Key takeaways
- No UK licence.
- 'Not on GAMSTOP'.
- A licence number that does not match the address.
- Offers beyond UK rules.
Six signs
More warning signs
The quick version
| Red flag | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Not on the public register | Unlicensed |
| 'Not on GAMSTOP' | Unlicensed |
| Wagering above 10x | Unlicensed or out of date |
| Credit cards accepted | Unlicensed |
| Slot stakes above £5 | Unlicensed |
| A fee to withdraw winnings | Fraud |
Go further: Trusted live blackjack sites UK, Trusted low deposit bonuses UK and Blue Star Planet Limited.
If you have already deposited
Stop depositing. Try to withdraw whatever balance you have, and do not send more money or further documents to 'release' it: that is a common second stage of the same problem. Contact your bank promptly; for card payments a chargeback may be possible, though it is not certain. Change any password you reused. If the site was unlicensed there is no British dispute service to turn to, which is the practical cost of playing outside the licence.
How to check any casino in two minutes
Scroll to the foot of the casino's site and find the operator's company name and Gambling Commission account number. Search either on the Commission's public register. Confirm that the licence is active, that it covers remote casino, and that the website you are on appears in the list of domain names. If any step fails, leave. The same check works for every casino site, slot site, betting site and bingo site in Britain, and it is the one thing no review can do for you.
Why this matters for trust
Trust in a casino is not a feeling; it is a set of things that can be checked. A licence makes the operator answerable to a regulator. Segregated funds, tested games, a named dispute service and safer gambling tools are conditions of that licence. Knowing how each works lets you tell a casino that is meeting them from one that merely says so, and lets you act quickly when something goes wrong.
Licences were confirmed on the Gambling Commission register; regulatory actions were checked against Commission announcements on 8 October 2026; offer terms on 5 October 2026. Items labelled "reported" come from independent reviews, and items labelled "not checked" we have not confirmed. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
What are the warning signs of a bad casino?
No licence, no GAMSTOP, impossible bonuses, withdrawal fees.
Is one sign enough?
Yes.
How do I check quickly?
Use the trust checker.
What if I deposited at an unlicensed casino?
Stop, try to withdraw, pay no fees and speak to your bank.
How do I check if an online casino is legit?
Find the operator in the footer and confirm it on the Gambling Commission's public register.
Why does this matter when choosing a casino?
Because trust rests on things you can check.