Online gambling has evolved dramatically over the past decade. With a surge in operators and platforms, players have more choices than ever before. Among the many trends in the industry, casino sister sites have gained massive traction. But many users often wonder — is it actually legal to use more than one of them?
If you’ve ever played at an online casino and stumbled across another site that looks strikingly similar — from branding to promotions — chances are you’ve found a sister site. Let’s take a deep dive into the concept of casino sister sites, their legality, and what players should be aware of.
Understanding Casino Sister Sites
Before addressing the legality, it’s important to understand what casino sister sites actually are. In simple terms, sister sites are multiple online casino brands owned and operated by the same parent company. These operators often hold a single license from a gambling authority (like the UK Gambling Commission) and use it to run several casino platforms under different brand names.
This approach allows companies to diversify their brand offerings — one site might focus on slots while another emphasizes sports betting or live casino games. Despite the different branding, the terms and conditions, payment methods, software providers, and even customer service policies are often identical or very similar across sister sites.
Why Players Use Multiple Sister Sites
There are several practical reasons players might want to register with more than one sister site:
-
Access to multiple bonuses: Each sister site typically offers its own welcome bonus. This means a savvy player can potentially benefit from promotions across several platforms.
-
Variety of games: While there may be overlap, some sister sites tailor their game offerings to appeal to specific niches.
-
Better user experience: One site might be more user-friendly or have faster withdrawals.
From the player’s point of view, using multiple sister sites can enhance their gaming experience and give them a broader view of what the operator has to offer.
So, Is It Legal?
Here’s the straightforward answer: Yes, it is legal to use multiple casino sister sites, provided each of the sites is licensed in your jurisdiction and you meet the legal gambling age requirement.
In countries like the UK, where online gambling is heavily regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), all sister sites operated under a license must adhere to strict regulatory standards. This means they are all equally subject to rules around fairness, anti-money laundering, and responsible gambling.
However, there are some caveats players should keep in mind:
1. Abuse of Bonuses
While it’s legal to register on multiple sister sites and claim their respective bonuses, deliberately trying to exploit bonus systems (commonly known as bonus abuse) can lead to your account being closed. Casinos have systems in place to detect suspicious behavior, especially when it comes from the same IP address or personal details being used on multiple sites.
If you’re using multiple sites with the intent to repeatedly cash out bonuses without genuine play, that’s a violation of most terms and could get you banned from all sites operated by the same group.
2. Verification Across Sites
Even though sister sites are operated by the same company, players must often go through Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures separately on each site. This is a legal requirement, not just a formality. If your details don’t match or if you try to manipulate the process, your account may be flagged.
3. Responsible Gambling Concerns
One of the biggest issues with using multiple casino sister sites is the potential impact on responsible gambling habits. A single operator may not be able to track your gambling activity across their various platforms in real time.
If you self-exclude on one site, that exclusion should extend to all sister sites under the same license. However, technical limitations and delays in implementation can sometimes allow access to other platforms before the exclusion takes effect. This is a concern regulators are actively working to address.
Industry Regulations and Player Protections
In jurisdictions like the UK, licensing authorities like the UKGC take a close interest in how casino sister sites operate. Regulations require that if a player self-excludes from one brand, the operator must apply that exclusion across all of its brands.
Operators who fail to uphold this duty face steep penalties, including suspension or revocation of their gambling license. From a legal standpoint, players are protected when using multiple sister sites — but it’s crucial they are dealing with licensed and reputable operators.
If you’re unsure whether a casino is part of a group, it’s worth checking the footer of their homepage or visiting the UKGC public register. Many sites also list their sister brands openly for transparency.
Real-World Example: The Entain Group
Let’s take Entain (formerly GVC Holdings) as an example. They operate a number of well-known casino brands including PartyCasino, bwin, and Ladbrokes. All these are considered sister sites under the Entain umbrella.
As a player, you’re completely within your rights to register and play at each of these casinos, even simultaneously. But if you self-exclude from one, expect to lose access to the others — a measure designed to promote responsible play.
Smarter Play: Tips for Using Multiple Casino Sister Sites
While legality is clear, the smarter question is — how can players use multiple sites responsibly and safely?
Start by keeping a clear record of where you’ve registered and what bonuses you’ve claimed. Read the terms and conditions carefully before opting into any promotion. It’s easy to assume that all offers are the same across sister sites, but slight differences in wagering requirements or withdrawal limits can affect your strategy.
If you’re struggling with gambling control, tools like GamStop or software like Gamban can help restrict access across multiple platforms, including sister sites.
Ultimately, being honest and transparent with your own gambling behavior is the key to safe and enjoyable play.
Final Thoughts
To answer the central question — yes, it is legal to use multiple casino sister sites. These platforms are simply different faces of the same operator, and as long as each one is licensed and you follow their terms, you’re in the clear.
However, legality doesn’t equate to immunity from consequences. Misuse of promotions, evasion of self-exclusion, or attempts to game the system can lead to bans and blacklisting. Like with any form of gambling, the goal should always be enjoyment with a sense of control.
Understanding how casino sister sites work and approaching them responsibly can offer players a richer and more varied online experience — without stepping into grey areas of legality or ethics.