Get the gambling license you need

On the island of Curaçao, the licensing system has been reformed, replacing the old model with Business-to-Consumer (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B) licenses. A B2C license covers all gaming activities, including online casinos and betting, without needing separate permits. The application process takes around two months, requiring a local entity, compliance with AML regulations, and financial transparency. Costs vary based on business specifics.

The Malta Gaming Authority offers gambling licenses for both B2C and B2B gambling activities. B2C licenses, in turn, are divided into four types, each of which allows the holder to organize different types of activities. Permits are valid for 10 years. The minimum total amount of all fees (initial application fee, license fee, system audit, and compliance audit fees) is €36,000. The annual fee is €10,000 – €25,000, though these numbers vary depending on the permit type. Once the application and all relevant information are accepted by the MGA, the decision is made within 12 to 16 weeks.

Permits from the Isle of Man cover all types of activities (both virtual gaming and sports betting) and they can be chosen depending on the company’s purpose and business model. The cost of a permit on the Isle of Man starts from £40,000. Applicants must prove the transparency of their activities, so all individuals and entities listed in the application undergo rigorous and detailed legal and financial verification, which can take 10-12 weeks from receipt of the application. The license is issued for five years, and the Gambling Commission reserves the right to cancel it at any time in case of violation of any restriction.

The Gibraltar license has the respect of players and software providers and it is valid for a period of 5 years. The License Department considers only companies in good financial condition with experience in the gambling market, other licenses issued by recognized jurisdictions, and a real business plan. In general, the prices have a simple and straightforward structure: for B2C operators of online casinos, sports betting platforms, and sites with other gambling products, the license would cost £100,000. For B2B service providers, the cost would be £85,000.

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) accepts license applications for both land-based and online casinos. Costs of obtaining a gambling permit in the UK vary depending on each case, but it starts from about £25,000. It’s not cheap, but thanks to the strict gambling regulations and close control over operators, the local license has a brilliant reputation in the international arena and inspires trust among the players.

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission has established itself as a very reliable regulator, advocating fair and responsible play and providing a welcoming environment for businesses: the jurisdiction has a 0% corporate tax rate and no additional gambling tax, as well as a relatively low license fee. Moreover, the local permit covers all markets, except the United States. The total cost of acquiring a gaming or betting license in Kahnawake is over $60,000, not including costs associated with the Commission’s evaluation of the applicant’s control system. The annual fee is $20,000 per year. In general, the cost of a gambling license in Kanawake is low relative to other jurisdictions. The application process takes approximately four to eight weeks, these terms vary depending on the specifics of each individual case. However, obtaining a Kahnawake license may discourage some operators because of the long wait for the final decision, which comes after six months.

Costa Rica has no official gambling regulation. Operators can apply for a license called a “data processing license,” issued by local authorities — not a gambling regulator.It is also necessary to note that this permit is the same for all types of gambling (casino, bingo, slots, sports betting, etc.). The license acquisition process in Costa Rica takes approximately three months, and the license expires every three months. The cost of obtaining a license starts from $15,000, and renewals start from $1500.

The Antigua and Barbuda gambling permit has a sterling reputation, backed up by a place on the UK’s White List. In this jurisdiction, operators can apply for virtual gaming or betting licenses. The application procedure is pretty straightforward, but the price of a permit is not cheap. Including all mandatory payments, applicants pay $125,000 to obtain the document. Also, there is an annual fee of $100,000. One huge advantage is that international operators in Antigua and Barbuda don’t pay any gaming taxes.