The respective gambling license, with which online casinos can adorn themselves, is the first very important clue as to whether it is a reputable, trustworthy provider. Above all, licenses from Europe are a reliable indicator, as they specify particularly strict guidelines. The most renowned approval authorities include:
- The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). Their license is considered the ultimate in the industry, as it offers particularly high standards. Malta issues the most licenses in Europe.
- The UK Gambling Commission
- The Gambling Authority of Gibraltar
- The Isle of Man
Many online casinos are licensed by one of these authorities. Caution is advised if only an offshore license is available. For example from Curacao or Costa Rica. It is by no means automatically dubious providers, but if you want to be on the safe side, you can opt for an online casino with an EU license. A safe ground, as the players enjoy European legal certainty.
The casinos usually indicate which license is available in the footer of the homepage. Check that. One of the online casino beginner tips is to check that the gambling license is valid and up-to-date. This can be done quickly on the homepages of the responsible authorities. However, keep in mind that you can lose money even with the most trustworthy providers! Of course we also check the status of the license in every online casino test.
Check important security features
Safety first! Since you not only deposit money at the online casino, but also leave sensitive data, absolute security and confidentiality must be guaranteed. Checks if the page is encrypted. This can first be seen by looking at the browser line. Look for the “https://” and/or the lock symbol. In addition, modern security standards such as 128-bit encryption or a firewall should be used. The operators provide information about this in the “About us” or their own “Security” section.
Of course, gaming must also be safe and fair. For this purpose, independent institutes keep scrutinizing online casinos. The best-known testing organizations include eCOGRA and TST. If their seal of approval is stored, usually at the end of the website, there is nothing to fear.
Another good indication of security and seriousness are the slot machine manufacturers that are represented in the casino. Well-known industry giants, which are often listed on the stock exchange, make sure that their software products are not used by dubious providers. If casino games from top providers such as NetEnt, Playtech, Microgaming, Yggdrasil or Play’n GO are in the range, this is a good and reassuring sign.