Currently, there are nearly fifty different licensing jurisdictions the world over. However, only a handful of these jurisdictions actually regulate online casinos. The vast majority regulate niche gambling industries, so to speak. For example, in the U.S. where online casino regulating is not endorsed by the Federal government, internet wagering on horse races is permitted in a handful of of U.S. States (under State laws).

It is also important to understand that just because an online casino is licensed by an online gambling jurisdiction, does not mean it is regulated. A prime example is Costa Rica, where over 200 online betting operations are licensed to do business. The only catch is that Costa Rica does not have any legislation in place that imposes regulations, monitoring and testing of online casino operations. Their license condition simply requires that operators be physically based out of Costa Rica, and that they do not accept wagers from Costa Rica residents. Since these operators are self-regulated, consider it a "gamble at your own risk" scenario. But to be fair, there have been some internet betting sites to come out of Costa Rica who have managed to prove themselves reliable and fair over the years.

As for those jurisdictions which actually license and regulate online casinos, the one's you need only concern yourself with are United Kingdom, Gibraltar, Netherlands Antilles (Curacao), Kahnawake, Antigua and Barbuda, Alderney and Isle of Man. Each of these jurisdictions is internationally recognized, and altogether regulate some 1,000+ online wagering operations. That said, on our Online Casino Reviews page, you will only find sites regulated in one of these eight premier jurisdictions. Stay away from online casinos that claim to be regulated elsewhere without first undertaking extensive research, checking blacklists and/or contacting us for verification.

Kahnawke - The Kahnawake Gaming Commission has been regulating online casinos and betting sites since the dawn of online gambling (1996). Based in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake (Canada), the Commission now licenses over 270 sites. Visit Kahnawake Gaming Commission.

Curacao (Netherlands Antilles) - Part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, Curacao is an island in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela. Central to the island's economy, the Curacao Gaming Control Board licenses over 250 online gambling websites.

Malta - Known for their strict regulations, the Lotteries and Gaming Authority of Malta now licenses over 275 online betting sites under the 2000 Public Lotto Ordinance. Malta is an EU member State and is located in the Mediterranean Sea.

Gibraltar - The British overseas territory of Gibraltar is another veteran in the online gambling regulatory landscape. Licensing online casinos since 1998, Gibraltar now licenses over 170 sites under the 2005 Gambling Ordinance.

United Kingdom - Leading the way in gambling reformation is the UK, where the 2005 Gambling Act now regulates brick 'n mortar and online casinos, already totaling over 100.

Antigua and Barbuda - At one time the licensing jurisdiction of choice for hundreds of online casinos,(pre-UIGEA), Antigua's Financial Services Regulatory Commission Division of Gaming now  regulates 100+ online betting sites.

Alderney - Whitelisted by the UK Gambling Commission, Alderney's Gambling Control Commission was formed in 2000, and now regulates over 60 sites under gaming legislation updated in 2006.

Isle of Man - Under the Electronic Transactions Act of 2000 and Online Gambling Regulation Act of 2001, The Isle of Man regulates a small handful (and growing) number of online betting sites.

Costa Rica - As mentioned, Costa Rica does not regulate online casinos per say, but does license over 200 online gaming companies to operate from within the country. Players are advised to gamble at Costa Rica licensed online casinos with extreme discretion. While there are some sites with excellent reputations, there are other operations that should not be trusted to self-regulate.