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Licensing guides · Guide

How to Get a Gambling License in 2021

By Szilaghi Editorial TeamPublished 4 min

This article was published in 2021. Laws, fees and market conditions may have changed since. For the current rules, see gambling license jurisdictions compared.

How to Get a Gambling License in 2021

To conduct gambling activities, any company must obtain an online gambling license. Nothing happens without a game license. To open bank and merchant accounts, work with electronic payment system providers, and purchase legal gaming content, you need this license. Moreover, through the license, you can increase customer loyalty and the reputation of your casino. In fact, if you follow the rules, it’s easy to get a license, so follow these steps before applying for a gaming license:

  • Choose countries that meet your current needs and possibilities. Research gambling jurisdictions: their requirements, costs, tax policy, and time to process claims. You can speed up your search by consulting a lawyer.
  • Start preparing your personal documents in advance. You will need a copy of your passport, proof of address, a criminal background check, and a referral from your bank.
  • Make sure your casino software meets the requirements of the jurisdiction. Prepare a list that includes detailed descriptions of the software’s functionality and games, agreements with software vendors, and an RNG certificate.
  • Verify that the online casino’s website contains the information requested by your gambling jurisdiction. Many gambling jurisdictions verify information about terms and conditions, responsible gambling, self-exclusion policy, withdrawal policy, etc.

Each country has different rules when it comes to regulating gambling. Gambling laws - like all national laws in general - tend to vary from country to country. Even the procedure for obtaining an online gambling license differs from country to country. The first step is to set up a new company in the selected jurisdiction, followed by the process of obtaining a license for the company created. Once the license is issued on behalf of an offshore company, public or public registers will not have access to the names of the beneficiaries. In this way, we may maintain the anonymity and confidentiality of business owners by licensing them in the offshore jurisdictions we cover. The reality is that since the virus pandemic, players have attacked gambling sites in record numbers. The ability to place bets quickly, safely and easily makes offshore betting very popular. Many countries offer online gambling licenses. The number of these companies is constantly growing, as more and more countries realize the economic benefits of opening their doors to foreign investors. Our experts can provide legal assistance in preparing the application and supporting documents, as well as preparing the business plan and professional advice throughout the process of applying for a gambling license in the following jurisdictions:

Online Gambling License Jurisdictions 2021

CountryCorporate Income TaxGambling License CostDetails
Antigua and Barbuda0%€ 125,750More
Bulgaria10%€ 75,700More
Kahnawake (Canada)0%€ 65,950More
Cyprus13%€ 285,200More
Costa Rica0%€ 27,530More
Curacao2%€ 64,500More
Estonia5%€ 82,950More
Gibraltar10%€ 115,750More
Isle of Man0%€ 65,850More
Malta0% - 35%€ 135,200More
Romania1% - 16%€ 350,750More
United Kingdom15%€ 95,600More

If you have questions about the best Online Gambling License for your gambling company, do not hesitate to click here to contact our experts.

Online Gambling License Experts

Obtaining an Online Gambling License is a very complex process that involves a variety of due diligence requirements that need to be met. Most online gambling businesses and online casinos have some form of an online gambling license. All legal online gambling businesses must be registered and be in compliance in at least one jurisdiction. We understand that selecting a jurisdiction to base your online betting, bingo, casino, poker, or sports betting business is a challenging task. If you are not sure about which jurisdiction is most suited to your needs and budget contact us and we’ll help you make the right selection. As our client, you are at the heart of our business and our sole goal is to serve your online gambling license needs while protecting your interests. We ensure our clients are able to operate in the most tax-efficient way while ensuring the structure remains compliant. The responsibilities of an offshore gambling company are often complex and require careful consideration. But we’ll help you find the best solutions for their needs.

Szilaghi Consulting offers consultancy services and complete package solutions for gambling license acquisition that include:

  • Gambling jurisdiction and business advisory
  • Gambling business corporate structure incorporation
  • Opening bank accounts
  • Gambling license application

Reviewed by Alex Szilaghi

Founder of Szilaghi Consulting. More than twenty years in gambling licensing and corporate structuring across EU, UK, Canadian and offshore jurisdictions, based in Romania and working before ONJN on Class 1 and Class 2 files. We act as Romanian representative and local director for foreign ONJN licensees and file their monthly regulatory reports, so these guides reflect how the rules are applied in practice, not only how they read.

Last legal review . Updated 16 April 2021. General information, not legal advice.

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