How to Check an Online Casino Licence
How to verify a casino licence on the regulator's own register (MGA, UK Gambling Commission, Curaçao), spot fake badges, and what a licence means in Malaysia.
Key takeaways
- A licence claim only counts if you can find it on the regulator's own website.
- Badges and licence numbers in a site footer can be copied; always click through to the official register.
- Regulators differ widely in how strictly they supervise operators and handle complaints.
- A foreign licence does not make online gambling legal for Malaysian residents.
Almost every online casino displays a licence badge somewhere in its footer. Some are genuine, some are out of date and some are simply copied. Checking takes a few minutes and tells you a great deal about who you are dealing with. This guide explains how. Our JKB Asia review shows how we apply these checks.
Step-by-step: verifying a licence
- Find the licence details. Look for the regulator's name, licence number and the licensed company's name, usually in the footer or terms.
- Go to the regulator's website yourself. Type the address or search for it; don't rely on the link in the casino's footer, which could point to a fake page.
- Search the public register. Look up the licence number or company name.
- Match the details. The company name, licence status and listed website domains should match the site you are on.
- Check the status. Look for words like active, suspended, revoked or expired.
Common regulators and their registers
| Regulator | Jurisdiction | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) | Malta | mga.org.mt |
| Gambling Commission | Great Britain | gamblingcommission.gov.uk |
| Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner | Gibraltar | Gibraltar government website |
| Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission | Isle of Man | Isle of Man government website |
| Curaçao Gaming Authority | Curaçao | Curaçao's official gaming authority website |
Curaçao has been overhauling its licensing system, moving away from the older master-licence and sub-licence model towards licences issued directly by its gaming authority. If a site cites a Curaçao licence, check it against the current official register rather than an old certificate.
Signs a licence claim is fake or weak
- The badge is an image that doesn't link anywhere, or links to a page on the casino's own domain.
- The licence number cannot be found on the regulator's register.
- The company name on the register differs from the one in the casino's terms.
- The register lists different website domains.
- No company name is given at all.
What a foreign licence does and doesn't mean
A licence from Malta or elsewhere means the operator is supervised by that regulator under its rules. It does not make the service legal in countries where it isn't licensed. Malaysia restricts gambling to locally licensed operators, and, as far as we are aware, does not license online casinos for residents. Some regulators also forbid their licensees from serving countries where gambling is restricted. See our disclaimer for the general legal position.
We have not been able to verify any licence for the JKB Asia brand. Information may vary and should be confirmed through the relevant official source.
Conclusion
A licence is only as good as the register entry behind it. Check it yourself on the regulator's site, match the company and domain, and remember that a foreign licence doesn't change the law where you live.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Curaçao licence the same as a Malta licence?
No. Regulators differ in requirements, supervision and complaint handling. Check each licence on its own regulator's register.
Does a licence guarantee I will be paid?
No, but a strong regulator gives you a route to complain. Without one, you have very little recourse.
Sources and further reading
Gambling involves real financial risk and is never a reliable way to earn money. Only take part if you are an adult, it is legal where you live, and you are using money you can afford to lose. If gambling is causing stress, see our responsible gambling page for support options.
