most licensed operators display their license information in the website footer. Look for references to specific regulators such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, Curaçao Gaming Authority, or Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
What to look for:
- A license number (e.g., "MGA/B2C/123/2020")
- The name of the regulatory body
- A link to the regulator's website
- The name of the licensed entity (which may differ from the brand name)
Note the license number if provided — you will need it for the next step.
Step 2: Visit the Official Regulator Register
Each jurisdiction maintains a public register of licensed operators. Below are the official registers for the 8 jurisdictions covered in our directory:
| Jurisdiction | Regulator | Official Register |
|---|---|---|
| Malta | Malta Gaming Authority | mga.org.mt/licensee-register |
| Isle of Man | Gambling Supervision Commission | isleofmangsc.com |
| Curaçao | Curaçao Gaming Authority | gaming-curacao.com/public-register |
| Kahnawake | Kahnawake Gaming Commission | gamingcommission.ca |
| Gibraltar | Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner | gibraltar.gov.gi |
| Nevis | Nevis Online Gaming Authority | nevisgaming.com |
| Anjouan | Anjouan Licensing Services | anjouanlicensing.com |
| Tobique | Tobique Gaming Authority | tobiquegaming.com |
Important: Always use the official regulator website. Do not rely on third-party sites claiming to show license information, as these may be outdated or inaccurate.
Step 3: Search the Register
Enter the operator's company name or license number in the register's search function. Verify that:
- The license status is "Active" — an expired, revoked, or suspended license means the operator is not currently authorized.
- The license has not expired — check the expiry date if provided.
- The licensed entity matches — the company name on the license should match the operator of the gambling site.
Some registers (like Malta's) provide detailed information including the license type, issue date, and authorized activities. Others (like Gibraltar's) may only list the company name.
Step 4: Cross-Reference Domain Names
Some registers list the domains authorized to operate under a given license. This is particularly useful because:
- A single license may cover multiple gambling websites
- The domain you are visiting should be listed under the claimed license
- If the domain is not listed, the site may not be covered by the claimed license
How to check domains in our directory:
Our directory at gamblinglicenseregister.com allows you to search by domain name across multiple jurisdictions. Enter the domain of the gambling site you want to verify, and the directory will show you which license (if any) covers that domain.
Jurisdictions that typically include domain information in their registers:
- Malta (MGA) — comprehensive domain listings
- Isle of Man — domains listed per licensee
- Nevis — domains included in the register
- Anjouan — domains listed per licensee
Jurisdictions with limited or no domain information:
- Gibraltar — no domains in the public register
- Kahnawake — limited domain information for CPA holders
Step 5: Check the License Type
Different jurisdictions issue different types of licenses. Understanding the type is important because it determines what activities the operator is authorized to perform:
| License Type | Description | Consumer-Facing? |
|---|---|---|
| B2C (Business to Consumer) | Authorizes direct operation of gambling services for end users | Yes |
| B2B (Business to Business) | Authorizes provision of gambling technology/services to other operators | No |
| Software Supply | Authorizes development and supply of gambling software | No |
| Network Services | Authorizes operation of gambling networks (e.g., poker networks) | Varies |
Key distinction: A B2B or Software Supply license does not authorize the holder to operate consumer-facing gambling services. If an operator claims to be licensed but only holds a B2B license, they are not authorized to offer gambling directly to players.
What If You Cannot Find the License?
If you cannot find the operator in any official register:
- Double-check the company name — the licensed entity may use a different legal name than the brand.
- Try searching by license number — if the operator displays one.
- Check if the jurisdiction is legitimate — some operators claim licenses from jurisdictions that do not actually regulate online gambling.
- Contact the regulator — most regulators have a contact form or email for public inquiries about licensed operators.
Important Disclaimers
- This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice.
- License status can change at any time. Always verify directly with the official regulator for the most current information.
- The presence of a license does not guarantee the safety of funds, the fairness of games, or the quality of service.
- Gambling laws vary by country. A license from one jurisdiction may not authorize operations in your country. Check your local laws before using any gambling service.
- Our directory aggregates publicly available data from official registers. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend always cross-referencing with the original source.
Last updated: April 2026. This guide covers the 8 jurisdictions currently indexed in the Gambling License Registry. Additional jurisdictions may be added in future updates.