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This guide lists the major gambling commissions worldwide and outlines the factors we consider when advising clients on jurisdiction selection.
Thinking of starting a gambling platform? Your choice of regulator affects launch timeline, banking relationships, and counterparty credibility.
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) counts over 676 regulatory bodies across 142 countries. Not all licenses are equal, and not every regulator fits every business model.
This guide lists the major gambling commissions worldwide and outlines the factors we consider when advising clients on jurisdiction selection.
Before selecting a jurisdiction, clarify what type of license your business requires.
| License Type | Description | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| B2C | Permits operation of games directly to end-users like online casinos, sportsbooks, poker rooms | You operate a gambling site that accepts players |
| B2B | Permits supply of software, platforms, aggregators, or managed services to licensed operators | You are a platform provider, game developer, or payment processor serving the iGaming industry |
| Personal License | Required for directors, compliance officers, and MLROs | You hold a senior position in a licensed entity |
Some jurisdictions (e.g., Malta) require separate B2C and B2B licenses. Others (e.g., Curacao under the LOK framework) have distinct fee structures for each. Misidentifying your license type at the outset can delay the process by months.
Also read: Behind the “Betting on Events” Trend: Business Models and Licenses
| Country / Jurisdiction | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) |
| Malta | Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) |
| Gibraltar | Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (GGC) |
| Isle of Man | Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission |
| Alderney | Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) |
| France | National Gambling Authority (ANJ) |
| Germany | Federal Gambling Authority (GGL) |
| Sweden | Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) |
| Denmark | Danish Gambling Authority |
| Netherlands | Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) |
| Belgium | Belgian Gaming Commission |
| Italy | Customs and Monopoly Agency (ADM) |
| Spain | Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) |
| Ireland | Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) – established March 2025 |
| Norway | Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority |
| Estonia | Estonian Tax and Customs Board |
| Greece | Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) |
| Cyprus | National Betting Authority |
Also read: UK DCMS Targets Unlicensed Sponsorship
Regulation is fragmented. In the US and Canada, each state or province has its own authority.
| Country / Jurisdiction | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| USA (Federal) | National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) – tribal gaming only |
| USA – New Jersey | Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) |
| USA – Nevada | Nevada Gaming Control Board |
| USA -Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) |
| USA – Michigan | Michigan Gaming Control Board |
| USA – Other States | Over 50 state-level gaming boards and lottery agencies |
| Canada – Ontario | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) |
| Canada – Other Provinces | Provincial regulators (BCLC, Loto-Québec, etc.) |
| Mexico | Directorate of Games and Raffles |
| Country / Jurisdiction | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| Macau (SAR of China) | Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) |
| Singapore | Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) |
| Philippines | Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) |
| Australia – Victoria | Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) |
| Australia – NSW | Liquor & Gaming NSW |
| Australia – Other States | Various state regulators |
| New Zealand | Department of Internal Affairs (Gambling Division) |
| Japan | Japan Casino Regulatory Commission |
| Country / Jurisdiction | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| Curacao | Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB) – under new LOK framework |
| Anjouan (Comoros) | Anjouan Gaming Authority |
| Panama | Panama Gaming Control Board |
| Brazil | Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) – launched regulated market January 2025 |
| Colombia | Coljuegos |
| Argentina – Buenos Aires | IPLyC |
| Argentina – Other Provinces | Various provincial regulators |
| Country | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| South Africa | National Gambling Board (NGB) – federal oversight; provincial licensing |
| Kenya | Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) |
| Nigeria | National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) |
| Botswana | Gambling Authority of Botswana |
| Jurisdiction | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| Isle of Man | Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission |
| Alderney | Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) |
| Gibraltar | Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (GGC) |
| Jurisdiction | Processing Time | Tax Regime |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (MGA) | 4-6 months | 5% effective |
| UK (UKGC) | ~16 weeks | 15-21% on GGY |
| Gibraltar | 3-6 months | 0.15% on GGR |
| Isle of Man | 3-6 months | 0% corporate tax |
| Curacao (LOK) | 4-8 weeks | Low / fixed fee |
| Anjouan | ~8 weeks | 0% gambling tax |
The optimal jurisdiction depends on your specific circumstances. We assess the following factors with each client:
| Factor | Questions to Consider |
|---|---|
| Target Markets | Which countries do you intend to accept players from? A Curacao license does not provide EU market access. A Malta license does. |
| Budget | What is your total setup and first-year operational budget? Entry-level (€17,000-30,000) vs. premium (€100,000+). |
| Time-to-Market | How quickly do you need to launch? |
| Business Model | Are you B2C, B2B, or both? Some jurisdictions have clearer B2B licensing pathways. |
| Banking Access | Do you need mainstream banking and payment processing? Tier 1 jurisdictions (Malta, UK, Gibraltar) generally offer better banking relationships. |
| Long-term Strategy | Do you plan to expand into regulated EU markets? An MGA license provides EU access; Curacao does not. |
Also read: 7 Biggest Web3 Casino Platforms and How They Get Licensed
| Stage | Description | Typical Timeline | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-Application | Entity setup, documentation | 2-4 weeks | Incorporate company, prepare business plan, gather KYC documents |
| 2. Application Submission | Submit to regulator with fees | 1-2 weeks | Complete forms, pay non-refundable fees |
| 3. Regulatory Review | Regulator assesses suitability | 4-16 weeks (varies) | Background checks, financial scrutiny, “fit and proper” tests |
| 4. Approval in Principle | Conditional approval | Varies | Fulfill conditions (platform testing, etc.) |
| 5. License Issuance | Full license granted | 1-2 weeks | Pay final fees, commence operations |
Typical Documentation Checklist:
| Compliance Area | Key Requirements |
|---|---|
| Anti-Money Laundering (AML) | Customer due diligence (KYC), transaction monitoring, AML reporting, appoint MLRO |
| Responsible Gaming | Player protection measures, self-exclusion tools, affordability checks |
| Technical Standards | RNG testing, platform security, data protection |
| Financial Reporting | Regular financial submissions, tax payments, audit requirements |
| License Renewal | Annual renewal fees and compliance reviews |
Also read: How to Start a Sportsbook Business
| Market | Regulatory Body | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) | Launched 1 January 2025 | Federal licensing available; license costs R$30 million for 5 years |
| Ireland | Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI) | Established March 2025; B2C betting applications opened December 2025 | New EU regulatory regime |
| UAE | General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) | Framework under development | First regulated gaming market in the Gulf |
| Anjouan | Anjouan Gaming Authority | July 2025: B2B service providers must now hold Recognition Certificate or full B2B license | Evolving framework |
LegalBison is a global boutique legal and business consulting firm specializing in regulatory architecture for FinTech and digital asset projects. We are a licensed Corporate Service Provider with direct registrar status in multiple jurisdictions.
Our team includes in-house lawyers, AML-compliance experts, chartered accountants, licensing specialists, tax advisors, and banking professionals.
We cover the full lifecycle: jurisdictional strategy, company formation, licensing, compliance program design, bank account opening, and ongoing corporate administration.
We assess your project and match it with the jurisdiction that fits your specific needs.
No. Curaçao licenses do not provide EU market access. For EU markets, you need a license from an EU regulator such as Malta (MGA).
Yes, for most jurisdictions. Curaçao now requires a local entity and a resident managing director under the LOK. Gibraltar requires local incorporation.
The LOK (December 2024) replaced the master/sub-license model with direct licenses from the Curaçao Gaming Authority, with stronger AML, responsible gambling, and transparency requirements.
Entry-level: ~€17,000-30,000. Mid-tier: ~€15,000-30,000 USD first year. Premium: significantly higher, some can reach around €25,000 or even £85,000+.
Our team of experts will be glad to provide you with answers and a one-stop-shop solution to all your legal corporate needs.
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