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Fintech Harbor Consulting | Gaming License

Gaming License

In 2025, the gaming industry is steadily increasing in popularity, with its global audience already exceeding 3.5 billion players. The market has been generating over $200 billion in revenue this year only and is expected to reach $236.9 billion by the end of 2025. What fuels such growth of this entertainment force? The answer is simple: gaming and betting companies today stand at the forefront of both cultural influence and technological innovation.

If you are an entrepreneur planning to open your gaming or betting business or establish a gaming platform, obtaining the right gaming license is key. Our expert team of lawyers will help you get a trustworthy gaming license and make sure that your business thrives in today’s rapidly growing gaming market. 

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Fintech Harbor Consulting | Gaming License

How and Where to Get a Gaming License?

The process of getting your license begins with selecting the right authority that will issue your permit. Answering the question of where to get the license, there is a variety of jurisdictions to choose from. The list of the most common locations where we provide license services to includes Anjouan, Curaçao, Tobique, Kahnawake, Portugal, Costa Rica, Romania, Isle of Man, Malta, Panama, and Comoros. They all differ in their processing times, prices, reputation with players, and compliance requirements. 

Once you have chosen your jurisdictions, you’ll have to set up a business entity there and proceed with your document preparation and submission. The key component in ensuring that your application process will go smoothly is diligence in meeting the compliance standards. Bear in mind that there have been adjustments to the gaming license compliance requirements in various jurisdictions starting from 2024. For instance, certain licenses, like the one in Curaçao, will now come with stronger compliance and AML obligations. We will make sure you stay updated on the latest changes in the regulatory frameworks as you proceed with your application. 

Overview of Gambling Jurisdictions

Comparison of Gambling Licenses in Various Jurisdictions

As you are planning to apply for a gaming license, keep in mind that the gambling regulations vary depending on the jurisdiction you have selected. Here is a brief overview of the most popular destinations, with their regulatory requirements:

1. Allowed activities

The gaming licensing in Anjouan will authorize your company to provide services in lottery, raffles, casino games, poker, bingo, esports betting, and software provision.
Curaçao’s gaming permit will allow your business to offer services in poker, lottery, betting, B2B activities, and casino.
With a gaming license in Tobique, your business can offer services in lottery promotion, betting, poker, and casino games.
With Kahnawake’s license, your company can provide poker, casino, betting, lottery, and White-Labeling services.
The gaming license in Nevis allows you to perform all types of gaming services, including roulette, poker, casino, and bingo.

2. License acquisition timeline

under 2 months
2-6 weeks
under 2 months
3-4 months
3-4 months

3. Regulator

Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority(AOFA)
Curaçao Gaming
Authority (CGA)
Tobique Gaming Commission (First Nation)
Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC)
Nevis Online Gaming Authority (NOGA)

4. Taxes

0% corporate tax (offshore)
0% on gaming revenue
Varies
0% gaming tax if offshore
0% gaming tax if offshore

5. Local presence requirements

Not required to do the local company registration to get a gambling permit in Anjouan.
Requires the appointment of a resident director or representative and a physical office space in Curaçao.
Not required to have a physical office space in Tobique.
Requires a physical office space in Kahnawake.
Requires a physical office space of the company in Nevis.

6. Setup fees

From 24,500 EUR.
From 27,150 EUR.
From 51,750 EUR.
From 39,800 EUR.
From 42,900 EUR.

Process of Obtaining a Gaming License

Now that you are familiar with the regulatory framework in various jurisdictions, it is time to consider the practical matter: how to get a gambling license. The process of obtaining your gaming permit involves multiple stages, each of which requires precision and close attention to detail. From selecting the right jurisdiction to launching your operations, there are several nuances to consider. If you’re asking how to get a gaming license for your company, our legal experts are ready to offer detailed guidance and assist you with every step of your journey. 

Overall, the procedure of applying for and obtaining your licensing includes the following steps:

  1. Choose the jurisdiction that aligns with your market goals and budget. 
  2. Register your company in the selected jurisdiction. We will provide you with full support in registering your venture online, considering all the banking and tax nuances, and tracking each step in the registration process online. 
  3. Prepare the necessary documentation to ensure compliance. It typically includes your detailed business plan, financial records, KYC and AML policies, and background checks for shareholders and directors. At this stage, we will also assist you with following the internal compliance policies and KYC procedures. 
  4. Once the documents are ready, you can submit your application to the relevant authority. 
  5. Proceed with the payment for the application and the license fees. Keep in mind that the fees vary among jurisdictions. Also, be ready for compliance inspections or a background interview if requested by the authorities. 
  6. Your application and documents will be carefully reviewed and examined. Now, you might wonder, how long does it take to get a gambling license? The answer depends on the regulations of the particular jurisdiction you chose and the review time upon submitting your application. Keep in mind that the review timeframe varies among jurisdictions. Thus, while it usually takes 2 weeks to get your application approved in Comoros, it might take several months to get approval in Tobique.
  7. If your application is approved and you receive your license, you can launch your operations. 
  8. Bear in mind that most gaming licenses are valid for one year and must be regularly renewed. Also, failure to maintain compliance results in suspension, fines, or even revocation of the license. 
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Requirements for Gaming License

The key step in obtaining your license is preparing your documentation and ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements. If you proceed with this stage successfully, the approval of your application is almost guaranteed. 

Generally, the regulatory requirements include the following: 

  • Compliance with the AML and KYC policies.
  • A detailed business plan.
  • Proof of domain ownership.
  • Financial reporting.
  • Responsible gambling practices.
  • Player protection.
  • Copies of RNG Testing Certificates (if Applicable).
  • Due Diligence for UBO, shareholders, and directors.
  • Some jurisdictions require you to register a physical office space in your selected destination. For instance, you must have a registered address in Anjouan to operate your business there. 
  • Responsible gaming policies.
  • Investment and shareholding approval.
  • Background check for the key personnel.
To ensure that your documentation meets the regulatory standards, our experts at Fintech Harbor Consulting LTD will assist you through the entire application process and make it as smooth and hassle-free as possible. 

Gaming License Cost

As you wonder about the price of obtaining the gaming license, bear in mind that it varies depending on the type of your venture’s gaming activity as well as the period of the license’s validity. Also, the total cost of the service includes the mandatory compliance package expenses and administrative fees. 
Moreover, licenses in certain jurisdictions are valid for one year and must be renewed and maintained annually for an additional cost. For instance, depending on the gambling brand’s scale and other factors, the cost of obtaining the license in Tobique – excluding the annual renewal and maintenance expenses – may reach 33,000 EUR. Make sure to contact our trusted team of lawyers will introduce you to all the financial nuances of getting your permit so that you are ready to get your license and level up your company’s gaming operations. With our expert guidance, you are guaranteed to obtain the right license for your venture at the most convenient and accurate price.

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How to choose a jurisdiction

Which jurisdiction to choose in 2025? The answer depends solely on your business goals, budget, type of gambling services your venture offers, and your target market. Therefore, before you start your application process, take a moment to carefully analyze the available jurisdictions. Consider such key factors in each of them as their regulatory reputation, license cost, taxation policies, speed of licensing, market access, and technical and compliance requirements.

Here are a few examples of the best jurisdictions, according to various factors to consider:

  • Anjouan is the best choice if you prioritize fast, low-barrier entry to the global market, a friendly price for the license, and a quick process of getting your permit. 
  • Choose Curaçao if you are looking for a crypto-friendly jurisdiction with mid-level oversight and at an affordable price.
  • Tobique is the right option for you if your expectation is balanced flexibility, North American relevance, and an affordable license cost. 
  • Kahnawake is a solid choice due to its strict and clear compliance and reputation-focused approach. 

Why do I need an Online Gaming License?

First and foremost, having an online gaming license is a solid foundation for operating a trustworthy, legitimate, and scalable business in the global gambling industry. One of the major benefits of having a gaming license is that it enhances trust with players, which results in better retention, fairness of gaming activities, and verifies responsible gambling measures. Besides, it enables efficient banking and payment processing for your company. With proper licensing, you can open a merchant account, accept e-wallets, crypto, and credit cards, and implement credible payment gateways, including Nuvei, CoinsPaid, Stripe, and others. 

Also, licenses in certain countries – the Isle of Man, Malta, and Curaçao – provide you with international legitimacy and access to more than one jurisdiction with the same license. As well, it offers a strong framework to resolve complaints, which makes your company more stable and less exposed. Finally, a valid, proper licensing will protect your venture from sanctions from regulators, lawsuits from players, and even being shut down or blacklisted by particular countries. 
Fintech Harbor Consulting | Gaming License

You might also wonder, what happens if you do not obtain the licensing? Not having a license will result in unpleasant consequences for your venture. In particular, you won’t be able to get on legal app stores, opening a bank account  for unlicensed gambling will be complicated, affiliates will stop working with you, domain registers might suspend your operations, governmental agencies might block your IPs or domain. The most severe penalty for not obtaining a gaming license is the risk of facing jail time in some of the strictest jurisdictions. Keep in mind that getting a license is not optional; rather, it is a mandatory step in making your venture’s activities legitimate, secure, and attractive to the diverse global community of players.

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FAQ

The process of obtaining a gambling license involves multiple steps and requires precision and close attention to detail, from choosing the right jurisdiction to making sure your documentation is correctly prepared and regulatory standards are met. Besides, the regulatory requirements differ among jurisdictions, which means that you need to stay updated on the latest changes so that you can proceed with your document preparation and application accordingly. Our team of expert lawyers is ready to assist you through the entire process of getting your license and introduce you to the relevant and accurate information related to compliance requirements, license cost, company registration, and more. 

The entire process of obtaining the license, from choosing the jurisdiction to getting your permit approved, typically takes from two weeks to three months. Keep in mind that the timeline largely depends on the authority’s reviewing your application and documentation. Also, the terms vary depending on the jurisdiction you choose. For instance, in Anjouan, your license will be ready as quickly as two to four weeks, while in Kahnawake, it might take more than two months. 

The Gaming Commission – also called the Gambling Commission – is the official regulator that oversees the gambling industry to guarantee the safety, legality, and fairness of the activities. Even though the exact wording of its main tasks might vary slightly among the countries, the core objectives of the Gaming Commission remain the same. First of all, the regulator aims to ensure that gambling activities are conducted fairly and transparently and prevent the possibility of cheating and manipulation on betting and gambling platforms. One way of doing this is by holding the license operators accountable for their compliance with the existing standards of fairness. Second, the regulator aims to protect the vulnerable and underage players by promoting responsible gambling practices and ensuring that the operators have secure safeguards for problem gamblers and those at risk of harm. Third, it focuses on preventing gambling from being a source of criminal infiltration and money laundering. 

The most common jurisdictions where we provide license services are Anjouan, Curaçao, Tobique, Kahnawake, Portugal, Costa Rica, Romania, Isle of Man, Malta, Gibraltar, Panama, and Comoros. They all differ in their processing times, prices, reputation with players, and compliance requirements. Since the gambling sector is constantly evolving, the regulatory framework is also changing, and jurisdictions implement new ways of ensuring the trustworthiness of the operators that offer their services to the broad community of players. Therefore, it’s important to check the latest regulations in your selected jurisdictions as you plan to apply for the license. 

Generally, the process of getting a gaming license consists of the four main steps. First, the applicant has to choose the jurisdiction where they plan to register their venture. Second, you proceed with the document preparation and, once all necessary paperwork is done, you may submit your application. At this stage, ensuring compliance with your particular jurisdiction’s regulatory requirements is crucial. Our expert lawyers will guide you through the latest and most accurate compliance requirements. Next, the authority will carefully examine your application and your business plan. They may also invite you to additional interviews and complete background checks if needed. Finally, if your application is approved, your license will be issued. 

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