Each country has a special regulatory body. It develops certain requirements and conditions that each operator must meet. A gaming license will only be granted if the regulator confirms that all requirements are met. Otherwise, licensing will be denied. As a rule, the requirements relate to the performance of the games presented in the casino, the presence of a detailed business plan, an AML policy taking into account local and international legislation, and a detailed description of the business activities, but are not limited to them. Below, we’ll dive into the world of gambling comparing different jurisdictions to find perfect solution. 

Our team is professionals in the niche of establishment and licensing. We can give you fully-covering consultancy on any issue related to gambling and other specific areas.

Comparative analysis: gaming licenses 

In each country, licensing requirements can vary greatly, so in some jurisdictions it is more difficult to obtain permission for gambling activities. After obtaining a license and starting operations, companies are subject to a number of additional requirements, in particular those related to maintaining and submitting financial statements and auditing the company.

A license to operate a gambling business allows companies to establish fully legal activities:

• purchase licensed software from market leaders;

• connect various payment methods to the site, including the ability to accept multi-currency payments;

• increase the number of players, as they will know that their money is safe and the company pays out winnings fairly.

Each individual country has rules and requirements that must be met for business owners to be granted a license: online casinos must meet all conditions, otherwise regulators may revoke the license. It is impossible to list them all as requirements may vary from country to country. However, there are some rules and regulations that are common to most jurisdictions.

1. Choice of jurisdiction. Select the country in which to launch your business. Research the company requirements in your specific jurisdiction.

2. License type. Determine the type of license that suits your company.

3. Creation of a company. Register the business in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction.

4. Preparation of documents. Prepare certificates, statements and other papers necessary for filing the application. Typically this includes a business plan, financial reports, information about the organizers and managers.

5. Drawing up an application. Fill out the application, adhering to the requirements of the regulator.

6. Submitting an application. Submit the application and supporting documents to the regulatory authority.

7. Fees and duties. Pay all licensing fees and duties.

8. Checking and processing. Wait until the regulatory authority reviews the application and examines the financial stability and legal activities of the company.

9. Issuance of a license. In case of a positive decision on the application and inspection, obtain permitting documentation.

When a gambling license is needed, novice operators usually do not pay attention to factors that directly and indirectly influence the correct choice of jurisdiction. And they must be taken into account. These are the next-mentioned factors.

1. Legislation. Research the laws and regulations governing gambling in your chosen jurisdiction.

2. License requirements. Determine requirements for applicants and license holders (including financial and legal).

3. Stability and reliability. Consider the political and economic stability of the selected country or region.

4. Tax system. Understand the tax system and gambling rates in your jurisdiction.

5. Reputation. Find out about the jurisdiction’s reputation in the gambling industry and business community.

6. Timing and costs. Estimate licensing timelines and costs, including the annual cost of maintaining a registered company.

Applying for a gaming license is a legal process that requires careful consideration of the requirements of a particular jurisdiction. Our lawyers will accompany you throughout the entire legalization process. We’ll help you choose a jurisdiction to legalize your business and quickly resolve all problems.

Licensing criteria diversity 

Besides the key criteria we might take a closer look at best practises. Gaming licensing requires firstly ideal conditions for business-project progress. 

1. Antigua and Barbuda. To obtain a license, you need to submit a number of documents in accordance with the laws of Antigua and Barbuda. There is a one-time application fee, as well as a small percentage of taxes on net gambling winnings.

2. Curacao. Considered one of the most reliable countries for licensing, it has a single application form for bookmakers, slot machines, bingo, lotteries and casinos. To register a company, you must register with the Antilles Chamber of Commerce.

3. Malta. The level of reliability is very high, but the procedure itself takes a little longer. There is a fairly large list of fees, which is revised depending on the client’s area of activity.

4. Alderney. Obtaining a gambling license abroad on this island allows the operator to accept bets from gamers from all over the planet. Before submitting your application, you must obtain a Software Provider Certificate. This can also be done with our help.

5. Kahnawake. The first country with jurisdiction to issue gambling licenses. Representatives of its commission draw up three types of different forms, which our lawyers will help you understand.

Cross-border gambling normative regulations

According to the global gaming license requirements, algorithms for getting a permit include the next-mentioned phases.

1. Familiarization with the list of countries where you can obtain an offshore gambling license, study of the conditions for issuance, comparison of costs, as well as tax policies pursued by a particular jurisdiction.

2. Selecting the appropriate option and collecting the necessary documentation in accordance with the requirements of the licensor, concluding an agreement with the provider and purchasing software.

3. Registering a company in the chosen jurisdiction, submitting an application to the state regulator or licensor for a license.

According to international licensing criteria, documentation package that is submitted along with the license application must include a business plan and description of the company’s activities, corporate documentation, information about business owners, technical documentation, in particular, confirmation of software and hardware certification.

Jurisdictional variances: gaming and harmonizing license standards

Regulatory standards in gaming sites offering online gambling services is very important. In numerous jurisdictions around the world, government agencies take responsibility for ensuring that the operators they license provide fair, random and safe games to players. They also take on other responsibilities, such as helping to set rules to help keep players’ funds safe at all times. It caused a specific impact on gaming operators.

1. Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Since 1999, this online gaming licensing body (based in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake, Quebec) is perhaps the most widely known body in the online gaming industry. Compared to many other regulatory groups, companies spend very little on taxes and fees when working with KGC, meaning KGC is a fairly attractive regulator for operators who require a license, especially if they are not targeting locally regulated markets.

2. UK Gambling Commission (UKGC): Established under the Gambling Act 2005, this commission succeeded the UK Gambling Council in 2007. The Commission regulates most gambling in the UK, with the exception of sports betting, which is regulated separately. As part of its responsibilities, the UKGC oversees remote betting and this includes licensing of online casinos.

3. Curacao Internet Gambling Regulatory Association: And although online gambling has existed in Curacao since 1993, CIGA was only created in 2002 to directly oversee the industry. CIGA initially offered “master licenses” to companies interested in operating online gaming sites from the island nation, although today most firms take advantage of “sublicenses,” which are issued by master license holders to third parties interested in launching new gaming sites.

Of course, there are many more countries that welcome gambling and provide licensing services. We looked at just a few to understand the general trend towards harmonization of the gambling space around the world.

Our company is ready to provide you with comprehensive support in establishing your commercial structure. We will become your reliable allies on the path of your development.

The article’s author is Denys Chernyshov – founder and CEO of the globally-famous organization Eternity Law International.