The iGaming Knowledge Base

This is the audio version of the SOFTSWISS article ‘White Label vs Standalone Casino', exploring the key differences in setup, costs, and operational control when launching an online casino. 

Read the original article: https://www.softswiss.com/knowledge-base/ 

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White Label vs. Turnkey: Casino Models Explained

Starting a standalone casino is a time and cost-consuming process. Besides all the legal questions, such as company setup and licensing, you have to find the most effective way to handle payments, open a merchant account, make agreements with multiple electronic payment system providers, and organise efficient customer support, and the list goes on.

This isn’t a big issue if you are lucky enough to find a reliable service provider. One who not only delivers quality software but also provides a turnkey solution.

Software providers such as SOFTSWISS can either handle the incorporation and licensing procedures under a White Label solution setup or recommend trusted partners for licensing and payments as part of a Turnkey Casino solution (also referred to as the standalone casino solution). In either case, the investment is significant, so preparation is key.

Why Choose a White Label Casino?
A White Label casino solution is a widely used and popular casino setup option. The main idea is that you get a ready-to-operate online casino with a unique design and logo, branded with your domain name. It operates under a sub-licence of an existing master licence, saving you both time and money on the licence application process and ongoing maintenance.
This option also comes with ready payment processing. Since all payments are handled by the white label casino provider and master licence holder, the client does not need to build a dedicated payments department.
Besides the quicker time-to-market, a significant advantage of a white label casino to be mentioned is the affordability in terms of set-up pricing. Compared to a standalone casino, the entry cost is significantly lower. And since you have plenty of time to concentrate on marketing, your chances of seeing quicker profits improve.

Understanding the White Label Casino Cost
When considering a white label casino, one of the most pressing questions is the cost involved. Setting up a white label casino typically starts at around 35,000 euro. This usually covers licensing under a master licence, a customised platform and website with your branding, and the integration of suitable payment processing systems.
It's essential for prospective operators to understand though that while this white label casino price includes the basic infrastructure and operational needs, additional costs may arise based on specific requirements and customisations.
The Downside of White Labelling Your Online Casino
However, there are also some negative aspects of a white label casino to keep in mind. While offering lower set-up prices, white label casino providers usually charge higher revenue-sharing fees to cover their own licensing, support, and maintenance costs.
To remain profitable, you'll need a strong marketing strategy to attract and retain players and to cover monthly operational costs.
Control is another factor. With a White Label casino, you’ll have less operational control and limited room for deep customisation. At the same time, the casino software development responsibility and risks are also much lower.

White Label Casino and Standalone Casino Options Compared
A white-label casino offers quicker time to market, reduced paperwork, and no legal hassles. It also includes well-established payment processing, making it a smoother entry into the market. Setup costs are lower, but revenue sharing is higher. With less responsibility for operations and general risks, it’s a great choice for newcomers.
A standalone casino, on the other hand, comes with higher setup costs and greater responsibility but offers complete financial control and a higher level of customisation and flexibility. Although the risks are higher, so is the potential for long-term growth.
Choosing the right model depends on your goals – whether you prioritise speed and simplicity or control and independence.

Standalone Vs White Label: Takeaways
White-label jurisdictions, including Curacao, are subject to evolving regulations, which may influence the model's long-term viability.
While White Label casinos remain a great entry point into the iGaming world, operators need to weigh short-term convenience against long-term control. At this point, it is safe to say that if you are committed to the long run, you will be considering a standalone casino solution at some point in your iGaming journey.