Online Gambling Licenses
If you want to start an online gambling business or scale an existing gaming platform, one of the first big steps is simple: get a gambling license that fits your plan and budget. Let’s walk through every detail together and pick the best jurisdictions for your venture.
Isle of Man Gambling License
The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission Licence stands as an emblem of trust and innovation in global iGaming, underpinned by one of the world’s earliest and most forward-thinking regulatory frameworks.
✔︎ Competitive tax policy
✔︎ Foreign players are accepted
Brazil Gambling License
The Brazilian Secretariat of Prizes and Bets Licence is a hallmark of regulatory rigor, ensuring a secure and transparent iGaming environment.
✔︎ New iGaming market
✔︎ Small fees
Anjouan Gambling License
The Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. Internet Gaming Licence sets the bar high for offshore credentialing, combining efficiency with global credibility.
✔︎ A reputable license
✔︎ Fast application process
What is a Gambling License?
A gambling license (sometimes written as gambling licence) is the formal permit or authorization that lets an operator run casino, poker, lottery, sports‑betting, or other online gaming activities. The license or licence is granted by a gaming commission or other regulatory authorities inside a recognized jurisdiction.
The license confirms that the licensee meets each statutory requirement on player protection, fair gaming practices, anti‑money‑laundering controls, and technical security. It also proves to payment providers, advertisers, and players that the operator is legitimate.
Why Do You Need a Gambling License?
Before you accept a single bet you need to decide which license or licence to hold. Operating an online casino or sportsbook without a license is both risky and expensive:
- Banks will not process gambling transactions without a recognised licence.
- Player disputes can escalate to court when there is no licence.
- Many states and countries block unlicensed sites and fine the operator.
- A valid license or licence increases the level of trust and unlocks the best B2B payment contracts.
In short, to legally gamble, advertise, and grow, every online gambling business needs at least one licence.
Advantages of Having an iGaming License
Holding an iGaming license or licence gives the operator tangible business power:
- Market reach — A single offshore license such as Curacao covers players in 150+ markets.
- Bank access — Licensed gaming companies open accounts in the US, EU, and Isle of Man quicker.
- Supplier trust — Platform vendors, game studios, and affiliates demand a licence.
- Player safety — Audits promote fair gaming practices and prevent fraud.
- Tax strategy — Some jurisdictions offer zero tax on foreign bets, cutting cost.
Risks of Operating Without a License
Running online gaming sites without a recognized licence means:
- Frozen merchant accounts and chargebacks.
- Criminal complaints in multiple states.
- Ad‑network bans that crash traffic.
- Loss of domain names through regulatory seizure.
For example, Spain alone fined multiple unlicensed online gambling companies in May 2025 for six‑figure sums. Stay licensed, stay online, stay profitable.
Types of Gambling Licenses
Getting the right license series matters. Below are the main types of licenses:
Casino License
A casino license or licence lets an operator offer slots, table games, live dealer, and poker. The license requirements cover RNG audits, jackpot reserve funds, and responsible gambling tools.
iGaming License
An online gaming license allows a mix of casino, betting, lottery, and skill games through one umbrella licence. These licenses vary by jurisdiction; some issue a combined B2C/B2B licence.
Sports Betting License
A sports betting licence or license authorises fixed‑odds, pool, and sports betting exchanges. Margin control rules and real‑time odds monitoring are typical requirements.
Offshore License
An offshore license is issued outside the player’s state or country – Curacao, Anjouan, or Kahnawake are common. Offshore licences cut red tape and cost, yet still keep compliance.
Popular Jurisdictions for Gambling Licenses
Below are the best jurisdictions, ranked for speed, tax, and global reach.
Curacao
Curacao is one of the oldest e‑gaming hubs. Since 2018 its rules have tightened, yet the island still grants a master licence and sublicence in as little as six weeks. The licence fee is modest, and there is zero tax on non‑resident wagers.
Monthly compliance reports are now mandatory, so choosing a Cybetic gaming platform with built‑in reporting matters.
Malta
Malta issues either a B2C or B2B licence through the Malta Gaming Authority. The regulator runs strict anti‑money‑laundering checks, but the licensing process is clear. Expect an annual licence fee plus a gaming tax on GGR that slides from 0.5% to 5%.
Anjouan
The Anjouan licence is light on paperwork and ideal for startups that need to get live fast. Many online gambling companies use this jurisdiction as a first country of entry before moving up to Malta or the Isle of Man.
Kahnawake
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Canada offers a combined casino and sports betting licence. It applies no VAT and no double taxation. Licence holders must keep some servers in the Mohawk territory.
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man licence carries heavyweight credibility and a 0% corporate tax for gambling GGR earned overseas. Processing can take four to nine months, and the regulator asks for a detailed business plan.
Gibraltar
Gibraltar remains attractive for UK‑facing operators. It imposes a 15% tax on profit but enjoys white‑listed status with the United Kingdom.
How to Apply for a Gambling License
Cybetic guides each operator through the filing routine. The process of obtaining any licence follows five steps:
- Selecting a jurisdiction.
- Collecting documents and notarised IDs.
- Setting up a local company or local license nominee.
- Submitting forms to the relevant authorities.
- Passing due‑diligence interviews and technical tests.
How to Choose the Right Jurisdiction
Choosing a licence is not only about the cheapest fee. Think about player geography, marketing channels, tax, and time to market. Cybetic compares more than 25 jurisdictions side by side and shows the cost and processing time so you can get a gambling license that suits your roadmap.
Preparing Your Business for Licensing
Begin collecting documents at least one quarter before filing. Key items: incorporation papers, KYC manuals, source‑of‑funds letters, and AML policies. Before filing, the entrepreneur should:
- Draft the business plan that regulators will read.
- Arrange letters of reference from banks.
- Decide which gaming platform and payment gateways to onboard.
- Build AML procedures that meet the obligation under each jurisdiction.
Application Process
The licence application package generally includes:
- Memorandum & Articles – Confirms corporate structure.
- Director CVs – Shows sector work history.
- Compliance manual – Explains how the operator will regulate gambling risks.
- Hosting certificate – Proves the server is inside the licensing state or allowed zone.
- Player fund letter – Guarantees ring‑fencing of deposits.
Cybetic helps with every form so you can get a gaming license sooner.
Costs Associated With a Gambling License
The numbers below are ballpark ranges to help you budget. Prices vary widely by project size, game mix, and risk profile. For an exact quote, talk to Cybetic’s licensing desk.
- Curacao: plan roughly €15000–€25000 for the first‑year package, covering filing, annual renewal, and basic legal work.
- Anjouan: expect €10000–€20000 all‑in for year one, including company setup and banking liaison.
- Malta: set aside €50000–€100000 depending on game verticals, turnover, and audit scope.
- Isle of Man: budget £40000–£65000 plus ongoing audit overhead each year.
- Gibraltar: allocate £30000–£60000 up‑front; note that a 15% tax on GGR applies once you go live.
Remember extra cost lines: servers, game certificates, staff, and marketing reserves.
Timeframe for Approval
On average, obtaining online gambling licenses in the most popular jurisdictions takes:
- Curacao: 6–8 weeks.
- Anjouan: 4–6 weeks.
- Malta: 4–6 months.
- Isle of Man: 6–9 months.
- Gibraltar: 3–6 months.
Longer timeframes reflect deeper background checks but bring stronger player trust.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Offshore Jurisdiction
When looking at an offshore license, consider next aspects:
- Server rules – some islands ask for partial hosting on‑site.
- Banking – check whether European banks accept the licence.
- Marketing controls – a few jurisdictions limit ads inside the European Union.
- Compliance workload – lighter today may be heavier tomorrow.
We’ll Help With Obtaining an Online Gambling License
We are happy to help our clients get a gambling license for their product as quickly and cheaply as possible. The online gambling industry is growing by leaps and bounds, so if you are thinking about entering the market, don’t waste time and leave a request for feedback!
FAQ
The Anjouan licence is often granted within 30–40 days.
Rules have tightened, yet Cybetic files over 20 successful applications each year.
No. Each state within the US requires a separate local licence.
