Computing.net reviews and compares online casinos, crypto casinos and sportsbooks. This page explains how online gambling is regulated, how we choose the operators we feature, the risks involved, and where to get help if gambling stops being fun. Gambling content on Computing.net is for adults aged 18 and over only.

What we do — and don't do

Computing.net is an independent publisher and affiliate website. We research, test and compare gambling operators so you can make an informed choice. We do not run gambling services, offer games, accept bets or handle your money, and we cannot help with disputes over an operator's decisions — those must be raised with the operator and, if necessary, its licensing authority.

How online gambling is licensed

Legitimate operators hold a licence from a gambling regulator. A licence generally requires the operator to:

  • use independently tested games with fair, random outcomes;
  • verify customers' age and, in many jurisdictions, identity;
  • follow anti-money-laundering rules;
  • offer responsible-gambling tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion;
  • protect customer funds and personal data;
  • provide a way to complain and resolve disputes.

Regulators include the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner, the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, the Swedish and Danish gambling authorities, US state regulators such as the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, and Ontario's AGCO in Canada.

Standards vary a great deal between regulators. Many crypto casinos are licensed in jurisdictions such as Curaçao or Anjouan, which generally offer players fewer protections and weaker dispute resolution than regulators like the UK Gambling Commission. Our reviews always state which licence an operator holds, so you can decide for yourself.

How we choose and review operators

We only feature operators that hold a gambling licence in at least one jurisdiction. When we review an operator we look at:

  • licensing and regulatory reputation;
  • game fairness and testing;
  • bonus value and, crucially, the terms — wagering requirements, time limits and maximum wins;
  • deposit and withdrawal methods, speed and limits;
  • customer support;
  • responsible-gambling tools;
  • which countries are accepted.

Our ratings are explained in our editorial policy. We may earn a commission when you sign up through our links; this never affects our ratings or rankings — see our affiliate policy.

Check the law where you live

Gambling laws differ between countries and, in places like the US, between states. An operator featured on Computing.net may not be licensed or legal where you live, and many operators block players from restricted countries. Before you sign up or deposit, check that online gambling is legal for you and that the operator is permitted to accept customers from your country. Never use a VPN or false details to get around restrictions — operators can refuse to pay out and close your account.

Crypto casinos: what to know

  • Prices move. The value of your crypto balance can rise or fall while it sits in your account, independently of your wins and losses.
  • Transactions are final. Crypto payments can't be reversed, so double-check addresses and networks.
  • “No KYC” has limits. Operators that don't verify identity at sign-up may still ask for documents before a large withdrawal.
  • Protections vary. Check the licence and the operator's complaints process before you deposit.

Play safely

Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money — over time, the house always has an edge. To stay in control:

  • set a budget before you start, and only gamble with money you can afford to lose;
  • use deposit, loss and time limits — licensed operators must provide them;
  • never chase losses;
  • don't gamble when you're stressed, low, or have been drinking;
  • take regular breaks, and balance gambling with other activities;
  • read bonus terms in full before accepting an offer.

Warning signs

Gambling may be becoming a problem if you:

  • spend more money or time than you intended;
  • borrow money, or use money meant for bills, to gamble;
  • hide your gambling from people close to you;
  • chase losses or feel you need to win back what you've lost;
  • feel anxious, irritable or low when you're not gambling;
  • gamble to escape problems or difficult feelings.

If any of these sound familiar, it's worth talking to someone. Help is free and confidential.

Where to get help

You can also block gambling sites and payments with tools such as Gamban or BetBlocker, and many banks let you block gambling transactions on your card.

Protecting children

Gambling is for adults only. If children use your devices, use parental-control software and never share your gambling account details.

Questions or concerns

If you have a question about our gambling content, or concerns about an operator we feature, email hello@kooc.co.uk.