Best in the test: tips to help you choose a safe online casino
Playing at online casinos is as common as streaming movies these days, and at least as exciting. With a few quick clicks, you get access to thousands of slots, live tables and jackpots right in your pocket. But you should be careful. Unfortunately, for every safe and professional operator, there are also sites that do not have your best interests at heart. And when real money is at stake, it is especially important to know what you are doing.
Especially now, when more and more players are looking for opportunities outside the Swedish license, attracted by bigger bonuses and lower restrictions. A popular alternative is, for example, casinos where you can start with a small bet and still enjoy a high-quality range of games. That is why casinos without a Swedish license offer a minimum deposit of 10 euros. But how do you know which casino is actually safe? What are the signs to look out for – and what are the red flags? That’s what we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve put together our best advice, based on industry experience, real player feedback and an understanding of how the casino industry works behind the scenes. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced player, this article will give you the tools to make smarter decisions when choosing an online casino. Read the secrets to winning big at online casinos in this post.
License – Your First Security Check
A license is the first thing you should look for before you create an account or make a deposit. It’s the license that determines how a casino can operate and, most importantly, how well you, as a player, are protected. A serious gaming license means, among other things, that the casino must adhere to fair play, anti-money laundering, security and responsible gaming regulations.
Play with or without a Swedish license?
Sweden introduced its own licensing system in 2019 through the Swedish Gambling Authority. Casinos that want to target Swedish players must adhere to strict rules, such as regarding bonuses (maximum one bonus per player), mandatory registration with BankID and connection to the national suspension register Spelpaus.
Advantages of Swedish rights:
- Player protection through Spelpaus
- BankID and fast withdrawals through Trustly
- Customer service in Swedish
But there are also disadvantages, including small bonuses (only a welcome bonus is allowed), no loyalty programs, limited game selection on some sites. Therefore, many players turn to casinos without a Swedish license, often registered in the EU, for example through the Malta Gambling Authority (MGA) or Curacao eGaming. These casinos often offer generous bonuses and promotions, including cashback, VIP programs and competitions.
And what about security? Well, many of these licenses, especially the MGA, uphold high standards and require fair play and protection of player money. However, it is important to do your own research and check the casino’s reputation, which brings us to the next point.
Also check: What does the online casino industry look like in different parts of the world?
How to check a license?
Checking a casino’s license is easier than many people think. Here is a quick guide:
- Scroll down to the bottom of the casino’s homepage. Most casinos display their license information at the bottom.
- Look for the license number and logo. For example: “Licensed by the MGA under license number MGA/B2C/123/2020”.
- Click on the license link (if it is clickable). It should take you to the official website of the licensing authority.
- Check the website of the authorized body.
- Go directly to mga.org.mt (Malta) or curacao-egaming.com and look for the casino name or license number.
- Tip: If the information is missing or if the casino seems to be hiding its license, choose another one.
Read reviews and compare casinos
Just looking at the license is not always enough. A casino can have a license but still offer poor service, difficult withdrawals or inconvenient bonus terms. That’s why it’s important to read what others think, compare sites and get the big picture before signing up.
What do other players say?
One of the best ways to find out if a casino is worth your time is to read reviews from real players. These can often be found on casino player forums, in comments on comparison sites and on social media. Look out for recurring issues:
- “Didn’t get my winnings”
- “Poor customer service”
- “Unclear bonus rules”
A few negative reviews are normal, but if the same complaints appear over and over again, it’s a red flag.