Online Gambling Jurisdictions
If you want to join an online casino, it’s always good to first check under which jurisdiction it operates, since it can show you how reputable the operators of the casino are, how disputes are settled with the casino, and how transparent the casino’s operations are.
Please note that not all jurisdictions uphold equally high standards of licensee vetting and player protection.
There are a few first class jurisdictions that enforce strict controls on player safety and the integrity of the gambling operator. If the casino is licensed in one of these jurisdictions, you can be sure that you and your money will be safe, and that the results of games will be fair truly random. The best jurisdictions include:
• Malta
• Alderney
• Gibraltar
• Isle of Man
• United Kingdom
However, be careful, because some casinos may only pretend to have a licence issued by one of these jurisdictions. So if a casino looks dubious and fishy, it’s better to check with the licensing authority whether the casino was in fact granted a licence before you deposit your money there.
Another group of jurisdictions does not apply as high standards as the above mentioned jurisdictions, although most of the casinos licensed and regulated in these jurisdictions are honest and have good reputation. Nevertheless, it’s better to read the reviews of the casino and conduct a research to make sure that the casino protects players and guarantees safe transactions. This group includes the following jurisdictions:
• Antigua
• Curaçao (Netherlands Antilles)
• Kahnawake
Finally, there are jurisdictions, which do nothing more than offer a license to run any kind of business and a low tax rate. These gambling jurisdictions offer players no protection whatsoever, so we advise you to be cautious with the casinos licensed in the following countries:
• Costa Rica
• Panama
If you want to learn more about individual jurisdictions, click on the links for a description of the process required to gain a license and evaluation of the level of player safety afforded by the jurisdiction, as well as a list of casinos operating from a given jurisdiction.
