Check an online casino licence
Find the legal operator name and licence details in the casino's footer. Then visit the regulator independently and search its public register. Compare the company name, licence status and website address rather than relying on a licence image pasted onto a page.
For Great Britain, use the Gambling Commission's register of gambling businesses. A register entry is a useful check, not a promise of good service or a guarantee against losing money. For other markets, check the authority responsible for online gambling where you live.
Find the rules for a game or bonus
The game's own help screen is the best place to confirm the paytable, total bet, return to player and feature rules for that version. Our classic game reviews explain older titles, but modern releases may use different rules or settings.
For promotions, save the terms available when you accept an offer. Check what the wagering requirement applies to, which games contribute and when the promotion expires. A comparison page can introduce an offer; only the current terms explain the conditions attached to it.
Understand identity checks and payments
Read the account verification and withdrawal policies before depositing. In Great Britain, licensed online gambling businesses must verify your age and identity before you gamble. The Gambling Commission's explanation of ID checks sets out why these checks happen.
Later checks can still be required, and payment processing has several stages. Ask the operator which stage a delayed withdrawal has reached and what information is missing. Use its official secure upload service for documents, not a link supplied by a stranger in a message.
Keep a clear record if something goes wrong
Save the date, transaction reference, relevant terms and support replies. Explain the problem in a short timeline and say what outcome you are asking for. Remove account numbers and personal details before sharing an experience publicly.
Start with the casino's formal complaints procedure. If the dispute remains unresolved, check the escalation route that applies to its licence. The Gambling Commission's complaints guide explains the process for its market; the Commission does not decide individual gambling transaction disputes.
Get confidential gambling support
If gambling is causing stress, money problems or arguments, independent help is available. You can ask for advice even if you are unsure whether the problem is serious. Support can also be useful if someone else's gambling is affecting you.
GamCare provides gambling support in Great Britain, including the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Visit its website for current contact options and support information. Outside Great Britain, look for a recognised gambling-support service in your country.
Take a break with self-exclusion tools
GAMSTOP Online is a free self-exclusion service covering online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. Check the service's current coverage and registration terms. It is not a worldwide block on every gambling website.
Other useful steps include asking your bank about gambling-payment blocks, using device-blocking software and turning off gambling marketing. These tools can work together, but none replaces personal support when you need it. Do not look for alternative sites to get around a block you have chosen.
Use casino guides with realistic expectations
Our casino tips explain budgets and common game terms. The casino review guide covers operator checks, while player experiences explains how to judge other people's feedback.
Some links on this site may earn an affiliate commission. That does not change a game's odds or make an offer suitable for everyone. Compare the facts, check local eligibility and remember that choosing not to gamble is always an option.