Online gaming regulators, licensing bodies and gaming auditors around the world
Global licencing bodies, regulators and auditors help to give you a secure online gambling experience. We make sure to only recommend online casinos that have been checked and approved by recognized authorities in the gaming industry. Below we’ve detailed all of the key organizations that verify worldwide casinos and that help to keep players safe.
Learn about gaming licensing and regulation in your country
Asia
Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau
For which country: Macau
Region: Asia
State: N/A
The DICJ was reconstituted in September 2003. This regulatory body is at the core of gambling in Macau. It offers assistance and guidance for local and international operators providing casino games in the gambling capital of the world. The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau also has the responsibility of issuing licenses for operating in Macau, and monitors companies to make sure that they comply to current regulations.
Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore
For which country: Singapore
Region: Asia
State: N/A
Formed in April 2008, the Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore has made gaming in the region a lot safer and more reliable. The CRA ensures that the casinos in Singapore comply with all the measures needed to prevent crime, exploitation, and underage gambling. It has the authority to issue financial penalties for operators in the region that fail to meet the strict regulations in place.
Europe
Spillemyndigheden
For which country: Denmark
Region: Europe
State: N/A
The Danish Gambling Authority was established in 2000, and operates under the supervision of the Danish Ministry of Taxation to ensure the country's gaming market is properly regulated. It supervises gambling operators in Denmark with a key focus on protecting players. Only companies which have applied and received a license are allowed to provide gambling options in the country.
Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
For which country: Gibraltar
Region: Europe
State: N/A
One of the most reliable regulatory bodies in Europe, the GRA was formed under the Gibraltar Regulatory Act of October 2000. It has the responsibility of regulating various electronic communications, which can include online casino games, sports betting, and more. This independent body sets and enforces rules within the European Union to protect users and their data online.
Gaming Board of Hungary
For which country: Hungary
Region: Europe
State: N/A
The Gaming Board of Hungary includes several authorities responsible for providing a safe and secure gambling market. Operators can receive licenses from the National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary if they wish to provide real money gambling options within the country's borders. The administration oversees licensed forms of poker, betting, and casino gaming while also blacklisting and banning unlicensed companies.
Malta Gaming Authority
For which country: Malta
Region: Europe
State: N/A
Probably the most popular regulatory body for online gaming in Europe, the Malta Gaming Authority was formed in 2001. It was among the first regulators to cover online gambling, and it has continued to supervise the activity in many countries ever since. Among its functions, the MGA licenses online operators, protects minors from gambling, ensures security of player funds, and makes sure that gaming options are fair.
Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority (Ministry of Culture)
For which country: Norway
Region: Europe
State: N/A
The Norwegian Gaming Authority controls state operated and private lotteries available to players within Norway. It is also the gaming control board for casino gaming and horse racing. National monopoly is organized through two companies, Norsk Tipping for games and Norsk Rikstoto for horse racing. The Foundation Authority supervises the many Norwegian foundations to check if they follow the imposed regulations for safety.
Inspectorate General on Gaming
For which country: Portugal
Region: Europe
State: N/A
Gambling is seen as a special economic activity in Portugal, so it is monitored closely in order to prevent money laundering and organized crime. The Inspectorate General on Gaming is the main authority on this matter and regulates local casino operators. Internet gambling was recently regulated in Portugal, so the organization's remit has expanded to checking and regulating online casinos in the country.
Office for Gaming Supervision – (Ministry of Finance)
For which country: Slovenia
Region: Europe
State: N/A
The Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Gaming Supervision was formed based on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act. Their guidelines ensure Slovenia’s gaming controls remain consistent with other European countries offering properly regulated gaming opportunities. As a part of the Ministry of Finance, the office prevents illegal activities associated with gambling and makes for a safer market for players.
National Gaming Board
For which country: Sweden
Region: Europe
State: N/A
The Swedish Gambling Authority issues licenses to trusted operators that have been through a strict verification process. A license is needed to operate within Sweden and offer gambling options for money. Any form of gambling without a license is strictly prohibited, as is the aid and abet of such activities. A new Gambling Act has been put into force as of 1st January 2019.
United Kingdom
Gambling Commission
For which country: United Kingdom
Region: Europe
State: N/A
The UK Gambling Commission is the main regulatory body for online gambling in the United Kingdom. It was established following the Gambling Act of 2005 and assumed its full power two years later. The UKGC now regulates various forms of betting in the country and issues licenses for operators. Sports betting in the UK is handled by another gaming board.
Alderney Gambling Control Commission
For which country: United Kingdom
Region: Europe
State: Alderney
Established in May 2000, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission is an independent body that regulates online gambling in the States of Alderney. It takes a supervisory and regulatory approach to maintain the highest of standards for international gaming. Among its duties, the AGCC verifies and issues licenses for trusted operators and then ensures that they follow strict laws for online gambling.
Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
For which country: United Kingdom
Region: Europe
State: Isle of man
Previously known as the Gambling Control Commission, the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission is the primary control board for gaming in the Isle of Man. The jurisdiction became very popular for operators due to its tax-friendly regulations, and so attracted some of the biggest names in e-gaming. It deals with licensing, regulation and guidance of gaming operators while also facilitating external testing for online casino games and more.
Canada
British Columbia Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch
For which country: Canada
Region: North America
State: British Columbia
All forms of gambling in British Columbia are regulated in order to protect players and prevent money laundering. The BC Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch is responsible for reviewing applications and issuing licenses accordingly. As a result, British Columbians have access to lotteries, casino games, slot machines, horse racing, and fundraising events with random draws.
Kahnawake Gaming Commission
For which country: Canada
Region: North America
State: Kahnawake
With more than 50 licensed operators that have a total of over 250 sites in Canada, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission is the biggest regulatory body for online poker rooms, online casinos, and online sportsbooks in North America. It was established back in 1996, its remit stemming from aboriginal rights the Kahnawake jurisdiction holds in relation to online gaming.
Nova Scotia Alcohol and Gaming Authority
For which country: Canada
Region: North America
State: Nova Scotia
Formerly known as the Nova Scotia Gaming Control Commission, the Alcohol and Gaming Authority is an agency that is part of the government of Nova Scotia. It regulates alcohol beverages and gambling in the Canadian province. After being formed in 1995, the Authority saw to merge three regulatory bodies. Among other duties, the AGA acts as a gaming licensing authority and also studies various aspects of gaming with a focus on customer protection.
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
For which country: Canada
Region: North America
State: Ontario
The AGCO is the regulatory body tasked to regulate gaming, horse racing, and alcohol sales in the Canadian province of Ontario. Its goal is to protect consumers from the effects of gaming and alcohol use. The responsibilities that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has are based on the Gaming Control Act of 1992, the Horse Racing License Act of 2015, and the Liquor License Act.
Québec Régie des Alcools des Courses et des Jeux
For which country: Canada
Region: North America
State: Quebec
The Regie des Alcools, des Courses et des Jeux was established in Quebec in 1993 by the Government in order to regulate and monitor alcohol, gaming, and horse racing. It supervises and controls activities in multiple sectors with the goal of ensuring public safety. For gaming, the RACJQ licenses gambling operators for bingo, video machines, lotteries, raffles, and other forms. The body also oversees horse racing betting in dedicated halls.
Australia
Liquor & Gaming NSW
For which country: Australia
Region: Oceania
State: New South Wales
The L&GNSW is part of the New South Wales Department of Industry and it focuses on the regulation of gambling, registered clubs, and liquor in the region. It was established in February 2016 and provides licensing, policy advice, administrative review, program evaluation, and more. The goal of the regulatory body is to help create sustainable, safe and responsible gaming and liquor industries.
Queensland Office of Gaming Regulation / Queensland Commission
For which country: Australia
Region: Oceania
State: Queensland
The Office of Gaming Regulation is part of the Queensland Commission. It is responsible of verifying applicants and offering licenses for operators wishing to provide real money gaming solutions that can include casino games, keno, slots, and more. Each licensed operator is verified on a regular basis to make sure that they meet the regulations imposed by the responsible gambling code of practice.
Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation
For which country: Australia
Region: Oceania
State: Victoria
After being established in February 2012, the Victorian Commission for Gaming Regulation took on the role of an independent authority for regulating gambling and alcohol industries in the region of Victoria, Australia. It has the power to provide gaming licensing for operators, verify their compliance at any time, and educate regarding the best course of action. The VCGLR is committed to reducing the potential harm that may result from the gambling industry on the community and on individuals.
South Australia Independent Gambling Authority
For which country: Australia
Region: Oceania
State: South Australia
The Liquor and Gambling Commissioner took over the role of the Independent Gambling Authority from the 1st of December 2018. It is now the authority on licensing operators for the purpose of providing real money online gaming to residents in South Australia. The LGC can issue gaming licenses as well as facilitate racing and sports betting operators. It also regulates the liquor industry in the state while minimizing its effects on the consumers at large.
Auditors
- GLI Australia
Gaming Labs International Australia provides high-end testing and certification for casino games. It has three headquarters in Australia, with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
- eCOGRA
The eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance was established in 2003. It is now an internationally respected testing agency in the online gaming industry. Operators can receive detailed reports regarding the payouts of their games.
- BMM Compliance Australia
BMM Testlabs is an independent testing laboratory that was established in 1981. It holds multiple accreditations and operates within regulated gaming markets. The Australian offices can be found in Melbourne and Sydney.
- GLI Europe BV
This independent organization serves European and international gaming markets by providing testing and certification for various sorts of casino games. It is part of the main network of companies operated on the GLI network.
- BMM Compliance Africa
The earliest established gaming certification laboratory in the gambling industry has an office in South Africa. It provides services for operators wishing to verify their games and display trusted certifications for players on their sites.
- GLI LLC
Founded in 1987, Gaming Laboratories International LLC has made it its mission to provide thorough testing services within the online gaming industry. It offers consulting, inspections, security audits, auditing, and more to ensure customer safety.
- BMM Compliance Singapore
With its team of experienced professionals, BMM offers engineering insight in the region through its Singapore office. As part of its services, the company can provide testing and consultancy regarding online casino games and more.
- GLI UK Gaming Ltd
Based in Bangor, Wales, GLI UK delivers professional testing for land-based and online gaming options. Some of the services provided by the team include platform testing, RNG testing, game testing, and security audits.
- BMM Compliance Macau
With its offices in Macau, this reputable gaming test lab oversees fair play the gambling capital of the world. BMM manages to provide direct assistance to gaming operators in need of training, development, testing, and certification.
- Gaming Associates
With experience in the gambling industry going back to 1990, Gaming Associates has built an international image as a reliable accrediting testing facility. The company provides a full range of consultation and testing services for online gaming, lottery, and wagering.
- BMM Compliance North America
After opening an office in Las Vegas in 2000, BMM greatly increased its presence in North America. Along with its office in Canada, the testing lab ensures good coverage of the gaming industry in the region, helping operators to meet the high standards of the industry.
- iTech Labs
iTech Labs is a world-renowned testing laboratory for the online gaming industry. It was founded in 2004 and works with some of the biggest online poker rooms and online casino brands to ensure a high level of accountability and integrity.
- BMM Compliance Spain
The BMM Spain office is part of the professional BMM Testlabs network, dedicated to keeping the gaming industry safe, secure and fair. It provides the high grade testing as well as regulatory consultancy and other useful services.
- QALab
As an international testing facility, Quality Assurance Laboratories is responsible for providing testing services to land-based and online gaming operators. QALab offers various services for interactive gaming evaluations, including game mathematics and payout calculations.
- Eclipse Compliance Testing
ECT is an independent game testing facility based in the United States of America. It focuses mostly on North American online and land-based gaming, providing an entire range of services for impartial testing, certification, and consultation.
- QUINEL M Limited
QUINEL Ltd is a leading testing lab accredited internationally. It has offices in Malta, Italy, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. The services provided include all types of tests for online gaming technical compliance and assistance for land-based gaming.
- Trisigma B.V.
Trisigma was established as a testing lab for gaming options and it also expanded to launch its own casino games. The test lab is certified and accredited on an international scale, allowing the company to work with various operators in the business.
- SIQ Gaming Labs
SIQ is an accredited institution that focuses on a variety of gaming devices, including slot machines, table games, and lotteries. It also provides certification after completing the testing process to ensure that players get fair options every time.
- SQS Group Limited
Founded in 1996, SQS Group Limited is a software testing company with a headquarters in London. The operator has an entire range of tools for testing, processing, and presenting high-quality metrics.