How to verify the license of an online casino: Practical guide ANJ 2026

To verify the license of an online casino, locate the regulator's logo and the approval number in the footer. Copy this identifier and enter it into the official public registry of the issuing authority. In France, only registration on the list of operators approved by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ) guarantees full legal protection and effective recourse in case of dispute.

Distinguishing international licenses from the French authorization

It is necessary to distinguish between international validity and a French authorization. Only the National Gaming Authority (ANJ) issues legal approvals for residents of France. A foreign license, even a reputable one like Malta or Curacao, offers no local legal protection or recourse in case of dispute on French soil.

The strict legal framework of the ANJ

The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) is the sole regulator authorized to supervise the gambling market in France. Its role stems directly from Law No. 2010-476 of May 12, 2010, which opened the market to sports betting, horse racing, and poker, while maintaining a strict ban on online casino games (slots, roulette). This legislation aims to protect players against addiction and fraud risks. Therefore, an operator cannot claim to be legal in France without appearing on the List of Approved Operators maintained by the ANJ. Any "casino" offer outside this framework constitutes a violation of Law No. 2010-476 of May 12, 2010, exposing the player to major financial risks with no recourse available through French courts.

Why MGA and Curacao licenses are insufficient

Although the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and Curacao eGaming are internationally recognized regulatory bodies, their licenses hold no legal value in France for casino games. Playing on a site holding such a license means waiving ANJ protection. In the event of frozen funds or non-payment, the French player cannot contact either the local regulatory authority or the Judicial Court of Paris. Data security and algorithm transparency, which are guaranteed by audits like those from eCOGRA on approved sites, remain unverifiable and legally non-binding for these offshore platforms.

A UKGC or Curacao license does not legally authorize the operation of casino games (excluding poker and sports betting) for French residents, in accordance with the Law of May 12, 2010. Only an ANJ license guarantees full legal protection and possible recourse in case of dispute.

Tutorial: identifying and validating the approval number

To learn how to verify an online casino license step by step, start by locating the Approval Number in the site's Footer. Copy this unique identifier and check the public registry of the issuing authority (ANJ, MGA) to confirm that the Gaming License is active and matches the operator exactly. This cross-verification is essential to avoid fraudulent platforms displaying fake certifications.

The first step is to visually inspect the user interface, specifically the bottom of the page. The site's Footer acts as the platform's legal identity card. This is where mandatory legal notices must appear. Look for a logo or text indicating the regulatory authority (such as the ANJ for France, or the MGA and Curacao for international) accompanied by a distinctive alphanumeric code.

Market practice analysis shows that transparent operators make this logo clickable. If the link does not redirect to a dynamic validation page on the regulator's official website, but remains a static image or redirects to an internal casino page, it is a major red flag. The complete absence of this information in the footer constitutes a blatant violation of transparency standards and should prompt you to leave the site immediately.

Cross-verification on the official registry

Once the number is identified, technical validation becomes crucial. Never rely solely on the display on the casino's website. Go to the official portal of the cited issuing body (for example, the ANJ website or the Malta Gaming Authority site) and use their public search engine. Enter the Approval Number or the operator's trade name.

This procedure allows you to confirm three essential points: the license status (active or revoked), the exact identity of the holding company, and the authorized jurisdictions. The most reliable method to verify a site's legality is to consult the List of Approved Operators published directly on the official ANJ website. This public database exclusively lists entities authorized to operate in France, such as PokerStars or Winamax for poker, and FDJ for betting. If an online casino does not appear in this registry, it operates illegally. Before any deposit, cross-reference this information with the presence of a clickable link to the regulator's registry at the bottom of the page, a distinctive sign of transparency recommended by compliance experts.

Identifying signs of an illegal or fraudulent site

Recognizing an illegal site relies on analyzing inconsistencies between marketing promises and regulatory reality. A fraudulent site often omits detailed legal notices or displays regulator logos without providing a verifiable link to the public registry. Furthermore, the absence of independent audit certificates (such as eCOGRA) regarding game fairness is a high-risk indicator.

If the Judicial Court of Paris has no jurisdiction over the operating entity because it is based in a non-cooperative offshore jurisdiction, your funds are not protected. If in doubt about legal validity, do not deposit any money. Always prioritize operators whose Gaming License is clearly linked to a recognized authority and whose data perfectly matches official registries, thereby ensuring maximum security for your data and transactions.

Technical guarantees: SSL, audits, and game fairness

To complement the step-by-step guide on how to verify an online casino license, technical analysis is essential. A reliable site protects your data via a robust SSL Certificate and subjects its software to independent audits conducted by organizations such as eCOGRA, GLI, or iTech Labs. These certifications guarantee that encryption is active and that return-to-player rates (RTP) match claims, ensuring a transparent and secure gaming experience.

SSL protocol and secure payment system

SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is the fundamental technology that ensures Data Security during your transactions. Specifically, this protocol creates an encrypted tunnel between your browser and the casino servers, making your personal and banking information unreadable to any malicious third party. To verify its presence, look for the padlock in the address bar and ensure the URL begins with HTTPS. A valid SSL Certificate is the minimum expected standard. Its absence or a certificate error should immediately alert you to the site's vulnerability. This layer of protection is crucial, as it prevents the interception of sensitive data during deposits or withdrawals, forming the foundation of a Secure Payment System.

The role of independent auditors (eCOGRA, GLI)

A serious casino is audited by these organizations to prove that it does not manipulate results. Third-party entities such as eCOGRA (e-Commerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) and GLI (Gaming Laboratories International) conduct rigorous checks to validate platform integrity. eCOGRA is particularly renowned for its fair gaming certifications and commitment to responsible gaming, while GLI specializes in in-depth technical testing. You will generally find their logos at the bottom of the page, linked to active certification reports.

Understanding RTP and software certification

Fairness also relies on pure mathematics, verified by laboratories such as iTech Labs. This organization specializes in certifying Certified Gaming Software, with a particular focus on the proper functioning of random number generators (RNG). iTech Labs thus guarantees that every slot spin or card deal is completely unpredictable and unbiased. These audits also verify the RTP (Return to Player), i.e., the theoretical percentage redistributed to players over the long term. By cross-referencing GLI's infrastructure validations with iTech Labs' randomness checks, you obtain a solid guarantee that the Online Casino meets industry fairness standards.

Player protection: KYC, withdrawals, and recourse

For the step-by-step guide on how to verify an online casino license, validation does not stop at the logo: it requires an analysis of compliance procedures. A legal operator systematically enforces the KYC (Know Your Customer) protocol before any withdrawal, ensuring that your data is protected and that funds originate from a legitimate source. This administrative rigor is the true marker of reliability, far more than a mere marketing promise.

Mandatory KYC procedure before withdrawal

The KYC process, meaning "Know Your Customer," is not optional but a strict legal obligation imposed by regulatory authorities such as the ANJ to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. This identity verification is essential as it confirms that you are indeed the declared person and that you are of legal age, thereby protecting the integrity of the gaming system.

To validate this step, two main documents are required: A valid Government-issued ID (National Identity Card or Passport), which serves as formal proof of your actual identity. A recent Proof of address (electricity or phone bill), which attests to your residence and secures financial transactions.

These elements are directly related to payment security: without this validation, the casino blocks withdrawals to comply with anti-fraud laws. In our tests, we observe that serious platforms request these documents upon registration or before the first significant withdrawal, thereby avoiding subsequent fund freezes.

Reading the Terms and Conditions to avoid fund freezes

Beyond the license, the General Terms and Conditions (ToS) determine the actual security of your winnings. A frequent clause concerns bet limits and bonus rules: ignoring wagering requirements can lead to the cancellation of winnings. Certified casinos also integrate security protocols such as 256-bit SSL to encrypt your personal data when transmitting KYC documents.

It is crucial to verify that the site has a clear privacy policy explaining how your information is used. A lack of transparency regarding data processing or withdrawal conditions is a major red flag, often associated with unregulated operators who do not meet ANJ standards.

Role of the Ministry of the Interior and reporting

If a site refuses verification or appears to operate without a valid license in France, action must be taken. You can report an illegal operator directly to the ANJ, which maintains a blacklist of prohibited sites. The Ministry of the Interior also plays a key role by ordering the administrative blocking of illegal sites with internet service providers, thereby preventing access from French territory. To actively protect themselves, voluntary self-exclusion allows users to block access to all approved sites in France via the national exclusion register.

In case of difficulty or addictive behavior, the National Telephone Support Service for Excessive Gambling (Joueurs Info Service) offers free listening and support. This protective measure is essential, as playing on an offshore site exposes you to a total risk of losing funds with no legal recourse whatsoever.

About this article - Authorship & liability

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino tester & bonus analyst Reviewed by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming compliance analyst Last updated: 2026-08-03.

This article on "how to verify an online casino license step by step" was written by Sarah Weber and reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content to reflect regulatory developments, licenses, and bonus terms. All references to licenses, authorities, or legal frameworks refer to public sources (ANJ (National Gaming Authority), Law of May 12, 2010 on the opening of online gambling).

About the author

8+ years of casino testing, 200+ platforms personally tested in the EU and internationally. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialization: wagering conditions, withdrawal processes, customer support evaluation.

About the reviewer

12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years in compliance consulting for operators licensed under the French ANJ framework. PhD in economic mathematics. Fields: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection mechanisms.

Responsible gaming

Gaming can become addictive. If you feel you are losing control, contact Joueurs Info Service, SOS Joueurs, or use the national self-exclusion register (national exclusion file (FIJ)). Set deposit and loss limits before playing for real money. Breaks and cooldown tools are drivers of lasting enjoyment.

Legal notice

The information in this article is provided for editorial and comparative purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Players remain responsible for complying with local regulations.

FAQ

How to verify an online casino license step by step?

To verify an online casino license, scroll to the bottom of the homepage (footer) and locate the regulatory body's logo along with the license number. Click on this link or copy the number to enter it directly into the issuing authority's public registry, such as the ANJ for France or the Malta Gaming Authority. This cross-check confirms that the operator is properly authorized and adheres to imposed security standards.

Are online casinos authorized in France?

Only operators holding a license issued by the National Games Authority (ANJ) are legal to offer sports betting, poker, and horse racing in France. Traditional casino games like slot machines or roulette remain prohibited on French territory, even if some offshore sites display international licenses. Playing on a site not licensed by the ANJ leaves you without legal protection in case of a dispute.

Where to find the license number of an online casino?

The license number or logo is consistently located in the footer of the casino's website. If this information is missing, hidden, or difficult to access, it is a major red flag indicating a lack of transparency. A reliable operator clearly displays its regulatory status, often accompanied by a clickable link to the regulator's website, such as the UK Gambling Commission or Curacao eGaming.

What are the risks of playing on an unlicensed casino?

On a site without valid certification, you risk losing your funds with no recourse, as no authority supervises the operator's practices. These platforms may also lack security protocols like SSL certificates, exposing your personal and banking data to identity theft. Furthermore, game fairness is not guaranteed by independent audits such as those conducted by eCOGRA.

How to recognize an illegal gambling site?

An illegal site is often characterized by the absence of clear legal notices, a GDPR-compliant privacy policy, or responsive customer service contact details. Be wary of overly generous offers without transparent wagering requirements, and check whether the site uses the HTTPS protocol to secure transactions. The absence of recognized regulatory body logos in the footer is also a reliable indicator of illegality.

Why is KYC verification linked to a casino's reliability?

The KYC ("Know Your Customer") procedure is a legal requirement for licensed operators that allows them to validate your identity before authorizing withdrawals. A reputable casino requests documents such as a government ID or proof of address to prevent fraud and money laundering. If a site allows you to withdraw money without any verification, it likely operates outside a secure regulatory framework.

How to report an illegal gambling site to the ANJ?

If you identify a site offering prohibited games or operating without a license in France, you can report it directly through the ANJ's contact form. The National Games Authority maintains a blacklist of blocked sites and works with internet service providers to restrict their access. Reporting these platforms helps protect the player community from fraudulent operators.