I think most of us doesn't care at all, what we look at the casino first is their reputation, if they are popular that means they have a good reputation. However, there are gamblers who are risking serious money, they are just trying to minimize the risk and making sure that once they won, they'll be able to get their money and once the casino tries to scam, they know who scam them as they have license and they can be go after with.
I agree. No one creates a gambling site unless they have the money or a scam. Now, if they are building their reputation through high rollers playing on their website and they've shown a trustworthy effect to everyone who has a connection with them, then I bet it will be an easy task to gain a reputation without the need for proof of money or whatsoever.
The gambling license on the other hand is a good start. Any gambling platform that would want to build a business in this industry would want one first to avoid being questioned in the future. I don't really think it is that hard in this era anymore. With so many gambling sites coming out, I bet they made the requirements easier because this is an industry that is booming. They will make more if they can give out more licenses to many business owners as long as they pass the conditions.