To ensure that it complies with all legal regulations in the country in which it operates, an online casino platform must be duly certified and licensed.
The world of online casino games has seen great growth across the world and, consequently, an increase in the number of operators offering this type of platforms. These websites offer a wide variety of games, giving their users many opportunities to find fun, excitement and winning possibilities.
This market is, therefore, increasingly competitive, which has led to regulatory requirements for operators becoming increasingly demanding and rigorous. The governments of the countries where these platforms are based require various certifications to ensure that an online casino is safe, secure and properly licensed. Certifications ensure data security, payment processing, player protection requirements, and regular platform audits and inspections.
These certifications are requested and issued so that the platform can guarantee its users that it follows best practices and guarantees the confidentiality and security of their data and helps platforms increase trust and credibility with their users and regulators.
Portugal is one of the countries where these platforms are licensed, and requires operators to follow a set of rules and obtain the appropriate licenses to operate in the country.
In Portugal, the Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service, an entity belonging to Turismo de Portugal, issues permissions so that operators can offer Portugal casino games in digital format, such as:
- LicensewOnline Sports Betting: This license allows operators to provide sports betting services to internet users in Portugal;
- LicensewOnline Casino: Through this license, operators have the possibility of providing their customers with a variety of casino games in digital format, such as slot machines, table games or live casino, for example;
- Licensewthat of POWant Online: The poker license gives operators the ability to host online poker tournaments and games.
There are some requirements for operators to apply for these licenses. The operator must be a public limited company or its counterpart in an associated state of the European Union, or even in one of the European Economic Area, which is bound by an organizational partnership in terms of taxation, fraud prevention and combating money laundering.
They must also be fully compliant with the Portuguese Gaming Regulations. Furthermore, in the case of companies not incorporated under Portuguese law, they must create a branch in Portugal. These operators also had to regularize their entire tax and social security situation in the country where their headquarters are located.
Once licenses are issued, they are valid for three years and can be renewed if the company continues to comply with all legal requirements.
Each country has its requirements for issuing this type of certification. However, the security and protection of personal and economic data must be a priority for operators who wish to operate in compliance with standards.
eCOGRA seal
eCOGRA is an independent testing agency that specializes in protecting players and certifying software and online gaming systems, as a way of ensuring that platforms operate fairly and transparently for their customers.
The eCOGRA Safe and Fair Seal is one of the most recognized certifications in the world of online casino platforms. Casinos that meet certain standards of fair play, player protection and responsible gaming receive this certification.
The tests that platforms undergo to obtain this certification include testing for game fairness and randomness, data security and responsible gaming measures.
Casinos in various countries are accredited by leading government bodies, such as the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, Malta Video Gaming Authority or Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.
In the United Kingdom, the certification issued by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission is the Remote Technical Standards, given to platforms that comply with all security, fairness and transparency standards defined by the entity.
In Malta, the license provided by the Malta Gaming Authority is made available if it is confirmed that the platform complies with the requirements for player protection, responsible gaming and fair play. The licenses and certifications provided to leading online casino operators are essential for the casino to ensure that it complies with all industry regulations and best practices. This makes players feel safe and confident when accessing these platforms, increasing players’ loyalty to the platform and increasing its popularity, reputation, and gaining new users.
