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How to Get a Gaming Licence for Your Online Casino
Getting a gaming licence is an essential factor in starting a standalone online casino. Besides improving a casino’s reputation and contributing to player trust, the licence is otherwise required to process players’ deposit and withdrawal transactions, as well as to work with many of the software and game content providers.
Why Online Casinos Need a Gaming Licence
If you are planning to launch an online iGaming business, it is necessary to get an online gaming licence for your casino or sports betting site. A gambling licence is a prerequisite to working legally and without complications. Here is what you need it for:
Opening bank and merchant accounts
Working with electronic payment system providers
Access to gaming content from reliable game providers
White-hat marketing and responsible gambling practices
Increased player loyalty and trust
The first step in getting an online gaming licence starts with selecting the right gambling jurisdiction. This is because each jurisdiction offers unique requirements for the casino operator, the software they use, licence application processing time, and licensing costs.
Understanding the Types of Gambling Licences
Every country has unique rules and regulations governing online gambling and betting. Understanding these regulations is key to determining the kind of betting licence you will need to obtain to provide online casino or sports betting services in a specific country. Gambling licensing can be divided into two broad categories:
National licences – specific to a country, permitting local operations, and
International licences, or offshore gambling licences, cater to multiple markets
It is vital to understand that a licence is a must for running a legal online gambling business. This can enhance your brand's credibility and ensures financial stability for both you and your players. Also, remember that many users base their decision to engage with an iGaming site on the credibility of its licence. Without the proper licensing, an iGaming business risks losing user trust and, consequently, failing.
While national licences let operators focus on one specific country, there are multiple international options available where you can licence your online gambling business. For best results, consider an all-in-one casino platform solution with the expertise to support operators in obtaining international licences that cater to a variety of markets.
For operators already with their own licence – for example, from Curaçao – a standalone turnkey casino solution can be ideal for full operational control in other jurisdictions. It’s worth pointing out however, that each jurisdiction has its own policies and regulations. In this next section, we’ll have a closer look at what we consider to be the best offshore betting licence options.
Curaçao Gambling Licence
The Curaçao licence is extremely popular with operators of online casinos, all due to its low costs and opportunity to conduct business across a wide geography. Seasoned players from the world of gambling are quite familiar with the Curaçao gambling licence, acquiring this licence will usually help to increase player trust and loyalty.
The Curaçao gambling licence has long been one of the most popular choices in the iGaming industry. On the plus side, it is internationally recognised and approved in many countries. It has been trusted for decades, offers advanced infrastructure and technical support, and comes as a single licence covering all categories of gambling.
On the downside, in 2024, Curaçao introduced a new law called the LOK, the National Ordinance on Games of Chance. This law replaced the old master and sub-licence model and established a modern regulatory system.
Under this law, operators must meet stricter fair play requirements, undergo regular audits, and follow enhanced player protection rules. This includes responsible gambling policies, proper customer care, and clear complaint handling.
The law also introduced strong measures against money laundering and terrorist financing, bringing Curaçao in line with international compliance standards.
Another important change is the requirement for a real economic presence in Curaçao. Each operator must maintain a physical office and employ local staff. At least one key employee must be a Curaçao resident during the early years, with that number rising over time.
Malta Gambling Licence
The Malta Gaming Authority licence used to be regarded as the gold standard in iGaming. It gave operators access to European markets and was trusted for its strict rules on fairness, transparency, and the protection of player funds. Regular audits and compliance checks added to its strong reputation.
Today, the MGA licence is still recognised and respected, but its status has shifted. The process of getting licensed is costly and time-consuming, with heavy compliance demands. Operators must meet strict anti-money laundering and responsible gambling requirements, while also covering high application and maintenance fees. And outside the European Union, the licence no longer guarantees automatic market access.
So while the MGA licence remains a mark of credibility, it is now seen more as a demanding and expensive badge of compliance than the unrivalled benchmark it once was.
Kahnawake Gambling Licence
Kahnawake was among the early jurisdictions to recognise the potential of online gambling, introducing its regulatory framework in 1999. Today, it is a well-respected location with hundreds of licensed sites.
The licence is attractive in the world of iGaming as it offers a great variety of licensing options as well as numerous fiscal benefits. Also, its low costs of setup and maintenance, as well as a flexible setup process, make Kahnawake another option for iGaming startups.
The Kahnawake licence is known as a reliable and secure option, with reasonable international recognition. One of its key advantages is speed – the initial approval process can take as little as eight weeks. It is also simpler and less demanding than some of the bigger European regulators, and with a zero per cent tax rate, it can be an attractive option for operators.
On the downside, new applicants go through a six-month probationary period before receiving a full licence. And while the licence is respected, it does not carry the same prestige as other licences.
Things to Consider to Obtain Gambling Licences
Each licence guarantees legal operations in certain jurisdictions; however, there are key differences you need to be aware of when it comes to getting gaming licences for your online casino. Your ultimate goal should always be to find the option that best suits the needs of your business. Let’s have a look at some aspects to consider, so that you can make an informed decision.
Cost
Make sure that your budget can fit all the expenses that come with having a gambling licence. Apart from the process of obtaining the licence itself, there are also expenses associated with setup, incorporation, operations, and ongoing maintenance.
Taxes
Jurisdictions sometimes negotiate double taxation agreements with other countries. Make sure to study all tax laws and treaties before setting up your business. Paying tax in multiple jurisdictions is less than ideal.
Jurisdictions – the political and economic situation
Low costs or other benefits can seem attractive when shopping around for a gambling licence, however, you always need to plan for the long run. Unfavourable political and economic conditions can lead to fluctuating exchange rates, profit remittances, and changes to gambling legislation.
Privacy
Decide beforehand what level of privacy you need for your business. Licensing jurisdictions have varying requirements for confidentiality, information sharing, and the personal details of ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs).
Stability and longevity
Your specific business needs are not going to be met just by any jurisdiction. Even though numerous locations offer a way to get your gambling licence, sometimes there is no good strategy in place, adequate policies, or even acceptable asset management plans. Make sure to study and analyse vital information like filing obligations, disclosure requirements, tax exemptions, policies, compliance, and more.
Steps Prior to Applying for an Online Gaming Licence
As we’ve seen, obtaining an online gambling licence can be somewhat tedious and complicated. It demands precision in both the procedural steps and document submission, with little room for error.
It is understandable that the more experienced iGaming operators will eventually want to hold their own standalone licence. However, those who are just starting out or want a quick launch can consider going the white label licence route.
To avoid difficulties and streamline the process, it can be beneficial to engage an experienced company to handle the licensing process for you, helping to simplify and expedite your journey.
In any case, before deciding to get a licence for casino purposes, either on your own or going for a White Label solution, here is a checklist to guide you in the right direction:
Familiarise yourself with the gambling jurisdictions available: their requirements, costs, taxation policy, and application processing time.
Choose the jurisdiction that best corresponds to your current needs and possibilities.
Ensure your chosen casino or sportsbook software meets the specific jurisdiction's requirements. Licensing bodies in different jurisdictions pose various requirements for the software used by the casino. For example, the software should have the appropriate functionality for supporting self-exclusion policies.
Be prepared to incorporate a legal entity in the required jurisdiction: most jurisdictions require that the casino is run by a locally registered company.
Start preparing personal documents in advance. Documents usually required for incorporation include a passport copy, a recent utility bill or other proof of address, a certificate of no criminal record from the police, and a bank reference letter, among others.
Prepare documents related to the iGaming software. These usually include certificates of the Random Number Generator, detailed descriptions of the software functionality and games, agreements with software providers, etc.
Verify that your online casino website includes all information required by your selected gambling jurisdiction. Many jurisdictions will review the availability of details on terms and conditions, responsible gambling, self-exclusion policy, withdrawal policy, and more.
How SOFTSWISS Can Help You Obtain a Gambling Licence
Securing a gaming licence can be a complex process involving considerable time, effort, and costs. It can also last anywhere from several weeks to over a year, depending on the jurisdiction you choose. Having professional assistance can be a game-changer, accelerating the process and eliminating potential risks.
With SOFTSWISS, you get more than a service provider. You gain a trusted ally, genuinely invested in your success and ready to provide:
Expert Consultation: We guide you in selecting the ideal gambling jurisdiction that aligns with your business goals.
Document Preparation Assistance: Our consulting partners aid in preparing the required documents, reducing your workload, and ensuring everything is correctly completed.
Software Compliance Checks: We ensure your software meets all regulatory requirements, minimising potential legal complications.
Seamless Communication: We provide clear and efficient communication during the licensing procedure, helping to expedite the process.
In your exploration of the licensing process, you may have noticed that some companies choose to go it alone. Yet, many others recognise the value of expert guidance.
When navigating such complex regulatory landscapes, it is often beneficial to lean on companies with a wealth of experience in the field.
As you ponder on your next steps, consider how critical the choice of a software and business partner can be in this venture. For those inclined towards greater independence and brand control, a Turnkey solution might be the preferred path, offering a more personalised approach to establishing your presence in the market. Whichever one you choose, however, just remember; in the game of iGaming, the right strategic moves can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will my gambling licence cost?
Gaming licence costs vary and can depend on the type of licence you choose. Aside from the base gaming licence cost, there are also additional fees associated with the process. For instance, a Curaçao betting licence alone costs around 5,000 US dollars, but with all supplementary fees included, the total can actually arrive at nearly 20,000 US dollars. It’s important to note, that the price of getting a gaming licence also heavily depends on each operator’s needs and business types.
How difficult is it to get a gaming licence?
Your knowledge of the industry plays the biggest part. It is vital to choose the right jurisdiction for your business needs, thoroughly research all necessary information, prepare the required paperwork, and ultimately prove your competence as a viable operator. Completing all these steps without professional guidance can be quite difficult and, in some cases, unsuccessful.
How long does it usually take to get a licence?
This depends on a variety of factors – the jurisdiction itself, the reach of their control checks, and the quality of both your application documents and your gaming software. Normally, it can take anywhere from 22 to 60 weeks, with some exceptions, to obtain gambling licences.
Is there an easier way to start operating my casino right away?
Yes, ready-made solutions such as White Label Casino can simplify and expedite business development, reduce expenses, and save time. With this solution, aspects such as licensing, payments, game content integration, and others are handled for you, enabling a swift start to your operations.
What if I already have my own licence?
Having your own licence opens the door to a Standalone Turnkey Casino solution. As a streamlined path to leveraging your licence, this solution gives you the autonomy to shape and grow your online casino in line with your unique brand vision.