A gaming license application is a crucial step for anyone looking to launch a legal iGaming business. Whether you’re building an online casino, sportsbook, or poker platform, securing the proper license ensures legitimacy, regulatory compliance, and long-term success. The gambling license application process varies by jurisdiction, but key stages are generally the same across countries.
What is a gaming license and why do you need one?
A gaming license is a legal permit issued by a government authority that allows operators to offer gambling services such as casino games, sports betting, and lotteries. Whether you’re running a B2C platform or a B2B service, a license is essential for:
- Operating legally in regulated markets
- Gaining the trust of players and partners
- Working with payment systems and opening high-risk merchant accounts
- Using certified software
- Avoiding legal penalties
Without a valid casino license, you risk losing access to payment gateways, software providers, and a wide user base. A properly managed application for a gaming license can set your business up for growth from day one.
How to apply for a gaming license?
If you’re wondering how to apply for a gaming license, the process may seem complex at first, but it becomes much clearer when broken down into practical steps. No matter which jurisdiction you choose, a successful gaming license application depends on meeting legal, financial, and technical requirements.
Below is a comprehensive step-by-step guide that walks you through applying for a gaming license, highlighting what you’ll need to prepare, where to submit it, and what happens next.
Step 1. Registration of the company
Before you can apply for a gambling license, you must register a company in the jurisdiction where the license will be issued. This is a legal requirement in most licensing regions and is the foundation of your entire application.
To complete the company registration, you usually need to:
- Select a company name that complies with local naming regulations
- Submit identification documents for shareholders, directors, and beneficial owners
- Provide proof of address for each key individual
- Appoint local directors or representatives if the jurisdiction requires it
- Choose a business address and legal structure
The company can typically be registered online through a government portal or with the assistance of a licensing consultancy. Registration times range from a few days to several weeks depending on the jurisdiction.
Step 2. Collecting supporting documents
After your company is registered, the next step in the gaming license application process is gathering the necessary supporting documents. These documents provide evidence of your business’s legitimacy, financial stability, and technical readiness.
Typical documentation includes:
- Valid passports and proof of residence for all company directors and shareholders
- Recent police clearance or background checks for key personnel
- A comprehensive business plan with financial projections and operating strategy
- Detailed Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies
- Agreements with third-party providers, such as game developers and payment systems
- Certifications or test reports for your gaming platform (e.g., RNG certification)
Some jurisdictions may require that documents be translated into the local language, notarized, or apostilled. These legalizations ensure the authenticity of your materials and are often mandatory when you apply for a gaming license in stricter jurisdictions.
Step 3. Opening a business bank account
A vital part of the process is opening a business bank account. This account will be used to handle player funds, pay out winnings, and receive your business revenues. Some regulators also require proof of initial capital as part of your gambling license application.
To open the account, you will generally need:
- Company registration documents
- Identification documents for directors and shareholders
- Proof of business address
- Tax identification number (if required)
- An explanation of the nature of your business (especially for high-risk industries)
Some jurisdictions require that the business account be opened with a local financial institution, while others allow international banking options. Be aware that some banks may consider iGaming businesses high-risk, so working with providers experienced in this sector is beneficial.
Step 4. Completing and submitting the gaming license application form
Once your company is set up and documents are prepared, the next step is to fill out the gaming license application form. This is where you formally present your business to the regulator and request approval to operate.
The form typically requests:
- Full legal name and contact details of the company
- License type (e.g., B2C casino, B2B software provider, betting operator)
- Names and personal details of directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners
- Description of the gaming platform and its technical infrastructure
- List of software and payment partners
- AML/KYC procedures and compliance officers
Depending on the jurisdiction, you can either apply online or download a PDF form to submit by email or post. Regardless of the format, the application must be fully completed and supported by all required documentation.
If you’re unsure how to apply for a gambling license correctly, consider seeking help from a professional licensing consultancy. They can review your documents, guide you through the form, and prevent common mistakes that lead to rejections or delays.
Step 5. Compliance review and audit
After the application is submitted, the regulator will begin reviewing your submission in detail. This step ensures that your business meets all legal and technical standards, and that your team is suitable to operate a licensed gambling business.
This phase often includes:
- Background checks on company executives and shareholders
- Review of your business plan and financial strategy
- Technical audit of your gaming software, servers, and data protection measures
- Verification of AML and responsible gambling procedures
- Evaluation of your marketing and player acquisition strategies
If everything is in order, the regulator will issue your full license. In some jurisdictions, you may first be granted a temporary license, allowing you to begin operations while additional checks are completed. This is common in regions where the final approval process may take several months.
Gaming license application form
Every jurisdiction has its own specific gaming license application form, typically issued by the national gambling authority or commission. While the layout and exact fields may vary, the information required across most regions tends to follow the same structure. Completing this form accurately is one of the most important steps in the entire licensing process, as mistakes or omissions can result in significant delays—or even rejection of your application.
A standard gaming license application form usually includes the following sections:
- Contact information: You’ll need to provide the registered address of your company, business telephone number, and an official email address. Some jurisdictions may also request contact details for a designated compliance officer or legal representative.
- Executive profiles and ownership structure: The form will ask for full details of all directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners. This includes names, roles, nationalities, ownership percentages, and often personal documents such as passports and utility bills. Some jurisdictions will also ask about any past involvement in other gambling or high-risk businesses.
- Selected license category: You’ll be required to specify the exact type of license you’re applying for. Options typically include B2C (casino, sportsbook, poker, lottery), B2B (software supplier, platform provider), or hybrid licenses. It’s important to choose the correct category, as it determines your compliance obligations and tax structure.
- Subsidiary and affiliate relationships: If your company operates through multiple entities, or if you rely on affiliate marketing programs to attract users, you’ll need to disclose these relationships. Regulators will want to ensure that all parts of your operation are transparent and traceable.
- Third-party service providers: This includes any external companies you work with for gaming software, payment processing, hosting, fraud prevention, KYC/AML compliance, or customer support. You’ll typically need to list each provider, describe their role, and provide proof of contract or agreement.
- Technical and financial details: Many forms require you to explain your platform infrastructure, data protection measures, RNG certifications, and player fund segregation procedures. You may also need to include projected revenue figures and a financial roadmap for your first 1–3 years of operation.
Some jurisdictions have fully digital application portals, while others still require downloadable PDFs to be submitted via email or physical mail. Regardless of the format, it’s crucial to ensure all entries are correct, consistent with supporting documents, and submitted in the correct language or format (translated and notarized, if necessary).
If you’re unsure how to apply for a gaming license correctly or need help navigating different jurisdictional requirements, our licensing consultancy team can support you at every stage. From helping you fill out the gaming license application form to reviewing your documentation for compliance, we streamline the process to minimize errors and accelerate approval timelines.
Choosing a jurisdiction for licensing
Choosing where to apply for a gambling license depends on many factors. Here’s what you should consider when selecting a licensing region:
- Application and renewal fees
- Tax rates and reporting obligations
- Reputation of the license
- Technical hosting requirements
- Time required to obtain the license
Popular jurisdictions for casino license application include:
- Curaçao
- Malta
- Isle of Man
- UK
- Estonia
- Gibraltar
- Belize
- Kahnawake
- Costa Rica
- Ukraine
- Alderney
- Germany
- Panama
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
Gaming license application fees
The total cost of your gaming license application depends on the jurisdiction and type of license. You’ll usually need to pay:
- Application fees
- Annual license and renewal fees
- Compliance or system audit fees
- Taxes and local duties
How much does a gaming license cost?
Curaçao
The cost for a sub-license varies depending on the master license holder. Generally, it ranges from $4,000 to $12,000 per year. Curaçao offers minimal taxation and faster processing.
Malta
The application fee in Malta is €5,000. Annual fees depend on revenue but typically range from €10,000 to €25,000. A minimum capital requirement also applies depending on the type of gambling license application.
Isle of Man
The application fee is £5,000 (~€5,600). Annual license fees begin at around £35,000. The Isle of Man is known for its business-friendly tax regime and strong regulatory reputation.
UK
UK gaming license application fees vary based on the license category and Gross Gambling Yield (GGY):
- Casino/sportsbook/bingo: £4,224 to £91,686
- General betting (real events): £4,693 to £41,243
- Pool betting: £938 to £7,030
Annual fees are charged separately and increase with company size.
Application processing and getting a temporary license
The application process and issuance timelines vary:
- Curaçao: ~1.5 months
- Malta: 3–6 months
- UK: 3–4 months
- Belize: 3–6 months
Some jurisdictions issue temporary licenses after a preliminary compliance review, allowing you to begin operations while full approval is pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to apply for an online gambling license?
Start by registering your company, gathering documents, opening a bank account, and submitting a complete application for gaming license to the relevant regulator.
What is a gaming license application?
A gaming license application is the formal process of requesting regulatory approval to legally operate gambling services like online casinos, sportsbooks, or poker sites.
How long does it take to get a gaming license?
Depending on the jurisdiction, it may take from 4 weeks to 6 months to fully process and obtain a license. Curaçao is among the fastest; Malta and the UK take longer due to stricter due diligence.
