IAGR Launches Global Tool to Verify Online Gambling Licences
United States – 11 November 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has announced the launch of Check Before You Play, a free digital tool that enables consumers to check whether online gambling and betting platforms hold the appropriate licences to operate in their jurisdiction.
The service launched on 9 November 2026, coinciding with the beginning of the inaugural Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, taking place from 9 to 13 November.
Developed in partnership with French regulatory technology company Sharp Vision, the platform aims to strengthen consumer protection, improve access to regulatory information and support efforts to combat illegal gambling operators.
How Check Before You Play Works
The new tool allows consumers to access licensing information through a straightforward process.
Users enter the website address of an online sportsbook or casino at www.checkbeforeyouplay.org.
The system searches available regulatory records and presents licensing information relevant to participating jurisdictions.
Its main features include:
- Licence verification: checking available authorisation records for gambling operators.
- Regulator identification: information about the authorities responsible for supervising gambling activities in each jurisdiction.
- Blocking records: access to information about operators subject to restrictions, where available.
- Data updates: the ability to report information requiring correction or updating.
The service draws on official regulatory records and other verified public sources.
Platform Developed with Sharp Vision
The project was developed through a partnership between IAGR and Sharp Vision, a French company specialising in regulatory technology.
The supplier provides tools enabling gambling authorities to identify potentially unauthorised websites, analyse market information and document suspected violations.
Its technology is already used for regulatory monitoring activities.
With Check Before You Play, some of these capabilities are made available to consumers, allowing them to access licensing information without individually consulting multiple national registers.
The initiative represents a step towards making online gambling regulatory information more accessible.
IAGR Warns of Increasingly Sophisticated Illegal Gambling
Brian Krolicki, President of IAGR, warned that illegal gambling platforms are increasing in number and adopting increasingly sophisticated strategies to attract customers.
According to the association’s representative, many unauthorised websites feature professional designs and characteristics similar to regulated platforms, making them difficult for consumers to distinguish.
Krolicki highlighted that the international nature of the internet requires greater coordination between regulatory authorities.
He also explained that the campaign aims to provide resources enabling consumers to make informed decisions before participating in online gambling activities.
Risks Associated with Unlicensed Gambling Platforms
IAGR identified several risks associated with gambling and betting through unauthorised websites.
The main concerns include:
- Unpaid winnings: limited guarantees that customers will receive their prizes.
- Financial fraud: exposure to fraudulent transactions and potential loss of funds.
- Misuse of personal information: risks involving financial and identity data.
- Insufficient player protection: absence of appropriate responsible gambling safeguards.
- Limited dispute resolution: difficulties pursuing complaints or obtaining compensation.
- Lack of regulatory oversight: platforms operating outside local supervisory frameworks.
The association believes that checking licensing information before gambling can help reduce consumers’ exposure to these risks.
A Licence Does Not Guarantee Authorisation Everywhere
One of the campaign’s central messages is that a gambling platform licensed in one country is not necessarily authorised to operate in another.
Gambling licences are linked to specific jurisdictions, each with its own regulatory requirements and restrictions.
For this reason, IAGR recommends verifying that an operator holds the appropriate authorisation for the territory where the customer is located.
The association also clarified that Check Before You Play does not replace verification with national regulators or independently guarantee the safety of a listed platform.
Its usefulness will depend on participating jurisdictions and the accuracy of available regulatory records.
Statements from IAGR’s CEO
Kevin Mullally, CEO of IAGR, highlighted that consumers frequently associate brand recognition with trustworthiness.
However, he explained that even familiar gambling platforms may lack authorisation to operate in certain jurisdictions.
Mullally also warned that some illegal operators deliberately design websites to resemble established brands.
The executive believes Check Before You Play can help change consumer habits by encouraging licensing checks before opening an account or making a deposit.
Ontario Joins the International Campaign
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) confirmed its participation in the initiative and expressed support for the new tool.
The Canadian regulator highlighted that Ontario’s regulated gambling market operates under standards designed to ensure game integrity, personal information protection and anti-money laundering compliance.
Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar of AGCO, explained that unauthorised operators may appear legitimate without providing the same safeguards as regulated platforms.
The authority believes the campaign will help improve public understanding of the differences between licensed and unregulated operators.
First International Illegal Gambling Awareness Week
The launch forms part of Illegal Gambling Awareness Week 2026, organised by IAGR from 9 to 13 November.
The campaign brings together regulators and organisations from different countries to improve consumer education and strengthen international cooperation.
It also includes awareness videos developed by communications company R&R Partners.
Participating authorities can share information, distribute recommendations and use common resources to highlight the risks associated with unlicensed platforms.
The initiative aims to establish a coordinated international message emphasising the importance of checking gambling licences before placing bets.
Regulatory Cooperation and New Technologies
The project reflects the growing importance of technology-based tools in combating illegal gambling.
While digital platforms can reach consumers across multiple countries, gambling regulators generally have enforcement powers limited to their own jurisdictions.
International cooperation makes it possible to share information about suspicious operators, identify websites subject to restrictions and improve supervisory mechanisms.
IAGR believes combining shared technological resources with local regulatory expertise can strengthen consumer protection.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
The launch of Check Before You Play introduces a new tool designed to improve transparency across the international online gambling market.
For consumers, it provides a free way to check whether gambling platforms hold appropriate authorisations.
For regulators, it facilitates the distribution of information and encourages cooperation against operators active across multiple jurisdictions.
However, its effectiveness will depend on data accuracy, the participation of additional regulatory authorities and the continuous updating of available records.
Through this initiative, IAGR aims to make licence verification a routine step before participating in online gambling, strengthening consumer safety and the integrity of regulated markets.
Editó: @fonta
