How to Check the Licence of an Online Casino

Step 1: Find the Online Casino’s Licence Information

At most online casinos, licencing information is displayed in the website footer. You may see the licensing authority’s logo or written details about the licence issuer and number.

Don’t see the licensing information in the footer? Don’t worry!

Sometimes, you may need to open the terms and conditions. You could also find licence details listed in the about us section, the help pages, or the responsible gambling page.

If this information is missing or unclear, it is a big enough sign to opt for a different casino. You can learn more about this in our guide on how to protect your rights at an online casino.

Step 2: Copy the Licence Number

The next step is to note the licence number. This is the most important detail needed to confirm the licence is valid.

Many online casinos have multiple licences. When playing from the UK, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence is the one that matters. The number could be displayed in one of two ways: a full number or a shorter version.

Taking the example of Coral:

Its long licence number is 054743-R-330863-012.

Its short version is 54743.

Step 3: Open the Official Website of the UK Gambling Commission

Licensed online casinos always display a link to the UKGC website. However, if you are dealing with a fake casino, that link could redirect you to a spoofed page designed to look like the official regulator’s website.

Instead, open the official UKGC website: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk. You can then verify the details directly on the official licence register.

Are you on the authentic UKGC website? You can do a few quick checks to make sure.

The URL should start with https://. You can view the site information by clicking the icon at the start of the address bar. Also, double-check that the website address is spelt correctly.

Of course, you can simply click the link we provided above – it will take you directly to the official website.

Step 4: Verify the Online Casino’s Licence Data

Now is the time to confirm that the licence is active and valid. For this, you can search the licence number on the business register.

You can access the register of gambling businesses using this link: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-register/businesses.

In the search bar, enter the short version of the licence number. The search will return the company details with a link to the corresponding page. Click the link and see if the licence status is “active”.

Step 5: Double-Check the Data on the Casino Website

Open the casino website and check that the data listed by the UKGC matches. Not all casino sites display all the data in their footer. You may need to open the full terms and conditions to cross-check the details.

You can check the following information:

• Parent company
• Address
• Licence number
• Domain name
• Trading names

Requirements for Obtaining a UK Online Casino Licence

Online gambling is strictly regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. It sets standards to keep gambling fair and open, crime-free, and to protect consumers from harm.

Gambling operators that breach these conditions can face fines, compliance audits, and regulatory monitoring. In the most serious cases, a licence can be suspended or revoked. Checking a casino’s current licence status is a simple way to confirm it is meeting those standards right now.

An online casino must adhere to stringent gambling laws to obtain and keep its licence. The Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) set out the standards that all licensees must adhere to.

Here are the main requirements for holding a UKGC online casino licence:

• Identity verification checks
• Technical security certificates
• Independent game fairness audits
• Transparent and fair terms
• Segregation of customer funds
• No gambling on credit
• Anti-money laundering measures
• Compliance with advertising codes
• Protection of vulnerable people
• Responsible gambling practices
• Data protection policies
• Customer complaint procedures

All of the legal UK casino sites we recommend hold a valid UKGC licence and meet these requirements. If an online casino demonstrate it holds a valid UKGC licence, it is not worth your time or money.