Head of International Corporate Law and Fintech Practice
Expert in fintech, crypto, and international corporate law with over 20 years of experience. Specializes in crypto licensing (VASP/CASP), iGaming business support, and international structuring, asset protection, and OSINT analytics for risk assessment and due diligence.
OBTAINING A CASINO LICENSE
Obtaining a gambling license is a fundamental step for any casino operator. It not only ensures the legality of the activity, but also increases the confidence of players, opens up access to banking services and international markets. The license confirms compliance with fair gaming standards, data protection and anti-money laundering. Many companies choose offshore jurisdictions due to simplified procedures, low taxes and fast registration. However, the choice depends on the business model, budget and target audience. In this article, we will consider popular countries for obtaining casino licenses with key conditions.
Popular jurisdictions and conditions for obtaining licenses
Malta (Malta Gaming Authority – MGA)
Malta is one of the leaders in regulating online casinos, especially for European markets. The MGA license is recognized in the EU and provides a high level of prestige.
- Requirements: You must provide a detailed business plan, financial statements, shareholder profiles and proof of reputation. Software audits, AML/KYC compliance, minimum capital of 40,000 to 240,000 euros are required, depending on the type of license. The company must have a resident as a manager and separate accounts for player funds.
- Cost: Application – about 2,300 euros, annual fee – 8,500 euros, gaming tax – 5% of revenue.
- Term: 6–12 months.
- Advantages: Access to the EU, strict control over integrity.
Curacao (Curacao Gaming Authority)
Curacao is a budget option for startups, where one license covers all types of gambling, including casinos and betting. The jurisdiction attracts with low taxes and speed.
- Conditions: Company registration on the island, one resident owner, audits and inspections. No requirements for authorized capital, possible use of cryptocurrencies. The server can be elsewhere, but backups are required in Curacao.
- Cost: First year – about $14,000, annually – $10,000, income tax – 2%.
- Term: 1–2 months.
- Advantages: Quick entry into the market, flexibility for crypto operators.
Gibraltar (Gibraltar Regulatory Authority – GRA)
Gibraltar is known for its stability and low taxes, ideal for large operators focused on Europe. The license has a high reputation.
- Conditions: Extensive documentation, reputation check, compliance with fair gaming and player protection standards. Advantage – having a license in another jurisdiction. Mandatory anti-money laundering and responsible gambling measures.
- Cost: Income tax – 1%, excluding VAT; exact contributions depend on the business.
- Term: Long process, up to 6 months.
- Advantages: Data confidentiality, long-term validity (up to 5 years).
Isle of Man (Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission)
The Isle of Man attracts with innovative laws and support for cryptocurrencies. This is a jurisdiction with low taxes for serious companies.
- Conditions: Company and server registration on the island, confirmation of the owners’ reputation, financial stability for payments. Mandatory fair gaming principles and AML. Licenses are divided into main, sub- and network.
- Cost: Application – £5,000, annual – £35,000, gaming tax – 0.1–1.5%.
- Term: Several months.
- Advantages: 0% corporate tax, recognition in the UK.
Antigua and Barbuda (Directorate of Offshore Gaming)
This Caribbean jurisdiction offers stability for well-funded operators with a focus on security.
- Requirements: $100,000 reserve, strict anti-fraud and AML policies. The company must meet security standards and have a fraud plan.
- Cost: Application – $15,000, license – $100,000, renewal – $5,000 annually.
- Term: Minimum 60 days.
- Advantages: High trust, comprehensive control.
Anjouan (Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority)
Anjouan is an affordable option for small casinos with quick registration.
- Requirements: Registration on the island, approval of changes by the regulator. One license for several types of games, possible use of crypto, no annual audit. The owner can be a non-resident.
- Cost: Low, 0% on gambling income, no VAT.
- Term: Up to 2 months.
- Advantages: Online filing, low requirements.
Kahnawake (Kahnawake Gaming Commission)
Kahnawake (Canada) is popular for online casinos with a focus on North America.
- Requirements: Confirmation of the experience of the owners, AML/KYC compliance, separate accounts for players. No requirements for server location.
- Cost: Application – about $ 40,000, annually – $ 10,000-20,000.
- Term: 4-8 weeks.
- Advantages: Flexibility, recognition in many countries.
The choice of jurisdiction for a casino license depends on the scale of the business, budget and markets. Offshore options such as Curacao or Anjouan are suitable for a quick start, while Malta or Gibraltar are suitable for the premium segment. It is important to consider local laws and possible regulatory changes.
For professional assistance in obtaining a license, registering a company, or legal support, contact the law firm “Prikhodko & Partners.” Our specialists will provide a full cycle of support, guaranteeing compliance with all requirements.
Calculate the cost of services
1 question
Do you need help in collecting and preparing documents for obtaining a license?
2 question
Do you need help choosing a jurisdiction to obtain a license?
3 question
Are you ready to consider buying a company with an already valid gambling license?
You may also need:
call back
during the day
Compensation for moral, material damage
Protection of honour, dignity, and business reputationContract Development for Business and Legal Entities
Licensing of business activities
Compensation for moral, material damage
Legal services in the field of cryptocurrency and blockchain
REGISTRATION OF COMPANIES AND OPENING OF BANK ACCOUNTS
Sale and purchase of ready-made firms
Grants and attracting investment
Business registration and support in Great Britain
Business registration and support in Switzerland
Business registration and support in the EU
Business Registration and Support in the Gulf Countries (GCC)
Business registration and support in Turkey
Business registration and support in USA
Lawyer for administrative cases
Legal services for medical businesses and doctors
Protection of honour, dignity, and business reputation
Real estate transaction support
Escort of the tender participant
Trial lawyer: support and defense in court
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)

