Gambling License: Expert Legal Consulting Service – LegalBison
Online gambling is a flourishing and lucrative industry. One of the most important steps to success is obtaining an online gaming license. LegalBison provides professional legal assistance, every step of the way.
Introduction to Gambling Licences
When programming an online casino, designing a sports betting website, or even preparing a play-to-earn game, one should look into gambling licenses as early as possible. The industry of games, usually called gambling for the sake of simplicity, is highly regulated in the major part of the world.
- When applying for a gambling license, it is crucial to provide a detailed description of the company, including its structure, operations, and relevant documentation;
- Additionally, outlining the services provided by the business is necessary to determine the appropriate license type and jurisdiction.
Compliance with the law is essential for obtaining and maintaining a gambling license. In order to act faithfully and to protect the players, a gambling project must know about its legal responsibilities and act accordingly.
Definition of a gambling license
In simple terms, a gambling license is your permit to run a gambling business. Whether it is an online casino, a sports betting site, or both of them combined, you cannot launch them legally until you have obtained a license from one of the authorised jurisdictions. Obtaining a gambling license requires strict adherence to rules and regulatory standards, including compliance with AML/KYC policies and responsible gaming procedures.
The worldwide gambling industry is mostly regulated and can be quite strict in its regulations, too. Since the main goal is to protect the customers from various dangers, like fraud, money laundering, or gambling addiction, a license is a green light that will gain your casino or sportsbook unwavering trust from governmental authorities and potential clients alike. On top of it, an online gambling license benefits the company itself, protecting it from possible legal obstacles.
Who needs a gambling license?
An official gambling license is an automatic boost to the trustworthiness of your gambling business. Any deals that you have to run with banks, payment systems, partners, and customers go through way faster and easier when you have a license.
Does your particular business need a gambling license? The answer to this question depends on the types of services you intend to provide. For example, some kinds of casino games do not require a license if their payouts are calculated randomly.
Only certain entities, such as registered companies or organizations that meet specific legal and operational requirements, are eligible to apply for a gambling license. Additionally, in some jurisdictions, the number of available licenses may be limited, making the application process more competitive and subject to strict eligibility criteria.
At the same time, if your startup combines different games and other types of gambling entertainment, the importance of a license becomes more complicated to predict. In that case, you will need some legal assistance, which we are always ready to provide.
Which gambling licenses are the best in 2026
The most widespread gambling licensers keep their firm ground in the industry: Curacao, Malta, Costa Rica gambling license, the Isle of Man, and others. Each of these jurisdictions licenses different types of gambling businesses and has different requirements.
When it comes to the best online gambling licenses, the scope is vast. The question to ask here is: which one of them will be the most beneficial to your startup? When choosing a jurisdiction, it is important to consider local taxes, as tax rates and obligations can significantly impact your business. An expert from LegalBison can assess your gambling project in detail and match it up with the most beneficial jurisdiction that offers a mild taxation regime and opportunities for consistent growth.
The cheapest and easiest gambling licenses to obtain in 2026
Finding the cheapest online gambling license that will meet all your needs is not an easy task. Besides, starting a gambling business is rather expensive in its own right. How much does a gambling license cost?
In every existing jurisdiction, the licensing fee will depend on such aspects as the company type, the scope of provided services, and the license validity period. As part of the process, you will need to pay application and regulatory fees, which may also include costs for background investigations and licensing procedures.
With some efficient legal assistance, you will be able to balance the price of a license with its cost-effectiveness for your company. Additionally, license holders must renew their licenses periodically by submitting renewal applications or required reports to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
One may argue that offshore gambling licenses tend to have competitive pricing in comparison to traditional jurisdictions. We studied the matter in our guide to offshore gambling licenses.
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Possible activities with a gambling license
Without a gambling license, your online casino is just a website full of exciting games and services that you are unauthorised to offer. A license, however, will add important components such as legality, trustworthiness, and safe cooperation with banks, partners, and clients. It will open doors to many possibilities depending on the gambling activities you plan to provide.
Gambling licenses available with LegalBison
Online Gambling License in Costa Rica
on request-
2% tax
-
Fast Execution
-
Simple Process
Nevis Online Gaming License
on request-
Quick set-up
-
Allows all games
-
Reputed license
Gaming License in Malta
on request-
5% tax
-
Prestigious license
-
For all type of games
Step-by-step general procedure to get licensed
How to obtain a gambling license? The main stages of the process are similar regardless of the jurisdiction, even though the requirements may vary. The key to success is to approach the licensing procedure with all responsibility, as one wrong step can endanger the trustworthiness of your business.
As part of the process, you may need to request specific forms, waivers, or authorisations from the regulatory authority. Additionally, submitting a formal letter of intent or similar official documentation may be required during the application process.
Forming a company in the desired jurisdiction
The process starts with picking a country to register the gambling startup. Then comes the introduction of your business to the world: what form of company it will be, what types of services it will provide, and, most importantly, its legal name.
During company registration, you will also need to provide proof of address for company owners and management as part of the required documentation. This is the most responsible and decisive step of the entire procedure, so we advise consulting an expert before making a choice.
Preparing the requirements for the license
The second step of the process is to tailor the corporate details in order to meet all the licensing requirements. This usually means thinking through a set of technical and legal documents, information about the team, corporate and IT schemes, organisation charts, business plans, etc.
At this stage, it is dangerously easy to overlook crucial details, hence the importance of going through the necessary requirements with a trusted legal specialist. It is also essential to disclose the ultimate beneficiaries of the company, as regulators require identification and reporting of key stakeholders to comply with anti-money laundering and transparency standards.
Application to the gambling license
Finally, the last step is to submit a well-shaped and polished application for obtaining a gambling license. Applicants can access the application forms via a direct link provided by the regulatory authority, making the process more convenient.
In any case, it is crucial to have a team of experienced legal professionals who will contact the regulatory body and navigate the procedure on the licensee’s behalf. After approval, the license or official documents may be sent to the applicant by mail, and you must receive these before the license becomes valid.
Requirements to run a gambling licensed company
Documents to prepare for your application for a gambling license
Apart from the information on the nature of your company, you must provide the documents confirming the identities of beneficiaries and key employees. The more details you present, the better: personal IDs, proof of residence, and certificates of non-criminal records come first. Proof of address for owners, management, and the company’s physical location is also required to comply with jurisdictional regulations.
Then, some jurisdictions might also require bank statements, utility bills, information on the games and services you intend to provide, and safe gambling guidelines.
The application process involves the submission of a complete set of documents, including corporate documents, financial statements, and a detailed description of the company and services provided. Regulatory forms must be completed and submitted, and each applicant and spouse with a community property interest in a gambling establishment must submit an application along with a non-refundable application fee.
The application may also require a letter of intent or finalised contract with the gaming facility. Some jurisdictions require the appointment of local directors as part of the registration process.
During the review process, DIAL staff or the relevant authority will review the application and required documentation after submission. This may involve additional explanations or interviews with management, and confirmation of all requirements is needed before a gambling license is issued.
The license is only valid once received by the applicant after successful review and confirmation.
Business plan for a gaming company
Even the most lenient jurisdictions, like the Curacao online gambling license, always require a detailed business plan for your startup:
- This plan must include a comprehensive description of the company, its organisation, and the services provided;
- It should specify all essential aspects such as ownership and beneficiaries, the team and its key employees, financial grounds and projections like your starting capital and predicted revenues, the software and games you are going to offer, and the payoff mechanisms;
- The business plan should also address key factors that influence the licensing process, including financial projections, management structure, and compliance with local regulations.
Obtaining a gambling license involves selecting a jurisdiction, preparing a business plan, collecting documents, and paying fees. Additionally, some jurisdictions require the presence of a local legal entity, appointment of a local director, or regular audits as part of their licensing requirements.
All this data must be clear and precise, without any grey areas or inconsistencies that might cause a refusal from the licenser. It will be best to have your business plan constructed by professionals with expertise in the legal field — LegalBison is ready to provide you with all the assistance you need.
Gambling IT infrastructure
A lot of countries have strict rules regarding the technical infrastructure of your business. Make sure to take care of such important facets as servers, technical maintenance, and reliable software providers for your gambling platform beforehand.
Holding a gambling license provides access to leading technology providers and payment systems, creating opportunities for cooperation and operational legitimacy. Additionally, operators must create secure user accounts and game systems as part of their IT infrastructure.
Local requirements for obtaining a gambling license
Some jurisdictions require local physical establishment in the country or anywhere within its served area. In most jurisdictions, registration of a local legal entity is a fundamental requirement for obtaining a gambling license.
- For example, if you plan to obtain a Malta gambling license, your business should be based within the EU or the EEA;
- Entities seeking a license must comply with all local regulations and requirements, including adherence to local law and tax obligations;
- Other requirements can include renting an office in the licensing country, hiring local employees, opening an account in a local bank, and making a share capital deposit;
- After meeting all legal requirements, a permit is issued, allowing the operator to legally offer gambling services;
- The cost of obtaining a gambling license varies significantly depending on the jurisdiction, ranging from 5,000 USD to over 150,000 USD;
- Additionally, licenses must be periodically renewed through submission of reports, audits, and ongoing regulatory interactions to maintain compliance.
Curacao offers a simpler and more affordable licensing process compared to stricter jurisdictions like Malta or the Isle of Man. Licenses are limited in scope and may restrict advertising rights to licensed operators.
Legal documents and guidance on how to get a gambling license
Gambling is a highly lucrative business and this is exactly why it involves a lot of legal risks. Gambling startups, especially novice ones, often end up under thorough supervision from governments and regulatory bodies. The division or bureau responsible for gaming licensing conducts background investigations on applicants to determine their suitability for a state gambling license, and the submission of accurate documents is required during the application process.
The licensing process can take anywhere from 12 weeks to 6 months, depending on the jurisdiction. After submission, the application is reviewed by the relevant authority, which may request additional explanations or conduct interviews before making a decision. Once approved, the license is mailed to the applicant.
Unlicensed operators may find it difficult to access banking services and payment processors, and operating without a license can lead to a loss of customer trust and business opportunities. A gambling license opens up access to regulated and international markets, guarantees control over the fairness of games and the safety of deposits, and establishes the company’s right to accept players under regulatory supervision. It is better to have a fail-safe and gain the support of a trustworthy partner such as LegalBison who will guide you through the necessary legal procedures with ease.
Minimum capital requirement for licensing
The minimum capital requirement is a fundamental aspect of obtaining a gaming license in the gambling industry, and it varies widely depending on the chosen jurisdiction. Most jurisdictions set a minimum capital threshold to ensure that the applicant has adequate funds to operate the business, cover operational costs, and pay out winnings to players. This requirement is designed to protect both the integrity of the gaming sector and the safety of its participants.
- For instance, in Malta, the minimum capital requirement for a B2C gaming license is 40,000 EUR, while the Isle of Man requires B2B operators to demonstrate at least 20,000 GBP in capital;
- In Curacao, the minimum capital needed for an e-gaming license is 10,000 USD.
These figures are subject to change, so it is essential for any applicant to verify the latest requirements with the relevant regulatory authority in their chosen jurisdiction.
Meeting the minimum capital requirement is just one part of the licensing process. Applicants must submit a complete application, including proof of funds, supporting documents, and details about their gaming software and business operations.
The regulatory authority will review the application to determine if the operator is suitable to hold a license, taking into account the applicant’s financial stability, the source of funds, and the overall business model.
It is important to note that the minimum capital requirement is not a one-time obligation. Operators must maintain this level of capital throughout the validity of their license to remain compliant with the rules set by the jurisdiction. Failure to do so can result in penalties, suspension, or even revocation of the gaming license.
- Application
- Business plan
- IT & Software
- Economic substance
- Legal documents & consultation
- Capital requirements
Documents to prepare for your application for a gambling license
Apart from the information on the nature of your company, you must provide the documents confirming the identities of beneficiaries and key employees. The more details you present, the better: personal IDs, proof of residence, and certificates of non-criminal records come first. Proof of address for owners, management, and the company’s physical location is also required to comply with jurisdictional regulations.
Then, some jurisdictions might also require bank statements, utility bills, information on the games and services you intend to provide, and safe gambling guidelines.
The application process involves the submission of a complete set of documents, including corporate documents, financial statements, and a detailed description of the company and services provided. Regulatory forms must be completed and submitted, and each applicant and spouse with a community property interest in a gambling establishment must submit an application along with a non-refundable application fee.
The application may also require a letter of intent or finalised contract with the gaming facility. Some jurisdictions require the appointment of local directors as part of the registration process.
During the review process, DIAL staff or the relevant authority will review the application and required documentation after submission. This may involve additional explanations or interviews with management, and confirmation of all requirements is needed before a gambling license is issued.
The license is only valid once received by the applicant after successful review and confirmation.
Business plan for a gaming company
Even the most lenient jurisdictions, like the Curacao online gambling license, always require a detailed business plan for your startup:
- This plan must include a comprehensive description of the company, its organisation, and the services provided;
- It should specify all essential aspects such as ownership and beneficiaries, the team and its key employees, financial grounds and projections like your starting capital and predicted revenues, the software and games you are going to offer, and the payoff mechanisms;
- The business plan should also address key factors that influence the licensing process, including financial projections, management structure, and compliance with local regulations.
Obtaining a gambling license involves selecting a jurisdiction, preparing a business plan, collecting documents, and paying fees. Additionally, some jurisdictions require the presence of a local legal entity, appointment of a local director, or regular audits as part of their licensing requirements.
All this data must be clear and precise, without any grey areas or inconsistencies that might cause a refusal from the licenser. It will be best to have your business plan constructed by professionals with expertise in the legal field — LegalBison is ready to provide you with all the assistance you need.
Gambling IT infrastructure
A lot of countries have strict rules regarding the technical infrastructure of your business. Make sure to take care of such important facets as servers, technical maintenance, and reliable software providers for your gambling platform beforehand.
Holding a gambling license provides access to leading technology providers and payment systems, creating opportunities for cooperation and operational legitimacy. Additionally, operators must create secure user accounts and game systems as part of their IT infrastructure.
Local requirements for obtaining a gambling license
Some jurisdictions require local physical establishment in the country or anywhere within its served area. In most jurisdictions, registration of a local legal entity is a fundamental requirement for obtaining a gambling license.
- For example, if you plan to obtain a Malta gambling license, your business should be based within the EU or the EEA;
- Entities seeking a license must comply with all local regulations and requirements, including adherence to local law and tax obligations;
- Other requirements can include renting an office in the licensing country, hiring local employees, opening an account in a local bank, and making a share capital deposit;
- After meeting all legal requirements, a permit is issued, allowing the operator to legally offer gambling services;
- The cost of obtaining a gambling license varies significantly depending on the jurisdiction, ranging from 5,000 USD to over 150,000 USD;
- Additionally, licenses must be periodically renewed through submission of reports, audits, and ongoing regulatory interactions to maintain compliance.
Curacao offers a simpler and more affordable licensing process compared to stricter jurisdictions like Malta or the Isle of Man. Licenses are limited in scope and may restrict advertising rights to licensed operators.
Legal documents and guidance on how to get a gambling license
Gambling is a highly lucrative business and this is exactly why it involves a lot of legal risks. Gambling startups, especially novice ones, often end up under thorough supervision from governments and regulatory bodies. The division or bureau responsible for gaming licensing conducts background investigations on applicants to determine their suitability for a state gambling license, and the submission of accurate documents is required during the application process.
The licensing process can take anywhere from 12 weeks to 6 months, depending on the jurisdiction. After submission, the application is reviewed by the relevant authority, which may request additional explanations or conduct interviews before making a decision. Once approved, the license is mailed to the applicant.
Unlicensed operators may find it difficult to access banking services and payment processors, and operating without a license can lead to a loss of customer trust and business opportunities. A gambling license opens up access to regulated and international markets, guarantees control over the fairness of games and the safety of deposits, and establishes the company’s right to accept players under regulatory supervision. It is better to have a fail-safe and gain the support of a trustworthy partner such as LegalBison who will guide you through the necessary legal procedures with ease.
Minimum capital requirement for licensing
The minimum capital requirement is a fundamental aspect of obtaining a gaming license in the gambling industry, and it varies widely depending on the chosen jurisdiction. Most jurisdictions set a minimum capital threshold to ensure that the applicant has adequate funds to operate the business, cover operational costs, and pay out winnings to players. This requirement is designed to protect both the integrity of the gaming sector and the safety of its participants.
- For instance, in Malta, the minimum capital requirement for a B2C gaming license is 40,000 EUR, while the Isle of Man requires B2B operators to demonstrate at least 20,000 GBP in capital;
- In Curacao, the minimum capital needed for an e-gaming license is 10,000 USD.
These figures are subject to change, so it is essential for any applicant to verify the latest requirements with the relevant regulatory authority in their chosen jurisdiction.
Meeting the minimum capital requirement is just one part of the licensing process. Applicants must submit a complete application, including proof of funds, supporting documents, and details about their gaming software and business operations.
The regulatory authority will review the application to determine if the operator is suitable to hold a license, taking into account the applicant’s financial stability, the source of funds, and the overall business model.
It is important to note that the minimum capital requirement is not a one-time obligation. Operators must maintain this level of capital throughout the validity of their license to remain compliant with the rules set by the jurisdiction. Failure to do so can result in penalties, suspension, or even revocation of the gaming license.
Gambling Licences
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About gambling licenses
Yes, a gambling license is required for most cases of bingo games. Since the outcome of bingo is entirely random, financial regulators want to ensure consumer protection by assessing how the element of randomness is managed by the gaming operator. This assessment takes the form of a gambling license.
Raffle, just like the lottery, is a rather grey area when it comes to licensing. Depending on what kinds of gambling services you are going to provide in tandem with a raffle, you might need a specific license that will cover them all and leave no gaps in legality and transparency. In that case, it is better to ask a legal expert to help you pick a jurisdiction that will work in your favour.
One of the most popular questions we get is: how much is a gambling license? While we can give you approximate licensing fees imposed by each jurisdiction, it is difficult to define which one of them will end up being the cheapest in the long run. The cost of a gambling license will depend on the requirements of your specific startup. Contact us with your project for a detailed cost breakdown.
The types of gambling licenses vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The most popular one is a basic gambling license that will allow you to provide real-money casino games to customers. There are also B2B (business-to-business) licenses issued to game developers to offer their products to online casinos, B2C (Business-to-Consumer) licenses needed to provide gambling services directly to clients, licenses for betting services, online gaming platforms, and gaming software.
The most important requirement to start an online casino is to obtain a gambling license from one of the authorities. In order to pick a fitting licenser, you need to have a detailed business plan and know exactly what types of gambling services you are going to provide. With efficient legal assistance from an expert, picking a license for your gambling startup will be faster and easier in all regards.
First, we need to define “the easiest”. Some of the licensers are more lenient in requirements but they also cover a lesser scope of gambling activities. Besides, the question you might ask is how long does it take to get a gambling license? Since all these aspects depend on your particular company case, it is better to ask for expert assistance before applying for a gambling license.
There are many aspects you will need to take into account, such as whether your games will have an element of randomness in them and if yes, then to which extent. On top of it, you will have to think through the payout system so that it is both transparent and fair to the customer and beneficial for your business. In any case, we recommend consulting an expert who will deal with your specific case.
Start your gambling company today
Inquire about the cost, timeline, and requirements for setting up a legal entity for your online gambling company now. Our team will gladly answer all your questions. Book a free first call now.
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Former investment banker turned crypto & gambling regulation specialist.
