Getting an online casino license is a crucial step for any gaming business looking to operate legally and gain the trust of players and payment providers. The right international gaming license allows online gambling platforms to offer their services in regulated markets while ensuring compliance with local laws.
In this guide, we break down:
An online casino or sports betting site cannot legally operate without a valid license. Licensing offers multiple advantages:
✅ Legal Compliance – Avoid fines and business shutdowns
✅ Trust & Reputation – Gain player trust with a reputable license
✅ Access to Payment Providers – Enable card payments, crypto, and e-wallets
✅ Market Expansion – Enter regulated markets legally
| Jurisdiction | License Type | Estimated Cost (Setup + Annual Fees) | Processing Time | Key Benefits |
|---|
| Curaçao | Master/License | €80,000 – €90,000 | 4-8 weeks | covers multiple activities |
| Anjouan | Gambling License | €15,000 – €25,000 | 4-6 weeks | Crypto-friendly, no gaming tax, low maintenance |
| Kahnawake | Interactive Gaming License | $40,000 – $60,000 | 8-12 weeks | North America market access, strong reputation |
| Malta | B2C Gaming License | €50,000 – €150,000 | 4-6 months | EU access, high credibility, stringent compliance |
Factors to consider:
Most gaming licenses require a legally registered company in the issuing jurisdiction. This involves:
Standard documents include:
Submit your application and pay the necessary fees, including:
Regulatory bodies will review your business structure, financials, and responsible gambling measures.
Once approved, your casino can go live! Ongoing compliance includes audits and responsible gaming policies.
Work with white label casino software or gaming software
While an international gaming license can provide access to multiple markets, some jurisdictions prohibit or heavily regulate online gambling. Here are some of the most commonly restricted countries:
🚫 United States – Only state-level licensing (e.g., New Jersey, Nevada)
🚫 China – Online gambling is strictly illegal
🚫 United Arab Emirates – Strict anti-gambling laws
🚫 North Korea – Completely banned for residents
🚫 India – Varies by state, but many have restrictions
If you plan to operate in restricted markets, ensure you comply with local regulations or obtain a regional license.
Anjouan and Curaçao are among the most affordable, costing between €15,000 – €30,000.
It depends on the jurisdiction, but typically 4-12 weeks for offshore licenses and 4-6 months for stricter regions like Malta.
Some licenses (e.g., Anjouan, Curaçao) allow crypto gambling, but others (e.g., Malta) require additional approvals.
Yes, most jurisdictions require you to set up a local company before obtaining a license.
Yes, some jurisdictions (e.g., Anjouan) offer zero gaming tax, making them attractive for operators.
No, licenses have restricted countries, and operators must ensure compliance with local laws.
No, casino affiliates promoting licensed casinos do not need a gaming license.
Malta Gaming License is the best for accessing the EU legally.
Yes, most gaming licenses can be applied for 100% online with the help of a service provider.
Operating an online casino without a license can lead to fines, legal action, and payment processor bans.
Choosing the right gaming license depends on your business goals, budget, and target markets. Here’s a quick recommendation:
For expert advice and assistance in obtaining your online gaming license, contact us today!
Each gaming jurisdiction has specific requirements that operators must meet before obtaining a license. Below is a breakdown of the key requirements for major online gaming licenses in Curaçao, Anjouan, Kahnawake, and Malta.
Curaçao offers a fast and cost-effective licensing solution, making it one of the most popular choices for startups.
✔ Company Registration – Must register a local Curaçao company
✔ Business Plan – Including financial projections and marketing strategy
✔ KYC & Due Diligence – Identity verification of owners and key executives
✔ Software & Game Testing – Compliance with fairness and anti-fraud measures
✔ Responsible Gaming Policy – Player protection measures required
✔ Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance – Procedures to prevent fraud and illegal activities
✔ License & Application Fees – Initial setup fee and annual renewal fees
⏳ Processing Time: 4-8 weeks
Anjouan is a crypto-friendly and tax-free jurisdiction, ideal for operators looking for a low-cost offshore gaming license.
✔ Company Incorporation – Must establish a local entity in Anjouan
✔ Business Plan Submission – Detailing gaming operations and revenue model
✔ KYC & Due Diligence Checks – Verification of beneficial owners and directors
✔ Player Protection Policies – Including responsible gaming commitments
✔ AML & Financial Compliance – Transparent handling of player funds
✔ Hosting & Software Requirements – Proof of secure and fair gaming software
✔ Regulatory Fees – Initial license fee + annual renewal costs
⏳ Processing Time: 4-6 weeks
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) is a respected regulator providing access to North American markets.
✔ Company Registration in Kahnawake – Required for licensing
✔ Business Plan & Financial Model – Covering operations, financials, and compliance policies
✔ Background Checks (KYC & KYB) – Owners and key executives must pass strict vetting
✔ Server & Hosting in Kahnawake – Gaming servers must be hosted within Kahnawake
✔ Player Protection & Dispute Resolution – Strong player safeguards required
✔ AML & Anti-Fraud Compliance – Transparent financial reporting and fraud prevention
✔ Third-Party Game Testing – Games must meet fairness and security standards
✔ Regulatory Fees – Initial application fee, annual fee, and compliance audits
⏳ Processing Time: 8-12 weeks
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) offers one of the most prestigious and strictest licenses, providing full access to the EU market.
✔ Malta-Based Company Registration – Required to apply for an MGA license
✔ Extensive Business Plan – Covering financials, operational strategy, risk management, and marketing
✔ KYC & Background Checks – Strict vetting process for company owners and directors
✔ Technical & Software Compliance – Proof that gaming platform meets EU standards
✔ Player Fund Protection – Segregated accounts to ensure secure player funds
✔ Responsible Gaming & Self-Exclusion Policies – Ensuring ethical gambling practices
✔ AML & Counter-Terrorist Financing Compliance – Adherence to EU financial regulations
✔ Financial Sustainability Proof – Operators must demonstrate financial viability
✔ Game Testing & Certification – Independent audits for fair gaming compliance
✔ Regulatory Fees & Compliance Audits – Initial licensing costs and annual renewals
⏳ Processing Time: 4-6 months
GBO International Financial Services, founded by Gilad Oren, specializes in gaming corporate services and online casino software solutions. With over 15 years of experience, they provide strategic consulting, incorporation services, licensing, payment solutions, and white label solutions globally. GBO attends major gaming industry conferences and aims to be a leading gaming license provider, focusing on the Asian and European markets.
