A shiny welcome offer is easy to notice. The less exciting details matter more: who runs the site, what you are paying for, and how you get your money out. Use this checklist before putting in even €1. If a key answer is missing, you can leave.
1. Check who runs the site
Find the operator’s legal name, licence number, contact details and complaints information. Then check the licence against the official register for the place where you live. A badge or logo in a footer is not proof by itself. Rules, permitted products and minimum ages differ by location; do not assume a licence from one country covers another.
For a concrete example, Great Britain’s Gambling Commission checklist says to compare a site’s licence details and domain with its public register. That is UK guidance, not a worldwide rule.
2. Know what the bet actually is
Open the game rules and paytable. Look for the minimum stake, the possible payouts, and any feature or side bet that costs extra. For a sports bet, check the exact market and how a result is settled. If you cannot explain what would make a €5 bet win or lose, pause before placing it.
3. Read the money rules before paying
- What are the minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts?
- Are there payment fees, currency-conversion charges or withdrawal limits?
- What identity documents might be needed, and when are checks done?
- What happens to money left in the account if the operator fails?
Keep a record of the answers. We explain the process in Deposits, Withdrawals and ID Checks Explained. The UK regulator also has a guide to customer-fund protection; protections elsewhere may be different.
4. Treat a bonus as a set of conditions
“Free” can still come with wagering requirements, eligible-game rules, maximum stakes, expiry dates or withdrawal conditions. Read the offer terms before accepting it, not after you have played. Our bonus-terms guide translates the common wording.
5. Decide your stopping point first
Choose an amount and a time limit you can afford to lose without affecting bills or plans. Check whether the operator offers limits or breaks. If you find yourself trying to win back losses, stop and use the support options on our Safer Gambling page. Gambling is not a way to make income.
Bottom line: No licence you can verify, unclear withdrawal terms, or rules you cannot understand? Do not deposit. This site is educational, not a gambling operator. Adults only, where legal.