Bookmaker Jurisdictions

Gaming authorities worldwide, are standing on the punters’ side in order to ensure two of the most important aspects of an online bookmaker: General reliability and security of transactions. Every bookmaker that offers online bets, is obliged to be licensed on at least one gambling commission, to get the minimum reliability credentials.

A bookmaker operating without a gaming commission license is undoubtedly a scam. You should pay attention which gaming authority your bookmaker is licensed on, as to avoid any problems regarding your betting experience. You might be wondering how some betting jurisdictions based on some lesser known territories, such as Curacao and Alderney, can provide credibility to a worldwide online bookie.

The betting industry along with its competition has grown significantly in recent years and bookmakers who are out to succeed, are primarily interested in gaining the punters' trust. Some gaming authorities have more flexible rules compared to others.

However, the majority of them are so strict, that even a minor bookmaker slip could lead to the revocation of their license. Click on the following links to find all the information about the best worldwide gaming commissions and which online bookmakers are licensed to them.

UK Licensed Bookmakers: One of the most respected and demanding gaming authorities worldwide. A long tradition followed by a considerable experience in gambling led to the creation of a fully regulated industry, that places a 15% tax on profits and many obligations on online bookmakers.

As a direct effect of the strict laws and regulations, whichever company is licensed in the UK, is considered among the top.

Isle of Man Betting Companies: Or Barrantee Oaseirys Karrooghys Vannin, as it is known in the local Manx Gaelic language. It is based on the Isle of Man, a small island lying between Britain and Ireland, that is a British crown dependency. IoM is one of the oldest and toughest regulators in the world.

The authorization of the Isle of Man is fairly straightforward, but several limitations are placed, especially in matters relating to player funds. Dafabet and Paddy Power are two of the largest companies licensed there.

MGA Betting Sites: Based in the Mediterranean island of Malta, MGA is one of the most popular and respected regulatory authorities in the world. The clear legal framework regarding the issuing of licenses, has attracted the interest of many major bookmakers.

MGA have grown so much in recent years, that most of the decisions that affect the entire global gaming market are taken there. Some well known online bookies such as Intwerwetten, Betsson and Pinnacle are licensed there.

Gambling Commission Gibraltar: The most demanding gaming authority along with UKGC. GLA is based on Gibraltar, a British overseas territory located in the southernmost end of the Iberian Peninsula. The authorization procedure usually lasts a long time because of the scrutiny carried out on the requested company.

It is the only gaming authority in the world that requires that all corporate executives have extensive experience in the betting industry and obliges all online bookmakers to carry out their transactions through the banking system of the territory. Until now, only 33 bookmakers have obtained a license in the GLA, among which Bwin and Gala Coral.

Alderney Gambling: Based on the most northern of the inhabited Channel Islands, between Britain and France, that has a population of about 2.000 people. Unlike gaming authorities in other countries, AGCC does not only deal with the licensing of companies at their control, but also inquires whether they can remain competitive globally.

Through this practice, they have managed to create a powerful and reliable name in the global gaming industry and have attracted companies like Marathonbet and Paddy Power.

Curacao Betting Sites: Based on the picturesque island of the Caribbean, CIGA has created what is perhaps the easiest licensing process. They provide less strict regulation on payments and transactions. However, they’re continuously monitoring their bookmakers and will revoke a license at the slightest suspicion of fraud.

Estonia Gambling License: The regulatory authority of Estonia is controlled by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board and situated in the northernmost of the Baltic states. They mostly regulate gambling taking place inside the country by offering 11 sports betting licenses, including the local up and coming Olybet.

First Cagayan Gaming License: Located in the Cagayan Freeport zone in the Philippines, they are tasked with regulating the foreign & local bookmakers based in the Cagayan.

The special legal framework of the Philippines, means that betting firms can not offer their services to Filippinos, as the government enforces a state held monopoly in the local market, while the recent crackdown on illegal gambling has taken its toll on certain casinos. Regardless, the FCLRC is the most advanced regulatory authority in Southeast Asia, possessing the best servers and customer service in the region.

The two biggest bookmakers licensed by the First Cagayan are Dafabet and SBObet.