Short answer: yes, 21 Casino is a legitimate UK-licensed online casino. It holds UKGC licence number 39198, which you can verify yourself on the Gambling Commission's public register. The licence is active and in good standing.
The site is run by LeoVegas Gaming PLC — one of the biggest names in European online gambling, and now a subsidiary of MGM Resorts International following a 2022 acquisition. That means 21 Casino sits under the same corporate umbrella as some of the largest casino brands in the world. It's not a fly-by-night operation.
Beyond the licence, there are other trust signals worth noting. PayPal accepts 21 Casino as a payment partner, and PayPal is famously strict about which gambling sites it works with — they require active UKGC licensing. The site is also registered with GAMSTOP, uses SSL encryption, and partners with BeGambleAware and GamCare.
Legitimacy Checklist
UKGC Licence
Licence 39198 — active and verified on the Gambling Commission register
LeoVegas / MGM
Operated by LeoVegas Gaming PLC, owned by MGM Resorts International
GAMSTOP Registered
Participates in the national self-exclusion scheme for UK players
PayPal Approved
PayPal only partners with UKGC-licensed operators — a strong trust signal
SSL Encryption
Full HTTPS encryption on all pages, protecting personal and financial data
IBAS Disputes
Uses IBAS for independent dispute resolution if issues arise
Detailed Overview
| UKGC Licence Number | 39198 (active) |
| Operator | LeoVegas Gaming PLC |
| Parent Company | MGM Resorts International (acquired LeoVegas in 2022) |
| Registered Address | Level 7, Plaza Business Centre, Bisazza Street, Sliema, Malta |
| GAMSTOP | Yes — registered |
| Deposit Protection | Player funds held in segregated accounts per UKGC requirements |
| Dispute Resolution | IBAS (Independent Betting Adjudication Service) |
| Responsible Gambling | Deposit limits, session limits, self-exclusion, BeGambleAware, GamCare |
Pros & Cons
What works
- + Active UKGC licence (39198) — verified on public register
- + Operated by LeoVegas, backed by MGM Resorts
- + PayPal accepted — PayPal won't work with unlicensed sites
- + 1,200+ games from 60+ licensed providers
- + Full responsible gambling tools (deposit/session limits, self-exclusion)
Worth knowing
- − No visible phone support — live chat and email only
- − Owned by a gambling giant, not an independent operator
- − 35x wagering on deposit bonus is average, not exceptional
- − Malta-based — no UK office for in-person queries
21 Casino vs Trust Benchmarks
| Trust Factor | 21 Casino | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| UKGC Licence | Yes — 39198 | Active licence on public register |
| GAMSTOP | Yes — registered | Required for all UKGC licensees |
| PayPal Accepted | Yes | PayPal vets operators before approval |
| Deposit Limits | Yes — daily, weekly, monthly | Mandatory under UKGC rules |
| Self-Exclusion | Yes — site + GAMSTOP | Both on-site and national options |
| SSL Encryption | Yes — HTTPS | Look for padlock in browser bar |
| Dispute Resolution | IBAS | Independent body for complaints |
21 Casino ticks every box on the standard trust checklist. The combination of UKGC licensing, PayPal approval, and GAMSTOP registration puts it in the top tier for UK player protection.
Red Flags We Checked For
We looked for common signs of dodgy or unlicensed casinos. Here's what we found (or didn't find) at 21 Casino:
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No missing licence information
Licence number 39198 is displayed in the footer and matches the UKGC register. Some scam sites show fake numbers or none at all.
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No unrealistic bonus promises
The 121% up to £100 welcome offer is generous but not suspiciously high. Rogue casinos often promise 500%+ to lure deposits.
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No withdrawal complaints pattern
We checked forums and review sites. While no casino is complaint-free, there's no pattern of withheld withdrawals or refused payouts.
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No missing terms and conditions
Bonus terms, wagering requirements, and responsible gambling information are all clearly published. Shady sites hide these or change them after sign-up.
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No unlicensed game providers
Games come from established, licensed studios — NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution, Play'n GO, and 60+ others. No pirated or counterfeit software.
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No GAMSTOP avoidance
21 Casino is fully integrated with GAMSTOP. Non-GAMSTOP casinos are a major red flag for UK players as they operate outside UK regulation.
Who Owns 21 Casino?
LeoVegas Gaming PLC
21 Casino is operated by LeoVegas Gaming PLC, a Malta-based company that also runs LeoVegas Casino, Royal Panda, and several other brands. LeoVegas was founded in 2011 and quickly became one of Europe's most recognised online casino operators.
Registered address: Level 7, Plaza Business Centre, Bisazza Street, Sliema, Malta.
MGM Resorts International
In 2022, MGM Resorts International completed its acquisition of LeoVegas for approximately $604 million. MGM is one of the world's largest casino and hospitality companies, listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
This means 21 Casino is ultimately backed by a publicly traded, multi-billion-dollar company — not a small offshore outfit. That doesn't guarantee a perfect experience, but it does mean real accountability and regulatory oversight.
For a full breakdown of the site, games, and sign-up process, check our about page. If you're wondering about the welcome offer, there's a 121% deposit match up to £100 plus 10 free spins — details on the bonuses page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 21 Casino licensed in the UK?
Who owns 21 Casino?
Is 21 Casino registered with GAMSTOP?
Does 21 Casino accept PayPal?
What should I do if I have a complaint about 21 Casino?
Verified, Licensed, Legit
UKGC licence 39198. Operated by LeoVegas/MGM. PayPal approved. 121% up to £100 + 10 free spins for new players. 18+ only.
18+ | T&Cs Apply | BeGambleAware.org