How Do I Check a Betting Licence?
Find the licence number and regulator name, usually in the site's footer. Then confirm with the regulator in your country that the operator is licensed. If you cannot confirm it, do not deposit.
Licence check example: Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates
This is an illustration of checking a site before you bet. It is not about picking a winner.
Sipho in South Africa wants to stake (bet) R20 on Kaizer Chiefs to win at 2.40 (example odds). A new site offers a big bonus.
| Step | What Sipho does | What he finds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scrolls to the site footer | A licence logo, but no licence number |
| 2 | Looks for the regulator name | None shown |
| 3 | Searches the NGB Verified Operators list | The site is not listed |
| 4 | Decides | He does not deposit |
He then uses a site that is on the list. If the match ends 2–1 to Kaizer Chiefs, the return is R20 × 2.40 = R48. If Orlando Pirates win or it is a draw, he loses the R20. Use the payout calculator to check returns.
Why does a betting licence matter?
A licence means a regulator allows the operator to take bets, and it must follow rules. Without one, you have little protection.
Unlicensed sites may not pay your winnings. They may close your account without reason. And there is no official complaint route if something goes wrong.
What should I look for on a bookmaker's site?
Look for two things, usually in the footer (the bottom of the page).
- A licence number. This is the operator's official reference.
- The regulator's name. This is the body that issued the licence.
The regulator should match the country, or the state, where you live. A licence from another country does not make a site legal where you are.
How do I check with the regulator in my country?
Confirm the licence with the regulator that covers where you live. The table lists the main regulators.
| Country | Regulator to check |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | Your state's regulator (Lagos: Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, LSLGA). Abuja: FCT Lottery Regulatory Office. |
| Kenya | Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA). It took over from the BCLB on 28 February 2026. |
| Ghana | Gaming Commission of Ghana, under the Gaming Act 2006. |
| South Africa | The nine provincial licensing authorities. The National Gambling Board's Verified Operators portal lists licensed operators. |
| Uganda | National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB). |
| Tanzania | Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT). |
In South Africa, the National Gambling Board (NGB) launched its Verified Operators portal in April 2026. Only operators listed there are legally authorised. The link is in the Sources section below.
In Nigeria, each state licenses betting. Read is betting legal in Nigeria for details.
What are the red flags?
Some signs suggest a site may not be licensed. Be careful if you see any of these.
- No licence number anywhere on the site.
- No regulator name, or a regulator from a different country.
- A licence logo that does not link to any details.
- Offers of "sure" wins or sold "fixed" matches. See fixed match.
- Pressure to deposit fast to claim a bonus.
- Only chat or social media contact, with no company details.
What should I do if a site is unlicensed?
Stop depositing money straight away. Try to withdraw any balance you have.
Do not share more personal or bank details with the site. Move to an operator licensed in your country. You can also tell your country's regulator about the site.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; check your regulator's current guidance.
Common mistakes
- Trusting a licence logo without checking the regulator.
- Accepting a licence from another country as enough.
- Choosing a site because of a big bonus.
- Checking the licence only after a withdrawal problem.
- Assuming a site that advertises a lot must be licensed.
FAQ
Where is the licence shown on a betting site?
Usually in the footer at the bottom of the page. Look for a licence number and the name of the regulator.
Is a licence logo enough proof?
No. Anyone can copy a logo. Confirm the operator with the regulator in your country.
How do I check a bookmaker in South Africa?
Use the National Gambling Board's Verified Operators portal, launched in April 2026. Only operators listed there are legally authorised.
What if my bookmaker is not licensed?
Stop depositing. Withdraw what you can, and move to an operator licensed in your country.
Related guides
- Is betting legal in Nigeria?
- Betting tax in Kenya 2026
- What is a fixed match?
- Where to get help with gambling
- Is Online Betting Legal in South Africa
Sources
- National Gambling Board: Verified Operators portal
- National Gambling Board: Media release on Verified Operators
- FocusGN: Kenya's new GRA seeks bigger role in betting revenues handled by tax authority
- FocusGN: Ghana maintains licensing framework for gambling sector as 2026 progresses
- SoftSwiss: Gambling regulation map, Nigeria