Safer Gambling Week 2024: The Importance of Licensing and Regulation

Welcome to our five-part Safer Gambling Week campaign from Playson, where we’re helping players GET MORE aware of safe gaming choices. Each post will explore key elements to search for at a reputable casino to ensure responsible gaming online casino experience. 

Licensing and Regulation: Selecting a casino with the right licenses is crucial for your safety. Licensing authorities like the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) set high standards for fair play, data protection, and secure payments, ensuring a safe and reliable gaming environment.

This list includes prominent regulatory bodies where available, which regulate online gambling:

Western Europe

• Alderney – Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC)
• Belgium – Belgian Gaming Commission
• France – National Gambling Authority (ANJ)
• Gibraltar – Gibraltar Gambling Division
• Ireland – Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI, under reform)
• Netherlands – Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit)
• Portugal – Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ)
• United Kingdom – UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)

Nordics

• Denmark – Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden)
• Finland – Veikkaus Oy
• Sweden – Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen)

Baltics

• Estonia – Estonian Tax and Customs Board
• Latvia – Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection of Latvia
• Lithuania – Lithuanian Gambling Supervision Service

Southern Europe

• Italy – Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM)
• Malta – Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
• Spain – Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ)

Central and Eastern Europe

• Germany – Federal regulation with regional licensing (Glücksspielbehörde)
• Poland – Ministry of Finance
• Romania – National Gambling Office (ONJN)

North America

• Canada (Ontario) – Ontario iGaming regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
• United States – State-specific regulation; examples include New Jersey, Michigan, and Nevada with regulatory bodies like the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE)

Latin America

• Argentina – Regulated at the provincial level (e.g., Buenos Aires)
• Colombia – Coljuegos
• Peru – Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism

Asia

• Macau – Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ)
• Philippines – Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)
• Singapore – Singapore Totalisator Board and Singapore Casino Regulatory Authority

Australia and Oceania

• Australia – State-based regulation, including New South Wales and Victoria
• New Zealand – Department of Internal Affairs

Africa

• South Africa – National Gambling Board of South Africa

📊 Did you know? Only 20% of players check for licensing before joining a casino, even though a valid license can protect you from unfair practices and guarantee game fairness.

🔍 Quick Tip: Look for the licensing logo on a casino’s homepage, usually at the bottom. Click to verify it or check directly on the licensing body’s website to confirm it’s current.

Stay tuned for more tips in our Safer Gambling Week series, empowering you to make informed choices every time you play!

*Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is intended for informational purposes only and is gathered by Playson. It may not be fully exhaustive, complete, or up-to-date. We encourage players to verify the latest information and consult official sources to ensure their understanding of safe gambling practices.