Online Casino Licenses: A Comprehensive Guide

If an online casino or sportsbook operator wants to do everything legally and “by the rules”, they need to get a license. Having a license makes the casino legal and puts it under the control of the regulator in the jurisdiction where it is registered. Despite the fact that the rules impose a lot of opposition on the operator, ultimately, the benefits of legal and judicial activity significantly outweigh both the costs and legal restrictions imposed.

In this detailed guide on online casino licensing, we will talk about how and why to get a license. We will also consider some of the most popular gambling licensing jurisdictions to help you make a decision.

What Are Online Casino Licenses?

In simple terms, an online gambling license is a legal document that gives a company the right to operate a gambling business in a certain territory. Just like land-based casinos, online casinos must also be regulated.

To legally offer gambling, such as video slots, board games, and sports betting, you need to get a license in the territory where you want to offer the games. However, obtaining such a license is usually not that easy. Not only do licenses cost money (and in some jurisdictions, the license costs can be a big barrier to entry), but they also require companies to follow the rules.

The exact content of the rules varies depending on the particular jurisdiction. Some, like Curacao, are known for being less strict. The UK Gambling Commission is particularly strict. It is important to note that the days of unlicensed online gambling and the "Wild West" are mostly gone. More and more countries are beginning to convert this type of gambling into legal channels and pursue those who engage in illegal activities. Therefore, those who engage in illegal activities may face not only heavy fines but even prison sentences.

The role of the licensing authority in general is to ensure that all gambling, including online, is held without violations and is safe for consumers. Anyone who wants to open an online casino must obtain a license. The most difficult part of this decision is figuring out exactly where to obtain a license. There are many different jurisdictions on offer, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

But with this in your hands, and this is an order, you can discover most of these issues and nobles that you have to wait for, on the path to making your own fledgling state, and indeed the most important, legal.

Where And Why Should Casinos Get Licensed?

When considering the issue of online casino licensing (and operators are absolutely obliged to do so), you have to assume a lot of things to worry about. But the most important thing is what actually goes into the footsteps to remember, what players are actually waiting for, that the online casino actually operates in compliance with the law.

Most websites that do casino reviews show legal precedents. Players are wary of this information, because they do not want to invest their money in an institution that may be perceived as risky. As the IgAming-industry shows in 2021, more and more states are trying to regulate all forms of online gambling. This basically means that operators have to be licensed in order to be a viable option for players now. And this is only from the perception side. The main reason why operators want to obtain a gambling license is the defense against legal liability and the chance to operate well as a business.

The last little thing is very basic. In fact, in our time, players are waiting for the fact that they can introduce and withdraw funds using a wide variety of payment providers, and also arrange bets on a huge catalog of games. And this continues. You cannot offer a large number of payment methods or a large number of games without being recognized as an online casino. Everything is elementary. Any self-respecting company wants to partner with other self-respecting companies. Your dingy establishment cannot attract game providers like Netent or Microgaming.

For that, from the casino itself, to payments, to games and the platform itself, you need to have prior permission and operate legally to have a chance to collaborate with the best ISPs. Some who are not prepared for this even pirate software on their websites, which attracts, for example, a help obligation, how these companies have every opportunity to be brought to court for non-compliance with copyright and mental rights. After discovering the "why" issue, it's time to find out where it all happens. We'll go into some detail later in this guide, but for now, the choice really depends mainly on where your business is based and what kind of bazaar you want to operate. However, although every jurisdiction launches its own standards and requirements, there are some common features.

The "appropriate person" manufactured in this way must take a leading and responsible position, but it requires appropriate tests. The software random number (GSF) generator should be tested and monitored regularly. In all games, you may want to publish a complete RTP list. Some customers may be banned from playing with you, or you may need to set a limit on deposits.

These are just a part of the requirements, not everything. When choosing a place to get a license, it is very important to study all the list of legal requirements. Because of the large amount of jobs, there are institutions that support business in this process.

How Online Casinos Apply for Gaming Licenses?

Each licensing organization has its own application process. However, there are several common points that potential casino operators can expect as part of the process, regardless of where they apply. Generally, you need to pay various fees (once or once a year, in this guide later), prepare considerable number of documents, and wait. At least a few months.

General requirements include confirmation of career, business plan, confirmation of funds, and confirmation of requirements for software and compliance. Depending on the jurisdiction area, it is necessary to register the company in the jurisdiction area and set up a server in the same location. Usually, the authorities have the standards for platform providers, so if you already get a license and cooperate with a reputable provider, you may be more likely to be considered.

To be honest, getting a license is not easy. There are many checks, requirements, and demands. Check out classes, passports, bank certificates, information on the target market, and measures to prevent minor gambling.

Money laundering measures and customers' knowledge is also an important factor that is required of an igaming operator candidate. Many companies that respond to all of these and try to get online games license to avoid wasting time and expenses, relying on corporate laws and consultants specializing in corporate law in this field. 。 < SPAN> The "optimized person" manufactured must be in a leader and responsible position, but it requires appropriate tests. The software random number (GSF) generator should be tested and monitored regularly. In all games, you may want to publish a complete RTP list. Some customers may be banned from playing with you, or you may need to set a limit on deposits.

These are just a part of the requirements, not everything. When choosing a place to get a license, it is very important to study all the list of legal requirements. Because of the large amount of jobs, there are institutions that support business in this process.

Each licensing organization has its own application process. However, there are several common points that potential casino operators can expect as part of the process, regardless of where they apply. Generally, you need to pay various fees (once or once a year, in this guide later), prepare a considerable number of documents, and wait. At least a few months.

How Do Online Casinos Choose an Online Gambling License?

General requirements include confirmation of career, business plan, confirmation of funds, and confirmation of requirements for software and compliance. Depending on the jurisdiction area, it is necessary to register the company in the jurisdiction area and set up a server in the same location. Usually, the authorities have the standards for platform providers, so if you already get a license and cooperate with a reputable provider, you may be more likely to be considered.

To be honest, getting a license is not easy. There are many checks, requirements, and demands. Check out classes, passports, bank certificates, information on the target market, and measures to prevent minor gambling.

Money laundering measures and customers' knowledge is also an important factor that is required of an Iguaming operator candidate. Many companies that respond to all of these and try to get online games license to avoid wasting time and expenses, relying on corporate laws and consultants specializing in corporate law in this field. 。 The "appropriate person" manufactured in this way must take a leading and responsible position, but it requires appropriate tests. The software random number (GSF) generator should be tested and monitored regularly. In all games, you may want to publish a complete RTP list. Some customers may be banned from playing with you, or you may need to set a limit on deposits.

These are just a part of the requirements, not everything. When choosing a place to get a license, it is very important to study all the list of legal requirements. Because of the large amount of jobs, there are institutions that support business in this process.

The Overview Of The Most Popular Gambling License Jurisdictions

Each licensing organization has its own application process. However, there are several common points that potential casino operators can expect as part of the process, regardless of where they apply. Generally, you need to pay various fees (once or once a year, in this guide later), prepare considerable number of documents, and wait. At least a few months.

Malta Gambling Authority

General requirements include confirmation of career, business plan, confirmation of funds, and confirmation of requirements for software and compliance. Depending on the jurisdiction area, it is necessary to register the company in the jurisdiction area and set up a server in the same location. Usually, the authorities have the standards for platform providers, so if you already get a license and cooperate with a reputable provider, you may be more likely to be considered.

To be honest, getting a license is not easy. There are many checks, requirements, and demands. Check out classes, passports, bank certificates, information on the target market, and measures to prevent minor gambling.

Money laundering measures and customers' knowledge is also an important factor that is required of an igaming operator candidate. Many companies that respond to all of these and try to get online games license to avoid wasting time and expenses, relying on corporate laws and consultants specializing in corporate law in this field. 。

United Kingdom Gambling Commission

Remember that gambling authorities do not operate in a vacuum. They are given every opportunity and are willing to apply their requirements to other national and international regulators to fully prove your sincerity and obtain the necessary information about your background and circumstances. As a result, you can recognize that the best way to go through the licensing process is to be as honest and clear as possible. This also applies to those who have flaws in their situation, as the examination is more likely to notice it. As for the initiation of the procedure, you can place an order, for example, through a licensed agent or independently. In some cases, you can apply online.

All online casinos and sports betting websites owe their nobility, but the majority of them operate in many countries and the laws of the state in which they are registered always take precedence over all international laws. This is also a moment to follow in the footsteps of owning a look. In real time, there are numerous gambling jurisdictions and the majority of casinos generally choose one of the well-known ones such as Malta, Curacao or Gibraltar. The choice of jurisdiction is probably the most important step in this process.

With so many options, where should companies that want to operate an iGaming website register and what licenses should they get?

To answer this question, companies need to think about their business needs and capabilities. This is what will predetermine the conclusion. Every gambling site needs a license, and companies must obtain one before they can start operating.

Curaçao

Before embarking on the difficult and serious path of obtaining a license, online casinos worry about the requirements of each jurisdiction, the costs associated with payment and tax measures. Most people rush to speed up this process by hiring third-party support like a lawyer.

Different jurisdictions still have different reputations. Some are more flexible, while others are quite strict in terms of rules and restrictions. For example, the UK Gambling Commission recently decided to regulate the speed of the first round on video slots. In Sweden, regulators decided to ban the offering of prizes. There are many things to consider when choosing a license, and it is very important to get this right.

In this section of our administration, we refer to some of the most well-known and more frequently selected gambling internet jurisdictions. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, revealing some skills and shutting down others. They still differ in claims and associated costs, as a result, for those who want to find their online casino, you need to think carefully about what you have the ability to fit the other one for your specific business.

Malta has been the center of Igaming in Europe for many years. And this is not only because the license reveals access to a very prestigious and lucrative European market. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the body that realizes the licensing process and gives the approval of operators. They still publish the regulatory act and verify its compliance.

The MGA recruits for four classes of licenses. The first image is for companies that perform gambling with RNG. If your online casino invites video slots and board games, you want to get this license. Other licenses highlight the opportunity to organize games based on event finals (e. g. sports betting), poker and fantasy sports. In 2018, the organization simplified some taxation, postponed the need for active owners to issue orders to receive individual licenses, and postponed the monthly fee for compliance for one casino job.

Gibraltar

But obtaining a license in Malta is never-ending. The potential operator must pass at least five edges, including a certain number of inspections for the ratio of legal claims. Then a short-term license for six months is issued. Then, based on extensive inspections, a five-year license is issued. This process leads in itself: tests of claim ratios, tests of the viability of the business plan, tests of cash reserves, tests of the system. But taking into account all this, in fact, almost all licensed online casinos and sports betting websites opt for this permit, it is clear that it is worth it. Allocating access to the European market, players place a lot of trust in it.

In addition, there is UKGC. This is a regulatory agency that monitors British gambling and offers a variety of licenses according to the business of the company. Among them, there are five types of external betting (for example, two different licenses are required to get a sports ticket for real and virtual events), as well as a number of intermediary licenses and industrial licenses. This is one of the drawbacks of the UK Gambling Commission license, and then the other aspects of Igaming, who want to develop other aspects of Igaming, must apply for another license.

In addition, UKGC has one of the longest adjustment processes, which takes up to 16 weeks, and in recent years, regulatory authorities have begun to strengthen controls for domestic operators.

So why get a UKGC license? The total income from October 2011 to September 2012 was £ 2 billion. There is an answer here.

Sweden’s Spelinspektionen

Until 2014, the United Kingdom was calm and remote gambling, and the "White List" (Malta and Gibraltar, etc.) operators accepted the British bet and advertised in Japan. After 2014, if you want to access the British market and post ads, you need to get a UKGC license. Thus, despite the troublesome British regulatory environment, the online casinos in the country are still licensed because of the high profitability of the UK Igaming market. 。

Curacaseau is a small island floating in the Caribbean, but has a great presence in the online game industry. The main reason is that it is easy and low cost to get a license.

How Much Do Online Casino Licenses Cost?

There is a general license and a sublicability. New businesses have assigned a su b-license to one of four master licenses (registered since 1996). Masters or licenses are updated every five years, and sublicability holders have the same master license. The main advantage of this system is that the only license required for online casinos is only one in the vertical direction of Igaming. It is different from the Britis h-like jurisdiction area, which must have individual licenses to provide different types of gambling.

Curacaaw's license is cheap. Rules and rates differ for each of the four major licenses, but the annual fee is about $ 5, 000. There is a single application fee (about $ 2, 000) and various other small fees.

In addition, Curacao charges 0 % of corporate taxes and 2 % tax on net income. Curacaseau's license can be obtained in a short period of just six weeks. However, there are serious drawbacks. Casinos who have acquired the Curassava license cannot accept players from the United States, France, the Netherlands, or the Curacaseau itself.

But overall, because of its simplicity and speed, Curacaseau is an excellent option for many new operators. Of course, such operators can always get a license elsewhere.

FAQ on Online Casino Licenses

What is an Offshore Casino License?

Gibraltar is also one of the most attractive countries and regions with low taxes (only 1 % of sales, £ 425. 000 pounds). Gibraltar is probably the most exclusive judicial jurisdiction. The owner of the online casino must prove the financial payment ability, submit a business plan, and prepare all transactions through the Gibraltar bank.

Why Should I Get a Gambling License For My Casino?

This jurisdiction area has the most strict regulations and is a reliable gold standard. The license fee is 100. 000 pounds at a time. But that's not the only thing you need to pay here to get a license.

How Do I Obtain a Gambling License?

Gibraltar wants to issue a license only to businesses that are sorting and already have powerful licenses. As described on the regulatory website, only "excellent companies with a proven track record in the gambling industry" are considered.

And probably the most important thing is that the same website states that acquiring a license is usually difficult. That's it. This is an option for operators with a track record that you do not want to pay much tax. If you start gambling, you need to look for others. For a long time, the country's gambling was monopolized by the country. But as a result of recent changes, the market has become more open. SpelinspeKtionen is a regulatory organization that determines who will get the license and who will not get the license. < SPAN> Curacaseau license is cheap. Rules and rates differ for each of the four major licenses, but the annual fee is about $ 5, 000. There is a single application fee (about $ 2, 000) and various other small fees.

In addition, Curacao charges 0 % of corporate taxes and 2 % tax on net income. Curacaseau's license can be obtained in a short period of just six weeks. However, there are serious drawbacks. Casinos who have acquired the Curassava license cannot accept players from the United States, France, the Netherlands, or the Curacaseau itself.

But overall, because of its simplicity and speed, Curacaseau is an excellent option for many new operators. Of course, such operators can always get a license elsewhere. For a long time, the country's gambling was monopolized by the country. But as a result of recent changes, the market has become more open. SpelinspeKtionen is a regulatory organization that determines who will get the license and who will not get the license. < SPAN> Curacaseau license is cheap. Rules and rates differ for each of the four major licenses, but the annual fee is about $ 5, 000. There is a single application fee (about $ 2, 000) and various other small fees.

This jurisdiction area has the most strict regulations and is a reliable gold standard. The license fee is 100. 000 pounds at a time. But that's not the only one to pay here to get a license.

Gibraltar wants to issue a license only to businesses that are sorting and already have powerful licenses. As described on the regulatory website, only "excellent companies with a proven track record in the gambling industry" are considered. And probably the most important thing is that the same website states that acquiring a license is usually difficult. That's there. This is an option for operators with a track record that you do not want to pay much tax. If you start gambling, you need to look for others.

For a long time, the country's gambling was monopolized by the country. But as a result of recent changes, the market has become more open. SpelinspeKtionen is a regulatory organization that determines who will get the license and who will not get the license. Curacaaw's license is cheap. Rules and rates differ for each of the four major licenses, but the annual fee is about $ 5, 000. There is a single application fee (about $ 2, 000) and various other small fees.