Licensing

Choosing the right iGaming license

Selecting the right jurisdiction is a strategic decision. The optimal license depends on your budget, target markets, banking requirements, and business model — not a one-size-fits-all answer.

What the right jurisdiction depends on

Budget

Licensing costs vary significantly between entry-level and Tier-1 regulators — this is usually the first filter.

Target markets

Some licenses offer broad international flexibility; others carry more weight within specific regulated regions.

Banking & payments

Access to PSPs, acquiring banks, and crypto solutions often depends on the reputation of your chosen license.

Business model

Startups, scaling operators, and B2B providers (platform, software, aggregation) each benefit from different jurisdictions.

Quick license selection guide

Best for startups
Anjouan
Tobique
Nevis
Best balance of cost & recognition
Curaçao
Best offshore reputation
Kahnawake
Best Tier-1 regulatory credibility
Malta (EU)
Isle of Man

Full jurisdiction comparison

Anjouan

Startup
Anjouan Gaming Board

The Anjouan gaming license is a fast and cost-effective licensing option for online casino, sportsbook and other iGaming operators. With a typical licensing timeline of 2–4 weeks, 0% gaming tax and a comparatively low entry cost, Anjouan is widely used by startups and international operators seeking a flexible offshore gaming licence.

Licensing time
2–4 weeks
Annual fee
From €17,828
Tax
0% gaming tax
Best for
Online casino and sportsbook startups
View details

Tobique

Startup
Tobique Gaming Commission

The Tobique gaming license is a streamlined licensing option for online casino, sportsbook and iGaming businesses seeking relatively fast market entry, flexible operating models and competitive ongoing costs. The framework can support both B2C operators and B2B gaming businesses, subject to the activities approved under the licence and applicable target-market laws.

Licensing time
3–6 weeks
Annual fee
€18,000 / year
Tax
0% gaming tax
Best for
Online casino and sportsbook operators
View details

Nevis

Startup
Nevis Gaming Authority

The Nevis gaming license is an offshore licensing option for online casino, sportsbook and iGaming businesses seeking a structured international operating model. Nevis provides B2C and B2B licensing options, a relatively fast application process and a corporate framework that can support international gaming operations, subject to target-market laws and regulatory requirements.

Licensing time
4–6 weeks
Annual fee
€28,000 / year
Tax
0% gaming tax
Best for
Online casino and sportsbook operators
View details

Curaçao

Balanced
Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA)

The Curaçao gaming license is an established international iGaming licensing option operating under the LOK framework and direct supervision of the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA). It is suitable for online casino, sportsbook and qualifying B2B gaming businesses that can support the jurisdiction's corporate, compliance, technical and ongoing regulatory requirements.

Licensing time
4–6 months
Annual fee
B2C €47,450 / B2B €24,490 per year
Tax
Territorial profit tax applies
Best for
Growing online casino and sportsbook operators
View details

Malta (MGA)

Tier-1
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

The Malta gaming license, issued by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), is one of the most established regulatory frameworks in the European iGaming industry. It is suitable for established B2C operators and qualifying B2B gaming suppliers that can support a structured compliance, governance, technical and financial framework.

Licensing time
6+ months
Annual fee
€25,000 / year (B2C)
Tax
5% on Malta player GGR
Best for
Established online casino and sportsbook operators
View details

Isle of Man

Tier-1
Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC)

The Isle of Man gaming license is an established international licensing option for online casino, sportsbook and other qualifying gaming businesses. Regulated by the Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC), the jurisdiction combines a mature regulatory framework, international industry recognition and a competitive gaming duty structure.

Licensing time
4–6 months
Annual fee
£36,750 / year
Tax
0.1%–1.5% gaming duty
Best for
Established online casino and sportsbook operators
View details

Kahnawake

Offshore Reputation
Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC)

The Kahnawake gaming license is an established offshore licensing option regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC). With a regulatory history dating back to 1999, Kahnawake is relevant to online casino, sportsbook and gaming businesses seeking a mature offshore framework with defined compliance, technical and infrastructure requirements.

Licensing time
8–10 weeks
Annual fee
$20,000 / year + domain fees
Tax
No gaming-specific tax
Best for
International online casino and sportsbook operators
View details

Key infrastructure for any license

Regardless of jurisdiction, most operators need to prepare the same core infrastructure.

Corporate structure

Registered company
Directors & UBO verification
Corporate bank or crypto processing

Technical infrastructure

Gaming platform
Hosting / data center
RNG certification (if required)
Player database & security

Compliance infrastructure

AML and KYC procedures
Responsible gaming policies
Data protection (GDPR where applicable)

Operational infrastructure

Payment providers
Game provider integrations
Customer support
Risk and fraud monitoring

Not sure which license fits your business?

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