In the fast-moving world of online betting, trust is worth more than any jackpot. One of the most important ways to ensure you’re dealing with a safe and fair bookmaker, like 22Bet, is to check its license. But not all licenses are equal, and not all are easy to verify. Knowing how to read between the lines can protect your bankroll and your personal information.
What Is a Bookmaker License?
A Seal of Approval from the Regulators
A bookmaker license is an official authorization issued by a gambling regulatory authority. It proves that the operator has met certain legal and ethical standards before being allowed to accept bets. These standards usually cover:
- Fairness of games and betting systems
- Transparency of rules and payouts
- Protection of player funds
- Responsible gambling measures
Without a valid license, a bookmaker is essentially operating outside the law — and you’ll have very little protection if something goes wrong.
The Most Respected Licensing Authorities
Trusted Names in the Industry
There are regulators with a reputation for strict supervision and frequent audits, and others with a weaker reputation. It is safer to select bookmakers of reputable authorities.
The best known licensing organizations are:
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – Very well regarded, demanding on player protection and money laundering loopholes.
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – Well-regarded by foreign operators due to fairness checks.
- Gibraltar Regulatory Authority – Preferred across big-name European bookmakers.
- Kahnawake Gaming Commission (Canada) – This was one of the oldest bookmakers in North America, with years of trust.
- Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission – This commission is renowned for its strict financial audits.
Permits issued by them are not just a piece of paper, but can be taken as an indicator that the business of the bookmaker is followed at all times.
How to Check a Bookmaker’s License
Step-by-Step Verification
Checking a license is easier than you might think — and should be one of the first things you do before signing up.
Here’s how:
- Look at the bookmaker’s website footer – The license number and issuing body are usually listed here.
- Visit the regulator’s official site – Most have a public database where you can search by company name or license number.
- Check for matching details – Make sure the company name, address, and license number match what’s on the bookmaker’s site.
- Review the license status – Some licenses can be suspended or expired; ensure it’s marked as active.
If you can’t find the license details at all, treat that as a warning sign.
Common Red Flags in Licensing
Even if a bookmaker lists a license, it doesn’t automatically mean they’re trustworthy. Watch out for:
- Licenses from unknown or unregulated jurisdictions with no player protection.
- Outdated or inactive licenses.
- License numbers that don’t match official records.
- Multiple brand names linked to one questionable license.
A little bit of research now can save you from a major headache later.
Why Licensing Matters for Bettors
Your Safety Net in a Dispute
A proper license doesn’t just guarantee fairness; it gives you a place to turn if there’s a problem. Regulators can:
- Investigate complaints
- Force bookmakers to pay out winnings
- Impose fines or revoke licenses for misconduct
With this safety net, you are not only gambling with your bets, you are gambling with your trust and your money.
Final Thoughts
Not the most exciting aspect of online betting, but one of the most critical, is licensing. Make sure you have scrolled down and have checked the license before you are struck by eye-catching advertising or large odds ratios.
The bottom line is simply that a bookmaker license is a bit like the foundation of a house; you may not be aware of it when everything is going smoothly, but when it comes to trouble, it will be a major relief to have built it on something stout.