Choosing a betting platform that is licensed provides users with added levels of protection, amongst several other key benefits. Licensed betting platforms are required to meet strict standards set out by the regulating authority, both when they are assessed to be granted an initial license and to renew their licenses in future.
Benefits of Using a Licensed Betting Platform
Some of the main regulatory requirements include meeting high security standards to protect players and their money while using the platform, and another important licensing requirement is being able to prove that games are fair, so players are not using games that are rigged.
There are lots of additional reasons why it is better to use a licensed gambling platform, including that if any disputes should arise, there will usually be a formal complaints escalation process. This means that any complaint will be handled within a set timeframe and there will be an option to refer your complaint to the board that issued the license if you are not satisfied with the platform’s handling of your complaint.
How to Check License Details of a Betting Platform
Before registering with a new betting platform, there are a few simple steps you can follow to verify that the platform is licensed in South Africa:
1. Check the Website for License Details
Most licensed betting platforms will clearly display their license details on their website. This could be through a link in the footer or there may be a dedicated page from the main navigation menu that links to licensing details. If you cannot easily locate the licensing details on the platform’s website, this could be an indication that they do not have a license.
At this betgames site, there is a full section in the footer of all website pages for ‘License Info’ and within this section you will see the link to the gambling license. When you click on the link, a copy of the license is displayed, showing the license number, the board that has issued the license (Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board), the date of issue and the expiry date.
Even if a license is displayed, it is still advisable to check the details against the official records from the National Gambling Board or provincial gambling board to check the license is authentic and still valid.
2. Check on the Verified Operator’s List
Another way to find out if an operator has been issued with a license is to check the National Gambling Board’s list of verified gambling operators. From the ngb.org.za website you can select the Verified Operators link from the menu and the full list of licensed operators will be displayed.
You can use the search bar to enter the name of the platform and you should be able to see the type of license it has, which should be ‘bookmaker’, the address of the company, the license number and the province.
3. Look Up the Details on the Provincial Gambling Board
Licensed South African operators will be listed under their provincial gambling board, such as Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, Eastern Cape Gambling, Gauteng Gambling Board etc.
For example, when checking the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, there is a section with all the license holders listed. If you cannot find the betting operator on a list for the provincial gambling board that they come under, it could be that they do not have a license and you should be vigilant about using the site.
What Else to Check?
Once you have verified that the platform has a valid license in South Africa, there are a few other details that you can check to provide additional peace of mind that you are selecting a reputable and trusted operator:
- Terms and conditions – The terms and conditions should be clearly displayed to provide important information around terms for claiming bonuses, withdrawal and deposit processes and the complaints process, and there should also be a privacy policy.
- Responsible gambling information – Licensed operators are required to support players with responsible gambling resources and tools. If you cannot see any information regarding what the operator provides in terms of responsible gambling support, this could be a warning sign.
- Online reviews – You can check independent review sites for casinos and bookmakers to read reviews from players who have used the platform. These reviews should help identify if there are any customer service issues, or other concerns about the operator and its processes.
- Secure payments – Check which payment options the operator provides to see if they have secure payment gateways.
When using a betting platform in South Africa, verifying the license will ensure you have additional protections and are more likely to enjoy a hassle-free gambling experience.
