List of Gambling Commissions Around the World: An Ever-evolving Reference Guide
This guide lists the major gambling commissions worldwide and outlines the factors we consider when advising clients on jurisdiction selection.
Anastasia MarchenkoLegal Researcher at LegalBison
Jul, 10 20267 minutes
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.
Types of Gambling License
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.
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
Need Help Deciding a Jurisdiction?
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.
FAQ
Can I operate in the EU with a Curaçao license?
No. Curaçao licenses do not provide EU market access. For EU markets, you need a license from an EU regulator such as Malta (MGA).
Do I need a local company in the jurisdiction?
Yes, for most jurisdictions. Curaçao now requires a local entity and a resident managing director under the LOK. Gibraltar requires local incorporation.
What changed with Curaçao’s new LOK framework?
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.
What is the first-year budget range?
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+.
The global gambling industry generated between USD 85 billion and USD 130 billion in revenue in 2025, depending on which market segments analysts include. Online gambling platforms cover 63% of that total. For founders and entrepreneurs evaluating this space, statistics tell only part of the story. The other part is about licensing, jurisdictional strategy, and what separates future-proof operators from those who stall at the starting line.
The growing popularity of no-KYC casinos therefore raises an important question: while the model may be attractive from a user experience perspective, is it legally sustainable in today's regulatory environment?
This guide covers every major online casino game type in circulation in 2026, the psychology that makes each one work, and the operator decision framework for assembling a portfolio that performs.
Successful Bitcoin casinos are built at the intersection of blockchain technology and regulatory compliance. This is a guide for founders in the crypto casino and gamefi spaces: here are what licensing and operating a Bitcoin casino (or other crypto gaming model) entail.
