Online casino gaming has become a top source of entertainment in the US, which means new casino sites are launching regularly. Ensuring they are safe to use starts with a simple process to verify the casino license and its validity.
Understanding what a casino license is, what it means, and how to check its validity can help you choose the safest online gambling sites. We introduce you to these concepts here, show how licensed sites measure up against unlicensed ones, and explain why using a verified casino site is always the best option. With that in mind, let’s dive in.
What is a licensed online casino?
A licensed online casino is a site that has applied for licensing from its local gaming authority. It has met all casino compliance requirements and now holds a license that allows it to offer its services to players in that state.
Casinos that hold licenses from regulatory authorities must follow stringent regulations to retain their licenses. Many of these rules are based on player safety, fair play, and consistent payouts, which is why these platforms are the safest ones to visit.
Understanding casino licensing in the US
Casino licensing in the US is not as straightforward as it is in other areas of the globe. In the US, each state decides its own laws about online casino gambling. This means a casino that wants to offer services in several states must obtain licenses from the regulatory authorities in each state.
States where online casinos are legal
Not all US states offer legal iGaming. So far, only eight states have regulated online casinos. These states include:
✅Connecticut
✅Delaware
✅Maine
✅Michigan
✅New Jersey
✅Pennsylvania
✅Rhode Island
✅West Virginia
Online casino regulatory boards in the US
With only eight states offering regulated online casino gaming, gambling sites that want to offer their services in any of them will need to obtain a separate license for each. Here are the licensing boards they would need to apply to:
| State |
Licensing Board |
Player Safety and Protection |
| Connecticut |
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division |
High |
| Delaware |
The Delaware State Lottery Office |
High |
| Maine |
The Maine Gambling Control Unit |
High |
| Michigan |
Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) |
High |
| New Jersey |
New Jersey Casino Control Commission and the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement |
High |
| Pennsylvania |
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) |
High |
| Rhode Island |
Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation - Gaming and Athletics Division |
High |
| West Virginia |
West Virginia Lottery |
High |
How to verify a casino license
Now that we know what licenses and licensing authorities to look for, let’s look at how to go about verifying
online casinos in the US
and their license validity.
The simplest way to do an online casino license check is to look for the regulator’s badge and the site’s licensing details. You can usually find these details by scrolling to the bottom of the online casino’s home page.
Some sites feature the regulator’s badge and their licensing details, which usually include the regulator’s name and the casino’s license number. Others simply provide a badge.
It is important to remember here that simply checking if a badge or license number is present is not enough. Some online casinos falsify these details, which is why the next two steps are important.
Many of the best online casinos double the regulator’s badge as a link. By clicking on the badge, you are redirected to the licensing authority’s website or directly to a copy of the casino’s license agreement.
If the badge doesn’t have a clickable link, you’ll need to move on to the next step.
📄 Cross-reference the Regulator’s Website
Copy the casino’s license number and take note of who the licensing authority is. Launch the regulator’s website and go to the License Verifications page. Here, you can fill in the casino’s name or the operator’s name and the license number.
This should give you all the license details, provided the site is properly licensed. If your casino legitimacy check doesn’t show that the site is properly licensed, we recommend avoiding the site and finding an alternative.
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Why using a licensed casino site is important – online casino safety
You may be wondering why you need to ask questions like “Is this casino licensed?” and what all the fuss is about. To be frank, it all comes down to your online safety. Licensed online casinos operating in the US are doing so legally, which automatically makes them the safer option.
These online casinos must also follow stringent regulations that include:
☑️The use of online security measures like SSL or TLS encryption
☑️Provide safe payment methods that US players know and trust
☑️Offer regular and consistent payouts
☑️Ensure dispute resolution services should there be a problem
☑️Only offer games from reputable iGaming software developers
☑️Have all games audited to ensure they use RNG tech and provide honest RTP values
☑️Feature fair bonus terms and conditions
☑️Implement KYC verification checks
☑️Keep players’ deposited funds separate in case of bankruptcy
☑️Provide fair warning for any policy changes
Using a licensed vs. unlicensed casino
Playing at a licensed online casino is much safer than using an unlicensed gambling platform. Here is a table outlining their differences, which makes it clear why sites with verified licenses are always the better choice.
| Feature |
Licensed Casino Site |
Unlicensed Casino Site |
| Regulated by a local gaming authority |
Yes |
No |
| Provides safe payment options |
Yes - using methods that US players recognize |
Sometimes, but are often limited in their offerings |
| Required to segregate funds in case of bankruptcy |
Yes |
No – if the site closes, you have no way to recoup any funds you have deposited on the site |
| Dispute resolution services |
Yes – intensive dispute resolution through the licensing authority or eCOGRA |
Rarely available |
| Customer support |
Yes – support is often 24/7 using live chat or a phone line |
Yes – but often as a web form only |
| KYC and AML Processes |
Yes |
Sometimes |
| Audited games |
Yes – all games must be audited by an external organization like eCOGRA or BMM |
Sometimes |
| Privacy policy |
Yes – with updates on any changes |
Rarely |
| Fair bonuses and promos |
Yes |
No limit on the wagering requirements or validity periods |
| Secure and consistent payouts |
Yes |
Not always |
Pros and cons of casino license verification
There really aren’t any downsides to going through a casino license verification process and using a regulated site. They are the safest option and ensure you get to play the highest-quality games, receive the fairest promos, and enjoy quick payouts.
There is one small pitfall to using licensed casinos, and that is they may not offer as much flexibility as unlicensed platforms, but ultimately, they save you a lot of headaches and allow you to play without hassle. Here are the pros and con of using a licensed casino site in the US:
Pros and Cons
- Provides safe, efficient payment methods
- Ensures fair bonuses and promos
- Only support quality, audited casino games
- 24/7 live customer support
- May be less flexible in their gaming offerings
Final thoughts - always verify a casino license
Taking the time to verify a casino license is always worth it. Does it take a few extra minutes? Yes, but it saves you from the hassles and headaches that may arise if you sign up with an unlicensed site.
Licensed online casinos support safe online play by offering secure, reputable payment options, fair bonuses, and games that are audited and come from top software developers. These sites also have privacy policies and use security measures that keep you and your data safe.
If you want to play at a vetted and verified licensed casino, click on any of our on-page links for quick access.
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FAQs on casino licensing
⁉️ Can I just verify a casino license by checking the details on the site’s home page?
Technically, you can, but we don’t advise leaving it there. It is always best to cross-reference the licensing details and double-check them on the licensing authority’s website to make sure the license is legitimate and still active. Some sites allow their licenses to lapse or they fake their licensing information, so taking the extra step is always best.
🧾 What are some of the casino compliance requirements of these licenses?
To obtain and keep a license from a regulatory body, an online casino must adhere to several requirements, including offering responsible gambling support, safe payment methods, submit to regular audits, implement KYC verification, and provide fair bonus terms.
✅ Is using a licensed casino safer for US players?
Yes, using a regulated online casino with a verified license is the safest way to play online. Because of their license agreements, they cannot simply close up shop and disappear with your deposited funds. They also cannot make up reasons why you can’t withdraw your winnings or enforce unfair bonus terms and conditions.
