Some are properly regulated businesses. Others are lookalikes that have borrowed a respectable name and a convincing design. The difference isn’t always obvious from the homepage, but it’s usually easy to find out if you know where to look.
Anyone tempted by a new online casino should spend a bit of time on the following checks before handing over any personal details or money.
1. Find the Licence
Every operator offering online casino games to customers in Great Britain must hold a Gambling Commission licence. Legitimate sites state this clearly, normally in the footer, naming the company that holds the licence and giving a licence or account number.
A site that says only that it is “fully licensed”, or that names a regulator in another country, is not the same thing. Overseas licences don’t authorise a company to serve British customers, and they don’t come with British protections.
2. Verify It Independently
A number in the footer proves nothing on its own. Copy it and check it against the public register on the Gambling Commission website, which is free to search. You are looking for a match between the licensed company’s name, the number and the type of activity covered, and for a licence that is active.
Fakes often copy a real operator’s details, so check that the web address you are on is the right one, and be wary of links in texts, emails and social media messages.
3. Look Up the Company Behind It
A new brand can still be run by an established business. Gambling companies commonly operate several brands under a single licence, and the footer should name the legal entity, its company number and its registered office. You can look the company up on Companies House and see how long it has existed and who is listed as running it.
If a site gives no company details at all, treat that as a reason to leave.
4. Check It Takes Part in GAMSTOP
Every online casino licensed in Great Britain must be part of GAMSTOP, the free scheme that lets people exclude themselves from all participating operators in one go. It has been mandatory since 31 March 2020, and the GAMSTOP logo usually appears in the footer, alongside links to support organisations.
A logo alone does not prove that an operator takes part, though. Logos can be copied onto any website, including fake ones, so treat it as a starting point and not as a guarantee. The reliable check is to confirm the operator’s Gambling Commission licence on the public register, since participation is a condition of that licence. It’s also worth looking at whether the site’s terms or responsible gambling page describe how GAMSTOP works with that operator. An operator that actively markets to British players but doesn’t take part in GAMSTOP is breaking the rules.
5. Read How Promotions Work
Bonuses are where many players get caught out, so read the terms before accepting one. Since 19 January 2026, wagering requirements on bonus funds in Great Britain have been capped at 10 times, and operators can no longer tie casino bonuses to sports bets. A site offering something far outside those limits to British customers is a red flag.
Terms should also state clearly how long a bonus lasts, which games count and what the withdrawal conditions are, all before you opt in.
6. Test the Basics
A legitimate site makes its rules easy to find. Look for:
- Age and identity checks. Operators must verify customers’ age and identity, so don’t be surprised to be asked for documents.
- A visible complaints route. Licensed operators must give access to an independent dispute resolution service if a complaint can’t be settled, and the site should name it.
- Game information. Each game should show its rules, RTP and any maximum win.
- Payment methods. Credit cards can’t be used to gamble in Great Britain, so a site that accepts them is not following the rules.
7. Watch for the Warning Signs
Some patterns are common across fraudulent sites:
- Promises of guaranteed wins or “risk-free” profits.
- Pressure to deposit quickly because an offer is about to expire.
- Requests to pay by gift card or to a personal account.
- Withdrawal problems, particularly demands for extra “fees” or “taxes” before paying out. In the UK, winnings from gambling are not taxed for players.
- Unsolicited messages from strangers offering tips or schemes.
If several of these appear together, walk away.
If Something Goes Wrong
Contact your bank straight away if you think you’ve been scammed, as they may be able to stop or recover a payment, and keep screenshots of anything relevant. If you have a complaint about a licensed operator, raise it with the company first, then take it to its named dispute resolution service if it isn’t resolved.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or gambling advice. Online gambling carries risks, and statistically players stand a higher chance of losing their stake. You should only gamble what you can afford to lose, and participate if you are over the legal age in your jurisdiction. Always gamble responsibly and within your means. If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with gambling, seek help from a professional support service such as GamCare or BeGambleAware.