How can I get Online Gambling License?

Starting an online gambling business may seem profitable for entrepreneurs; however, before exploring its opportunities, you need to go through several key steps. An online gambling license is a crucial factor for opening a legal business. The license demonstrates that your company is a trustworthy and reliable one.

With online gambling license, you avoid future problems with laws and also gain the trust of your customers. Therefore, it is also crucial to get certification from the authorities before opening your own business. Some companies manage to continue their operation without obtaining legal permission. You can think that it is an easy way to get a quick profit.

However, there are more disadvantages than you might think. In some countries, rules about illegal gambling are so strict that you could end up in a jail cell. Therefore, we believe that you should not risk anything if you have a chance to make your gambling business a legal one. 

Getting a gambling certification should be your priority before starting your gambling business. You can never find a legit company without a license. Therefore, you should open a merchant account, work with various payment systems, and ultimately obtain the necessary permissions.

Moreover, you will need a permit to operate an effective marketing strategy and gain loyal customers.  Steps may seem challenging for you, but if you follow the rules, establishing a legal and trustworthy company will not be difficult. 

1. What is an online gambling license?

It is a document issued by one of the authorities worldwide to confirm that your business is legitimate. You need to obtain a certification if your company offers games of chance or includes wagering in its rules, such as poker, slot games, or roulette. Requirements to get an online gambling license could vary based on the country and the authority from which you get the permit. You will need to know the steps before applying for a gambling license:

Research on gambling jurisdictions: application process, requirements, and the cost of obtaining an online casino license, among other relevant details. Select a country that meets your needs and expectations. Keep in mind that there are lots of lawyers and consultants who are ready to help you in the process. You can always refer to their help whenever you need help.

Do not wait until the last minute to prepare documents. Start preparing them in advance and ensure that you have all your documents ready before submitting your application for certification. Generally, all jurisdictions require a copy of the passport, a criminal background check, a valid telephone number, and a current address. 

Next, you will need to prepare detailed documentation about the games you offer, including a description of each one. Documentation will cover the functionality of each game in your online casino, the specification of the software, and proof of contract with the software providers. Ensure that your online casino software complies with the requirements of the relevant jurisdictions. 

All jurisdictions check your online casino website before distributing a certificate. Therefore, all documentation should be ready with the relevant data that authorities may require. You need to have terms and conditions, a self-exclusion policy, and other relevant policies in place. 

2. Requirements for Online Gambling License

Each country regulates its territory in relation to the gambling industry. For example, in the UK, both government and non-government organizations regulate online gambling to ensure that people are protected from scams. Some countries strictly regulate the industry; therefore, business owners are eager to get certification from jurisdictions with less strict rules.

If you are in a country where getting a certification is challenging and expensive, you can take advantage of offshoring. Obtaining a license from another country may be less complicated and less costly. However, you should note that they have different rules and permit fees, which can range from $100 to $1,000. 

3. Antigua and Barbuda

Starting a gambling business in this country could be very costly. For the application fee, you need to pay $ 15,000. Additionally, the annual fee costs approximately $ 100,000. The application process consists of two steps, and you can obtain two different types of licenses. The first license you could get will be for your online casino.

The second type of online gambling license is only for companies that offer wagering games. Therefore, before starting the company, you will need to pay at least $ 100,000. Later, the costs will be limited to an annual monitoring fee of $ 25,000 for each license. 

To get a license from this jurisdiction, you do not need to provide detailed information about the value of shares of the company. It will be enough to have one director, one shareholder, and one office based on the islands. But you need to provide detailed information about the board of directors. Technical requirements are also strict, as you need to have certified online casino games.

Additionally, you need to be prepared for the audit and expertise required for the slot machines. If you have a certificate from eCommerce Online Gaming Regulations and Assurance (eCOGRA), you can avoid this step. Because the license from eCOGRA ensures that your casino games software and machines comply with the high standards of the industry.  

You need to have the central server located in Antigua and Barbuda, with others potentially located in another country. There is one more crucial requirement we would like to mention. If your customer wins more than $25, you must send all data related to the transaction. If you fail to do so, you will likely find yourself in court. The government of Antigua and Barbuda has strict rules against money laundering. 

4. Online Gambling License from Curacao

If you want to open your online casino quickly and affordably, consider choosing Curacao. The application process only takes about six months. Getting a gambling license from Curacao is so affordable that it is even less expensive than getting a certificate from Malta. Additionally, it provides low tax rates and high legal protection.

It has a too small application fee, which is about €2,000, and the monthly fee payment is €1.500. If you have a registered gambling business in another country, you could benefit from the Ezone permit. The permit will allow you to pay low-income tax, which is about 2%.

However, obtaining a license from Curacao does not guarantee that all countries will recognize your business as legitimate. Several countries strictly forbid the operation with a Curacao certification. Additionally, some states permit operation but restrict marketing in various ways.

For example, some countries can prohibit you from using their local payment solutions or advertising your business. Some countries that forbid a Curacao license include the USA, the Netherlands, France, Saba, Singapore, and several others.  

To get a gambling license from Curacao, you need to go through the gaming application. The process requires fewer documents and is simple. A required text for a permit includes a Curacao company with its zone status. Note: Curacao accepts only local companies for the application process. Then, this company will apply for a sublicense and purchase the necessary hardware. 

5. Malta

If you are looking for a reputable jurisdiction that requires less money to obtain a gambling license, consider applying to Malta. As a member of the European Union, Malta was one of the first countries to begin distributing online gambling licenses, starting in 2000. The cost of certification may vary depending on the class of consent you select. Now Malta offers a gaming license for only the two categories.

The first category includes gaming companies that provide gaming services to their customers. The second category comprises gaming service companies that offer gaming supplies to other companies. If you plan to open an online casino, you will need to obtain a Class 1 certificate. In that case, your payment will be €4,660 per month, tax. But after six months, you will pay €7,000 per month.

The minimum amount of money required to obtain a Class Q license is approximately €100,000. The application process is lengthy, requiring the submission of both financial and personal data, as well as details about the target audience and marketing strategies. The application process will consist of five total steps with audits. 

6. Pros and cons of getting a Malta license

We can mention both advantages and disadvantages while considering getting a license from Malta. Let’s first discuss some benefits of a Malta online gambling license. Firstly, Malta has a robust regulatory system. The reason for this is that the government itself regulates the gaming industry. Therefore, it creates a high level of security and protection for players.

Due to its reliable regulatory system, Malta protects both business owners and players. Malta’s rules are strict about money laundering. It complies with all EU directives to protect users from money laundering. Once you obtain the license from Malta, you can be assured of holding a highly reputable certificate. Also, you can apply for other documents during the next ten years. 

With all its advantages, the Malta license also contains disadvantages. The apparent cons of getting a Malta license are the cost of fees and taxes. They are higher than other jurisdictions, such as Curacao. Also, the application process is complex and time-consuming. There are numerous documents that you need to submit. Additionally, you need to have all the necessary hardware and casinos operating in Malta. 

7. Montenegro

Since 2012, Montenegro has been issuing online gambling licenses for online casinos, sports betting sites, and poker games, among other types of online gaming operations. It offers a comprehensive “all-in-one” package that includes all the costs associated with opening and operating an online casino, including the acquisition of a license. The package costs €25,000 for the first year, but subsequent years require an annual payment of € 15,000. 

In Montenegro, a special law known as the Games of Chance regulates online gambling. It provides excellent support for online casinos; therefore, casinos offer significant awards and prizes. Obtaining a gambling license from Montenegro is a fast process. Usually, it takes two days for a new business to get started. Also, you do not need to provide a minimum capital to establish a company and get an online gambling license.

To obtain a gambling license, you must follow several steps, which we outline below. As a first step, you need to open an LLC in the given state. The company must comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Then open a bank account for future operations. As a final step, please complete the application with the required documents. 

Getting an online gambling license from Montenegro is not the final step. When you have a permit, ensure that all games are certified in your online casino software. The certifications for games last for three years. After three years, you will need to renew the certification, which will remain active for the next two years. 

8. Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is famous for its stable environment for gambling businesses. It is one of the first countries to start separate legislation for the gambling industry. The regulations launched their first operation in 2011. Most of the gambling business owners choose the Isle of Man as a jurisdiction because it encourages the growth of online gambling and helps business owners to establish their company.

You can get three levels of online gambling license from the Isle of Man. They include a network service license, a sub-license, and a full license. The whole gaming license is a single license for your gambling business. To apply for this certification, you must pay an initial application fee of £ 5,000. Later, for the annual tax, you will pay  £35,000 per month.

The whole process takes between 10 and 12 weeks. The overall Isle of Man provides a high-level regulatory system and a stable government. But before applying for an online gambling license, you need to register your company in the Isle of Man and all other equipment located there. 

If you are considering establishing your company on the Isle of Man, we provide an application form to simplify your application process. With its simple requirements and straightforward application process, the Isle of Man jurisdiction has become the preferred choice among business owners. 

9. Panama

If you want to get a gambling license from Panama, you will not have any problem with taxes. It is one of the smallest jurisdictions with minimal regulations. It has been operating as a jurisdiction since 2002. You will be free from all fees, including sales tax and income tax, if you have a business established in another country.

The only data you need to retain is transaction records, as the government may need those records for inspection purposes. The application process takes approximately seven days, and an online gambling license costs $40,000. You need to pay an additional annual fee of $20,000 for each month. 

The application form for a Panama gambling license should include criminal background checks, testing of all games offered by your online casino, and a business processes analysis. If they approve your gambling license, you will get a master‘s permission. You should retain all financial transactions for future review and analysis. After getting an online gambling license from Panama, you will pay sublicense fee  $20,000 per year. 

10. Gibraltar

Gibraltar is an excellent option to get a gambling license. The cost to get an online gambling license varies between $30,000 and $70,000. You receive the permit for five years, with an annual fee of $ 2,800 per year. The price of getting a gambling license might seem a lot, but you will gain an advantage because of the lower taxes and fees.

You will pay 1% of your annual income. Additionally, taxes should be between £85,000 and £425,000. As you can see, tax payments are affordable and almost zero for the gambling giants.  

11. Which jurisdiction to choose?

Obtaining an online gambling license could be a long process and may cost you a lot, depending on your jurisdiction. You can make the wrong decision if you lack enough information about the domain you choose. When considering gambling certification, also remember to consider your internet cafe casino software, customer service quality, payment system, and marketing strategy.

These should include the backbone of your business. It is always advisable to prepare all the necessary documents before applying for a license. It will prevent you from wasting time gathering paperwork.

Keep in mind that each country has its own unique rules and regulations, and ensure that you choose a country that meets your specific requirements and expectations. If you select a country with liberal gambling laws, it will be easy and quick to get a gambling license for you. 

12. FAQ

12.1 How to get a gambling license?

To learn how to get a gambling license, you need to look for the available options first, according to the location of your business. Then, the steps are clear. Contact the provider to learn how to obtain a gambling license from them. Pay an annual fee and start your online casino business instantly. 

12.2 How to get an online gambling license?

To obtain an online gambling license in the USA, you must first analyze the local rules and regulations governing the process. Most states permit online casino businesses to operate legally; however, it is essential to verify that the online gambling license you hold is valid.