What's even the point of licenses anymore?

[AmoreJaz]

In my opinion, this is a global problem.

In the current 21st century, virtual space has appeared, that is, the Internet, a set of sites, protocols and Internet platforms. At the same time, virtual space has not received its own status, for example, the status of a supranational entity. Internet users have not created a declaration of independence of virtual space (although in fact, virtual space is essentially a transnational entity).

As a result, any Internet platform, in particular, online casinos, according to the logic of those in power, must be associated with a certain country and fully obey its laws. This thesis is highly controversial, but the alternative opinion did not prevail.

This is why online casinos seek to obtain a license issued by a certain state. Even if this is a license of an insignificant island state.

With the competition these days, they need to be licensed in order to operate in most areas. It is understandable that in the early days, license is no big deal and only reputation is their edge over competitors. Now, this business is going mainstream and most governments are requiring for this online gambling to be licensed to operate under their jurisdiction. Otherwise, the possibility of banning their site in the country is very high. It depends on the gambling laws of the country how they regulate online casinos and bookies. Some are banning it outright where your network provider will tell you that you are visiting a prohibited site as per government laws.

[sunsilk]

It's the same as everyone likely getting a driver's license and it means that they have a go signal to drive a car.

And in casinos, getting a license is the same. They're given a go signal to operate for how long they're given that based on the license they've taken.

So, even if we suggest that it doesn't makes sense for a casino to operate without having a license. It's important in business aspect because that's giving them the trustworthy thought if someone looks after their background and seen they have it.

[Jating]

In my opinion, this is a global problem.

In the current 21st century, virtual space has appeared, that is, the Internet, a set of sites, protocols and Internet platforms. At the same time, virtual space has not received its own status, for example, the status of a supranational entity. Internet users have not created a declaration of independence of virtual space (although in fact, virtual space is essentially a transnational entity).

As a result, any Internet platform, in particular, online casinos, according to the logic of those in power, must be associated with a certain country and fully obey its laws. This thesis is highly controversial, but the alternative opinion did not prevail.

This is why online casinos seek to obtain a license issued by a certain state. Even if this is a license of an insignificant island state.

With the competition these days, they need to be licensed in order to operate in most areas. It is understandable that in the early days, license is no big deal and only reputation is their edge over competitors. Now, this business is going mainstream and most governments are requiring for this online gambling to be licensed to operate under their jurisdiction.

Everything should be govern by certain laws, that's universal, because if there will be none that will control everything, then online gambling is going to be a mess. Even casino owners know this one, that's why they are willing to go on stride and follow every rule and getting a license so that there will be regulation and somewhat they surrender to a higher authority.

Although there is also some law on the country itself, that's why we will see some casinos that have restricted on some jurisdiction. This licenses come with with restrictions on where they can legally operate. So that's why it is very important for casino to get this license, whether it could be Malta, or Curacao gaming.

[peter0425]

It's the same as everyone likely getting a driver's license and it means that they have a go signal to drive a car.

And in casinos, getting a license is the same. They're given a go signal to operate for how long they're given that based on the license they've taken.

Good analogy here.

Basically you can learn how to drive a car. You can drive a car even without license but when you get in trouble the cops will ask for a license and you will present nothing. Same thing with casinos. If they do something and they are unlicensed, they will get into more trouble.

[mirakal]

Casinos I have seen that comes without a license usually gets a lot of backlash and apathy from players, this is a big reason for casinos to have one. We can debate on the usefulness, but most players will prefer a casino that goes out of their way to get a proper license and give off the impression that they would want to be compliant to some sort of regulations.

The licensing industry may experience big changes in the years to come. There is lots of room for a top player to come in and change the template.

- Jay -

It’s certain that some operating casinos these days have failed to acquire a license, and yet the operation continues. For them, that could be an edge but it will never be seen an advantage for us. They’re likely to be considered as shady casinos, and in the end it will be our winnings and personal money that will be at risk here since there’s no legality that their casino has endured the legal processes. And responsible gamblers do not want that, but will chose to gamble at a licensed casino no matter how transaction fees suck.

[qwertyup23]

But the point is, why are casinos even bothering to pay for the issuance of these licenses when we all know they mean nothing? Might as well just go without a license. Why not?

Inasmuch as they are operating in a certain jurisdiction and generating profits from gamblers in that jurisdiction, we all know it will be considered as illegal by government to be operating without a proper registration from law enforcement agencies in that region, which is why I think casinos still pay for licenses, despite the fact they play little or no effect to the welfare of citizens in that jurisdiction. However, secondly, when it comes to what means do a gambler needs to get justice for his/her fund with a casino, I think this licensing bodies are to blamed for failing to provide an active avenue where gamblers could report and get justice whenever there funds are been confiscated.

There are actually liabilities when a gambling casino fails to operate on a license in a country which requires them to do so, other than administrative sanctions.

To give you a concrete example, in the Philippines, any foreign corporation who wishes to do business in such country must may procure a license from the authorities. The question is, what would be the liability if that foreign corporation fails to comply with this requirement? If the foreign corporation doing business in the Philippines fails to procure a license, then they are subject to the risk of litigation in which they lack the necessary capacity to constitute a suit.

In simpler terms, if a suit has been against such foreign corporation, then judgement may be rendered against them on the basis of the affidavits filed and that foreign corporation cannot file any answer/reply since they lack the legal capacity.


What are now the implications of this legal conflict applying to foreign casinos? Well, if a person who believes that the online gambling scammed them, then they can file a suit against them and the latter cannot contest such suit because of lack of license on their part.

[Tungbulu]

It’s certain that some operating casinos these days have failed to acquire a license, and yet the operation continues. For them, that could be an edge but it will never be seen an advantage for us. They’re likely to be considered as shady casinos, and in the end it will be our winnings and personal money that will be at risk here since there’s no legality that their casino has endured the legal processes. And responsible gamblers do not want that, but will chose to gamble at a licensed casino no matter how transaction fees suck.

Sure, using a casino that’s not licensed carries its own risks too, both to the casino and the gamblers. Speaking of the risks as it concerns he gamblers, they are numerous. And in addition to what you’ve already said, should in case a dispute arise between the gambler and the casino, I don’t believe it’ll be easy for the gamblers to take legal actions against the casino since they weren’t actually licensed from the beginning.

[FinneysTrueVision]

Most gamblers seem to prefer casinos that at least appear to have some legal legitimacy, even though this often ends up backfiring when they win a large amount and are required to comply with stringent AML policies that can make it difficult to withdraw. These island nations are also usually low tax jurisdictions so that might also be a factor in why casinos decide to apply for a license.

In practice, it doesn’t make any real difference if a casino is licensed or not. Most countries don’t recognize those licenses. If a dispute arises, the local authorities don’t have much power to do anything because they are not physically located in those countries. At worst, they might suspend their license, which is barely a slap on the wrist.

[bangjoe]

Curacao used to be the main gambling license online casinos used to operate under. Their licensing structure was very shady. They had licensed 4 main title holders long ago and in turn these were issuing sub-licensed to anyone for very cheap.

Fast forward to more recent years, Curacao tries to overhaul their entire licensing process. Now entities who want a Curacao license must open a corporation there and apply for a much more expensive license that will be issued directly under the local state authorities.

Sounds much better than before as the path to seek liability would be much more direct. But there are several practical issues here. For instance, although Curacao's new licensing scheme is in full effect now, there's still no alternative resolution path that casinos under this licensing scheme have to follow. If anyone wants to go after them to find justice, the only way is local courts.

However, it has become apparent that even with these changes, online casinos will simply chainge their credentials and license, to start operating under a Comoros license to avoid judgments against them.

I can share a couple of very characteristic examples that involve casinos we're all familiar with:
1. https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/bc-game-curacao-bankruptcy/
2. https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5534261.0


So what's even the point of a license anymore? Soon there won't be any more obscure island nations left to issue title licenses that mean nothing further than their name. So what's going to be the next stem of casinos? Invent their own licensing authority in an obscure island? Who knows.
But the point is, why are casinos even bothering to pay for the issuance of these licenses when we all know they mean nothing? Might as well just go without a license. Why not?

Licenses are one of the security benchmarks for every consumer or gambler because with a license they can feel much safer in other words that the casino is audited by the licensing agency.

The problem here is the credibility of a license and the strength of a license is also questioned, as a requirement for the eligibility of a casino in various business laws that allow casinos to operate, however a license is a claim that the casino has been audited for business eligibility, while talking about licenses, it is necessary to first question the issuing agency whether or not it is worthy of granting a license.

[xSkylarx]

So what's even the point of a license anymore? Soon there won't be any more obscure island nations left to issue title licenses that mean nothing further than their name. So what's going to be the next stem of casinos? Invent their own licensing authority in an obscure island? Who knows.
But the point is, why are casinos even bothering to pay for the issuance of these licenses when we all know they mean nothing? Might as well just go without a license. Why not?

If you're going to establish a business, do you think it will attract customers and become successful if you don't have a license to operate? Even if it looks unneccesary, any type of business should still have a legitimate license to avoid being penalized by the government where it will operate. Having it represents more than compliance; it’s a foundation for building trust, maintaining ethical standards, and creating a reputation that people can confidently engage with.

[Scarlett_23]

Most casinos in developed countries, i.e. America, Europe, Canada are registered. These countries are very strong economically, so their registration is done locally. Basically, Curacao is a place from where online casino owners used to get licenses. And gamblers trust licensed casinos. That is, the license is an indication of legitimacy. If casinos are licensed, then they cannot easily engage in fraudulent activities with customers. If for some reason they engage in fraudulent activities, the government can easily identify them and take any action.

[EarnOnVictor]

Curacao tries to overhaul their entire licensing process. Now entities who want a Curacao license must open a corporation there and apply for a much more expensive license that will be issued directly under the local state authorities.

This is a very good thing to do, at least, it shows they are tougher and more serious. But at the same time, Curacao has just shot itself in the leg, casinos don't want good regulators so that they can do as they like unpunished. Expect them to move elsewhere.

If anyone wants to go after them to find justice, the only way is local courts.

This is not peculiar to Curacao's licensing and regulations, the local court is the main help of the common man in all jurisdictions. That has been keeping me wondering about the benefits of the regulation if not for feeding the government fatter with almost no provision to help the masses.

So what's even the point of a license anymore? Soon there won't be any more obscure island nations left to issue title licenses that mean nothing further than their name. So what's going to be the next stem of casinos?

I look for a day where the UN will partner with countries on online regulations with more seriousness and accountability. If the world can unite and operate without thinking selfishly of what will come into their pockets but to protect the masses, regulation will work.

[stompix]

So what's even the point of a license anymore? Soon there won't be any more obscure island nations left to issue title licenses that mean nothing further than their name.

The point of a license is to have play in a casino that has a license in your country!
Let's take two examples:
Betfair is fully licensed in Romania , Sweden and Denmark but banned in France
https://www.betfair.com/aboutUs/Regulatory.Information/
Bet365 is licensed in Denmark and Sweden but is banned for not having a license in both Romania and France.

So the point of a license is to use a casino that has a license in your country, not in a god forgotten island with 2 inhabitants and 3 monkeys.

[sunsilk]

It's the same as everyone likely getting a driver's license and it means that they have a go signal to drive a car.

And in casinos, getting a license is the same. They're given a go signal to operate for how long they're given that based on the license they've taken.

Good analogy here.

Basically you can learn how to drive a car. You can drive a car even without license but when you get in trouble the cops will ask for a license and you will present nothing. Same thing with casinos. If they do something and they are unlicensed, they will get into more trouble.

That's right. When the regulators find these casinos that don't have a license then they have to protect and defend themselves.

But it's also more of a customer assurance that they're following what's set to them as a standard. This also doesn't mean that there are no good unlicensed casinos.

There are probably some but most of us want to get along with those licensed ones and it depends on how we look at this but that's the common thought that I can say.

[lixer]

That's why I don't view their licenses as high or rely on them when you can see them in most casinos. Back then, I even went as far as saying that certain casinos without licenses operate better because even the bad casinos had no problems obtaining the same licenses.

If we can see the license in many casinos, then that must be the common license or the low-quality ones. For the casinos that have a unique and rare license, that can also mean that they are much better? That was crazy if a bad casino can still obtain a license and that only shows that the license must not to be trusted. They (casinos) think it will help them clear their reputation but it doesn't for those users that does their research overall. A casino without a license is obviously better than those casinos with a license but has a bad history.

There used to be a bunch of good casinos that started without licenses, but they can't stay that way when casinos keep growing and it's to avoid future issues on their end if they can get it right away.

Yes and up until now, this was still the game. In terms of being good, this can be told easily by the older casinos.

[Aanuoluwatofunmi]

So what's even the point of a license anymore? Soon there won't be any more obscure island nations left to issue title licenses that mean nothing further than their name. So what's going to be the next stem of casinos? Invent their own licensing authority in an obscure island? Who knows.
But the point is, why are casinos even bothering to pay for the issuance of these licenses when we all know they mean nothing? Might as well just go without a license. Why not?

As a casino, present yourself with having license and be free of government threats, but when you don't have this same license, it makes it appears to them that you are running under an illegal operation, now this is the big deal, if you think you don't need license, then forget about having kyc and present yourself anonymous, but if you cant go on this, you must demand for kyc and also go through the government regulations, which means you have a physical location and also can be disturbed by the regulating authorities if you refused to go through the normal procedures.

[Oluwa-btc]

Licensed casinos are very commendable and very important to gamblers.This shows how gamblers are very comfortable gambling from a licensed casino because gamblers sees Licensed casino as a safe place without having to much restrictive policies to sign for.

[Outhue]

What's the point of casino licenses anymore?

There is only one way to find out, start your own online casino, spend thousands of dollars for promotion, hire few experts and make some noise, then you will find out why you can't escape getting your business licensed.

I think it is easier for you to say this because you are not into the business, you are just a gambler so yes you won't understand, I know that problems might occur all in the name of getting a license but you can't compare the problems to the ones you will get when running a unlicensed casino.

[alani123]

So what's even the point of a license anymore? Soon there won't be any more obscure island nations left to issue title licenses that mean nothing further than their name.

The point of a license is to have play in a casino that has a license in your country!
Let's take two examples:
Betfair is fully licensed in Romania , Sweden and Denmark but banned in France
https://www.betfair.com/aboutUs/Regulatory.Information/
Bet365 is licensed in Denmark and Sweden but is banned for not having a license in both Romania and France.

So the point of a license is to use a casino that has a license in your country, not in a god forgotten island with 2 inhabitants and 3 monkeys.

Yes, there are some licenses that make sense. You can see from the above examples that these casinos operate in several countries legally due to having purchased and complied with their own licenses. But take Curacao as an example, not even their own country accepts the license for play from their citizens. How crazy is that.

A license that is just a title license in a sense, because even the country issuing it doesn't accept it. For such a license, it's worth asking why would anyone bother to issue it for their platform

[ultraBTC]

So what's even the point of a license anymore? Soon there won't be any more obscure island nations left to issue title licenses that mean nothing further than their name.

The point of a license is to have play in a casino that has a license in your country!
Let's take two examples:
Betfair is fully licensed in Romania , Sweden and Denmark but banned in France
https://www.betfair.com/aboutUs/Regulatory.Information/
Bet365 is licensed in Denmark and Sweden but is banned for not having a license in both Romania and France.

So the point of a license is to use a casino that has a license in your country, not in a god forgotten island with 2 inhabitants and 3 monkeys.

Yes, there are some licenses that make sense. You can see from the above examples that these casinos operate in several countries legally due to having purchased and complied with their own licenses. But take Curacao as an example, not even their own country accepts the license for play from their citizens. How crazy is that.

A license that is just a title license in a sense, because even the country issuing it doesn't accept it. For such a license, it's worth asking why would anyone bother to issue it for their platform

I get where you're coming from. But it’s not really that crazy, and honestly, not that uncommon. The same applies to the MGA license — local access requires additional authorization and much tighter regulatory controls. Both Curaçao and Malta operate more like export-oriented licensing hubs, focused on serving international markets rather than domestic players.

Also, with just around 150k + citizens, Curaçao isn’t much of a viable internal market to begin with. Allowing locals to gamble under the same framework they use for offshore operators would create unnecessary regulatory risk and potential conflicts of interest. It’s kind of a practical separation :-)