Monday March 25, 2024

GuideKnowledge Base

How to obtain a gambling license

If you’ve reached this page, we believe it’s safe to assume that you’re considering going into the online casino business. Congrats! Now if you only knew where to start.. Leaning on our years of experience, we think the first step towards running your online casino is to get permission to do so. In other words – a gambling license!

Why do you need a license?

A gaming license is fundamental when starting an online casino. Not only is the license the backbone of your reputation and a source of players’ trust, but it also ensures that you are able to work with different software and game content providers. Also, you need it to create the casino’s financial infrastructure.

Securing a gaming license is needed for:

  • Opening a bank and merchant account
  • Partnering with digital payment system providers
  • Partnering with white-market providers 

What does the process look like?

First things first, you have to do your own extensive research on the gambling jurisdictions, industry requirements, expenses, taxation policy, and how long it takes for an application to be processed. 

It’d be best to choose a jurisdiction that suits your current business needs and opportunities. Following that, confirm that your chosen casino software meets the requirements set by the jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions might require the casino to be run by a company, registered locally, meaning you’ll need a legal entity to represent you. To avoid any hassles, make sure your documents are up-to-date and easily accessible to your organization.

Most popular gambling licenses

When it comes to obtaining a gaming license for your online casino, choosing the right jurisdiction is crucial. Some of the most popular and reputable gambling licenses include those issued by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), and the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA). Each of these regulatory bodies has stringent requirements and standards that must be met in order to obtain a license.

  • MGA – well-regarded for its rigorous vetting process and commitment to ensuring fair and responsible gaming practices.
  • UKGC – known for its strict regulations aimed at protecting players and preventing money laundering activities.
  • GRA – offers a favorable tax regime and a robust regulatory framework, making it an attractive option for many operators.

Choosing the right gaming license will not only provide credibility and legitimacy to your online casino but also ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.

Good to know

As with national laws, gambling laws vary in each country, too. There are countries that heavily regulate the industry and keep a sharp eye on all matters, whilst some are more laid back in those terms. If doing business in your own country proves to be rather expensive, one thing to consider is going off-shore. It’s not the first for casino operators to obtain a gambling license more easily abroad. Either way, you should always consider what’s best for you and your business first, followed by what’s convenient.

Still have questions or concerns? Drop us a quick message in our contact form where we can answer any inquiries. 

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Press contact:

Marina Marinova

PR Specialist

[email protected]