You may see the term iGaming operator used often when searching through online casino reviews or the terms and conditions provided by an online casino you are considering signing up for. In this guide, we explain the role of the operator in the world of online gambling.
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iGaming Operators Explained?
An operator is a company that owns and operates an online casino brand. For example, Rootz Limited is the company that operates Wheelz and Wildz online casinos. Therefore, the name of the casino or sports betting platform you play at is often different to the name of the operating company that manages and owns the casino.
As an operator, the company has several roles to ensure its platform attracts players and remains competitive in the jurisdictions it operates. Below, we will discuss some of the most important of them.
1. Licensing Certificate Holder
The operator holds the licensing certificate and not the casino itself. For licensing jurisdiction covered here on Casinoplusbonus, we have a full guide covering how to check online casino licensing. If you find that the operator officially holds the licensing certificate it claims by using our guide, then you can rest assured the casino must abide by the rules of the licensing framework its operator holds.
Staying with the example of Wheelz and Wildz online casinos, Rootz holds the casino licensing for these two iGaming sites. Rootz Limited holds Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and iGaming Ontario (iGO) licensing certificates. Meanwhile, the company uses Wheelz and Wildz as the customer-facing brand names players interact with.
Some online casinos may use multiple operators depending on the jurisdiction(s) the customer-facing casino website(s) operate in. A good example of this we explain via our 888 casino review. 888 UK Limited operates the company’s UK Gambling Commission interests via a UKGC licensing certificate. For its global reach, 888Casino’s operator is Virtual Digital Services Limited, while in Ireland, 888 (Ireland) Limited is the operator, and in Ontario, Canada – VHL Ontario Limited.
| Brief iGaming operator licensing summary: |
|---|
| The operator holds the licensing certificate, not the casino. |
| Casinos must follow the rules of their operator’s licensing framework. |
| A single operator can manage multiple casino brands. |
| Some operators may manage different regions with separate licensing certificates. |
| Different operators can operate the same casino brand across various jurisdictions. |
2. Game Selection and Partnerships
The iGaming operator is responsible for choosing which games to host on their casino website. Choosing games includes partnering with game providers like NetEnt, Games Global, and Pragmatic Play online slot provider and Evolution, OnAir, and other live dealer software providers for the live casino gaming section.
| Summary of Operator Game Selection |
|---|
| Operators choose games to host in their casino(s). |
| The operator forms deals with software providers. |
3. Bonuses & Promotions
Ultimately, it is the operator that decides which bonuses and promotions to offer players. That includes the bonus types to display on its casino platform, for example cashback on your losses, welcome bonus, gamification, VIP loyalty programs and more.
With that being said, an aggregator platform offering a white-label solution can also influence the bonuses and promotions offered by an online casino operator. We will cover aggregators in more detail below.
The operator will also be responsible for deciding the bonus rules, like wagering requirements, the amount of the bonus, and other factors such as bonus expiry. Plus, any software provider promotions like tournaments, leaderboards, races or prize drops are usually down to the operator making deals with game developers.
| Summary of Operator Bonus Selection |
|---|
| Operators choose the bonuses and promotions. |
| The operator decides on the bonus rules. |
| Aggregators can influence bonuses. |
| Operators choose software provider promotions to host. |
4. Payment Processing and Payment Providers
Operators are also responsible for managing payment gateways ensuring secure and efficient deposit and withdrawal processes for players. They must support multiple payment methods and currencies to cater to a global audience or for the jurisdiction the casino is targeting. You can find out more about the various payment options via our casino deposit options page.
| Summary of Operator Payment Management |
|---|
| Operators choose the payment options available. |
| Some chose to accept multiple currencies, including crypto, to target global audiences. |
Different Types of iGaming Operators
There are many different types of operators, but in this guide, we are going to keep things simple by looking at two specific types of operators. In some cases, the company providing the software platform for the casino may not be the operator itself. This distinction is important because the platform provider builds and maintains the website, games, and backend systems. At the same time, the operator is the company that holds the license and handles day-to-day operations.
Operators Using In-House Casino Platforms (Stand Alone)
Some operators use a casino platform built in-house. An in-house team or external IT company supports their technology and forms tech partnerships to offer a user-friendly gaming or sports betting platform online. These operators also create private partnership deals with software providers.
Operators Using Aggregator Platforms (White Label)
Some operators use a third party for their online casino and/or sports betting platform. For example, Slotegrator, SOFTSWISS, and Soft2Bet are well-known aggregator platforms. The aggregator makes deals with the software providers and the operators to supply the aggregator platform.
For more information on this topic, you can read our aggregator versus operator guide.
How Can I Find the Name of An Online Casinos Operator?
There are three ways you can find out who the operator is behind an online casino brand. It is also handy to know exactly how to check an online casino’s operator’s company information. We have a special guide to help you make these checks – how to check iGaming operator information.
1. Casino Reviews
You can check any of our Casinoplusbonus online casino reviews to find the operator of an online casino under the Quick Facts section and more info under the Operators section at the end of all our reviews and just above the FAQs.
2. Casino Footer
In the footer of online casinos with valid licensing, you can usually see who the operator is. If the information is not available here, your alternative is to check to see if we have reviewed the casino brand or check the platform’s terms and conditions.
3. Casino Terms and Conditions
In the first part of the terms and conditions of almost all reputable online casinos, the agreement between you and the operator will begin by stating the name of the operator. As the operator creates the terms and conditions under the laws of the licensing jurisdiction it operates under, legally binding rules must include the name of the company delivering online gambling services to you.
Always Double Check Who The Casino Operator Is
Now that you understand what an iGaming operator does, the next step is to make sure you choose an online casino managed by a well-known and trustworthy operator. Before you sign up for an online casino, check who the casino operator is. Also, set yourself some rules if you have time.
For example, here are some questions you can ask yourself and see if you can get positive answers:
- Is the operator highly rated across multiple online casino review websites?
- Has the operator had consistent negative player reviews about not paying players?
- Does the operator manage multiple brands? Do all these brands generally have positive feedback on sites like Trustpilot and other online gambling sites that review casinos?
If the answers you find to these questions are primarily positive, then there is a good chance the operator is in good financial standing and popular within the jurisdiction you are playing from.
FAQ
What is a sports book operator?
The operator of a sportsbook is the company behind the sports betting site you sign up for. You will find that some sites offer both casino games and a sports book. The same operator can manage both.
If the casino does not show iGaming operator information, what should I do?
Our advice would be to find another casino platform. If the casino does not show the operator information, it likely doesn’t show any licensing information either. As we only recommend playing on iGaming or sports betting platforms with valid licensing, we advise avoiding those that lack proper information.
Why is it important to know who the iGaming operator is?
Knowing the operator helps you verify that the casino or sportsbook is legally regulated, ensuring player protection and a fair gaming experience. It also helps identify potential issues such as untrustworthy operators or consistent negative player feedback.
How can I check if an iGaming operator is trustworthy?
Look for operator reviews across multiple trusted sources like online casino review sites, forums, and feedback platforms like Trustpilot. Positive reviews across various brands managed by the same operator often indicate a reliable and reputable operator.
What if I find conflicting information about a casino’s operator?
If there is confusion or conflicting details about a casino’s operator, it’s best to look for another online casino. Always make sure your priority is to only join casinos or sportsbooks online with clear, verifiable information regarding their operator and the licensing system the platform operates under.
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