Have you ever heard about 1xbit? I think 1xbit fulfill your criteria (especially about license) to be trusted sportbook, but what is the fact? They are not trusted at all.
Indeed. A casino that has a license doesnt necessarily mean they're trusted ( just like what you have said about 1xbit). Thus a license should not only the basis to say a sportsbook/casino is trusted.
A license may be one of the good points that a gambling platform should have. remember, this is only
one of .....But, as you all said that it doesn't guarantee a gambling platform is legit, gain great trust and reputation. Commonly, times will tell if the gambling platform is legit or not. Moreover, if there are several cases and the users can prove the evidence strongly that a certain gambling platform has scammed them, this will decrease the reputation. And once the platform cannot solve the accusation with also proves, it will have a bad reputation. This will not be good for the platform. Moreover, if they are exactly scam platforms, leave it.