Regulated Casino
Any online operator can sell their Internet gaming establishment as trustworthy, but a truly reputable real money online casino is one which is officially regulated.
Since online casinos are located in multiple jurisdictions that can’t be governed by one legislature framework, regulation has to occur by independent organisations such as external gambling industry watchdog agencies to ensure players are entering an online casino which is safe and fair.
Since the licensed casino is regulated by government agencies, the casino must meet certain standards to ensure fair play and equal opportunities for all players registered at the site. There are many player benefits that can be gained by playing at a licensed and regulated online casino. Many online Casino websites, companies and brands are not regulated – when using an online Casino service you should always check that it is indeed regulated and licensed in order to avoid fraud and scams. LeoVegas – Dunder – Casumo. Casino Regulation and Licensing - Regulated Online Casinos.
While these regulations are in place for the casino operator’s benefit in terms of garnering business, it does help players to see that they are reviewed regularly as it ensures they are playing at a trustworthy Internet venue. Our team at Regulated Casinos aim to make it easier for you to figure out if an Web casino is monitored regularly and have provided some of our favourite regulated Internet casinos.
What is casino regulation?
Online casinos are regulated by two major authorities; a jurisdiction license which is issued after intense testing, and by testing agencies which regularly monitor the Internet casino. Independent testing organisations enforce a standard set of rules for online operators to adhere to and they regularly monitor that the procedures in place are up to scratch. This ensures players are getting the best possible gaming experience available online so when we play our favourite titles, such as blackjack, video poker, roulette and more we are playing games that have been approved by a higher authority.
Online testing agencies test for accurate payments, safe deposits, responsible marketing, properly functioning RNGs (random number generators) and ensures that fraudulent behaviour and underage gambling does not occur.
If an online casino does not have a jurisdiction license then that is an indication that it isn’t a reputable online casino. If it does, where it has gained its license from is incredibly important as some licenses are indeed better than others. We will discuss that below.
With two or more authorities backing the online casino online casino players – no matter where they are located in the world – can play with real money and won’t have to worry about anxiously wondering where their winnings have gone if they get lucky.
Casino regulation exists to ensure players have a reliable, safe, and fun online gaming experience and therefore it is imperative you check to see if it is regulated by a recognised testing agency. We detail how to find out whether or not an online casino is regulated below.
What are the best online casino licenses and testing agencies?
The best regulated online casinos operate under licenses in jurisdictions with the most advanced and unrestricted gaming legislative framework. These include the Isle of Man which uses the Gambling Supervision Commission; Malta with the Lotteries and Gaming Authority of Malta; the Alderney island with the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, the UK and their UK Gambling Commission; Curaçao and the Curaçao Internet Gaming Association; Gibraltar with their Gibraltar Regulatory Authority; and Kahnawake Mohawk Territory with the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
The Internet gaming establishments which operate under the above jurisdictions have gone through intense testing that ensures only the best sites get gambling licences because these licensing authorities want to uphold their standard of trustworthy accreditation. Each jurisdiction have their own laws including age restrictions, with the majority enforcing the age of 21. Read the terms and conditions to find out more.
Additionally, the testing agencies regulate the fairness of the games offered by the online casinos which adds to the online casino’s reputation. By combining a reputable jurisdiction license and a trustworthy testing agency, players are ensured they are getting a genuine casino experience. The most common online casino testing agency which you will find at many of our recommended Internet casinos is eCOGRA. This testing agency was established in 2003 in the UK and has become Internationally recognised. The testing agency only works with the following jurisdictions, however, including Alderney, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, First Cagayan, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Italy, Kahnawake, Latvia, Malta, Spain, and the UK.
The reason for its limitation to certain regions is is because eCOGRA’s testing processes adhere to the regulatory requirements of each aforementioned jurisdiction. Therefore, if you come across an online casino in another jurisdiction you won’t find it approved by eCOGRA and it could be worth looking in to to ensure it is reputable.
What are the best regulated online casinos?
Online casinos which have a license in the jurisdictions mentioned above have gone through vigorous tests to get approval and additionally use testing organisations which give authority and back the casinos. We recommend the following online regulated casinos.
- Roxy Palace operates under the Malta Gaming Authority and is tested by eCOGRA.
- Leo Vegas has a gaming license from Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission and is regularly reviewed by eCOGRA.
- BGO is regulated by the Alderney Gaming Gambling Control Commission and the UK Gambling Commission.
- Thrills operates under the Malta Gaming Authority.
- G’day is regulated by the Curaçao Internet Gaming Association.
- Casino-Mate is tested regularly by eCOGRA and operates under a Malta Gaming Authority license.
- 32 Red is licensed by the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority and audited by eCOGRA.
- Guts operates under the Malta Gaming Authority and is RNG certified by iTech Labs.
- Royal Vegas is regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority and tested by eCOGRA.
By playing at these online casinos, you are protecting yourself from fraudulent behaviour, the possibility of your money going missing, as well as all your personal and financial information being accessed by third parties.
How to tell if an online casino is regulated?
In order to tell if a Web casino is regulated, all you have to do is scroll to the bottom of the page and in small fine print there will be information regarding which license the online casino operates under and what testing agency reviews them, which is usually represented by a small logo of the testing agency.
For example, at Roxy Palace all you have to do is scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and locate the fine print. Here it states that Roxy Palace is “Authorised by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)”. Above the fine print are a series of icons, one being eCOGRA, detailing that the online casino is tested regularly by the independent testing company and has been awarded their Seal of Approval for fair and responsible gambling.
If you want to double check that these aren’t just there for the sake of it. you can click on the logo’s of both the license and the testing agency and you will be taken to an external website where you can view the certificate issued by the independent company or licensing jurisdiction for the specific online casino.
Are regulated online casinos secure?
Although reputable casino websites are regulated by licensing jurisdictions and independent testing agencies to back their credibility, online casinos take it upon themselves to offer an extra layer of protection via their data encryption technology. When players make a deposit at the above online casinos they are protected by 128-bit to 256-bit data encryption technology which is what all major banks use around the world. These data encryption protocols mean your transactions, whether they be deposits or withdrawals, are secure.
You can easily make a deposit at a regulated online casino by going to the banking page and picking the preferred payment method from the options available. All of the Internet casinos we have suggested above offer popular payment methods such as e-wallets, credit and debit options, pre-paid services and bank transfers.
About us
We are a team of dedicated gambling journalists and editors who only play at the best regulated online casinos. If you have any questions simply email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
Online gambling has exploded in the past decade at both regulated and offshore online casinos. If you’re a gambler, but just sticking to land-based casinos, you’re missing out on a lot of opportunities.
The basics of online casino gambling do not change whether you’re playing at a regulated or an offshore site. However, their offerings to players, along with differences in legal environments, are aspects all gamblers should know.
The doors are open at both regulated and offshore casinos if you’re an online player. While legal codes vary depending on your jurisdiction, one fact remains: online casino gambling is legal under US federal law.
Regulated and Offshore Online Casinos
There are some notable differences between regulated and offshore online casinos. It is not only when it comes to location, but regarding legal jurisdictions and their availability to players, depending on where they’re playing.
US Regulated Online Casinos in the USA
Regulated online casinos are those that are licensed inside the United States. There is no federal licensing of online gambling sites at this point, whether it be casinos, poker rooms, or sportsbooks.
All regulated casinos are licensed on the state level. Casino sites, for now, also operate on the intrastate level. For instance, regulated online casinos in New Jersey can only offer their services to those living in the Garden State or players who are physically located there.
Regulation Casino Dice
Offshore Online Casinos for US Players
What is an offshore casino? These sites are based in island nations known for gambling licensing, such as Antigua, Curacao, and Central American countries, like Panama and Costa Rica.
Most of these countries issue a license for casino sites and have their regulatory bodies. Online casinos that located offshore provide their services to an extensive list of American states, with very few exceptions.
It is perfectly legal to deposit and play at an offshore online casino as a citizen or resident in the United States.
Is it Safe to Play at Offshore Online Casinos?
Yes, it is safe to play at offshore casinos. These sites accept players from most US states and many countries from around the world. However, we recommend our readers to always research the casino site before making a deposit. You can visit our OUSC online casino reviews page to read more about our top-rated sites.
Regulated vs. Offshore Online Casinos
Both regulated and offshore casinos have their pros and cons. We break down the positives and negatives of both options for players in the table below.
Regulated
- The backing of the US legal system for disputes
- Rewards tied to brick n’ mortar casinos
- Not available to all states in the USA
- Bonuses offered are usually lower
Offshore
- Welcome bonuses are much higher
- Cryptocurrency payments available
- Available in almost every US state
- Not all sites are regulated
Are Offshore Casinos Better Than Regulated Gambling Sites?
The OUSC team has created the following video to help US players compare regulated casinos and online casinos located offshore.
Best Offshore Online Casinos for US Players
Now that you know the differences between these two types of online casinos, check out some of our recommendations for the best offshore casino sites to play for real money.
El Royale
El Royale is one of the best offshore online casinos. They have over 250 games available and accept players from the United States. A fan-favorite by many gamblers, they feature an excellent mobile casino.
The casino site offers players a massive welcome bonus of 250% up to $12,500! They have 196 slots provided by RealTime Gaming and live dealer options. There are many cashier options, and payouts are among the fastest in the industry.
BetOnline
BetOnline has a long history in the offshore gambling industry, which has been vital in their growth. They have earned the trust of players due to their fast payouts and longstanding track record. Apart from their online casino, they also have poker rooms and sportsbooks.
Features include 3D slots from BetSoft and live dealer options, with larger than normal wagering limits. They have over 300 games available on both desktop and mobile devices. New players receive a deposit bonus of 100% up to $3,000 on their first deposit.
Wild Casino
Wild Casino is another solid option for players. They have the same ownership group as BetOnline, so casino gamblers know it is a brand they can trust. The welcome bonuses are also a bit better, with a welcome package of up to $5,000.
They feature six live dealer games and a seamless mobile betting platform that is available on Android and iOS devices. Their cashier has plenty of choices, including several different types of cryptocurrencies, and some of the best payout times.
Final Verdict – Regulated vs. Offshore Online Casinos
When it comes to regulated vs. offshore online casinos, it’s a natural choice. Offshore online casinos win by a landslide. Here’s a quick recap of why offshore sites win this round.
Larger Bonuses
Offshore online casinos offer far more in bonuses and promotions than their regulated counterparts. These casino sites provide bonuses of several thousand or more.
Accessibility
Regulated Online Casino
Offshore casinos are more widely available. As of now, only five US states have licensed online casinos. Even if you want to play at a regulated site, it’s unlikely that one will be available.
Game Software
Are Casinos Regulated By The State
Regulated sites have a slight edge when it comes to software and game availability, but offshore casinos offer better live dealer games.