A Global Guide to iGaming licensing with Gaming Gateway

The iGaming industry has always been face-paced.

However, in 2025, we are witnessing more regulatory shifts than ever.

Jurisdictions that were previously known as ‘grey’ markets have begun to implement local licensing, such as Brazil, after decades of prohibition. Recognised jurisdictions in the market like Curacao have undergone major regulatory forms to improve its market’s credibility and even Tier 1 jurisdictions such as Ireland are centralising regulation and requiring operators to relicence.

Overall, it is a positive indicator that the global market is moving towards safer gambling practices for players and enforcing stronger compliance measures for operators. However, the continuous developments are requiring operators to stay-on-the pulse with new regulations to ensure their regional strategy, business model, and regulatory requirements, suit the jurisdiction.

Choosing an iGaming licence

iGaming licences can significantly vary by several factors, which is why it is crucial an iGaming operator chooses to establish or expand their operation in the right jurisdiction. Market access, taxation, crypto-friendliness and compliance requirements are some of the key considerations an operator should assess when choosing a licence.

Below we share a range of iGaming licences in the market right now that suit various iGaming operations.

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) License

The MGA license is one of the most prestigious and widely respected in the iGaming industry. Based in the EU, Malta provides a robust regulatory framework that ensures fair play, player protection, and anti-money laundering compliance. It’s favored by operators targeting European markets due to its stability and credibility.

UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) License

The UKGC is known for its strict regulatory standards and rigorous enforcement. Any operator wishing to target players in the UK must hold this license. The UKGC emphasizes responsible gaming and consumer protection, making it one of the toughest yet most reputable licenses globally.

Curacao iGaming License

Curacao is one of the oldest and most cost-effective licensing jurisdictions. It provides a relatively simple licensing process and allows for both casino and sportsbook operations under a single license. While it’s popular among startups and crypto casinos, it’s often considered less stringent in regulatory oversight compared to others.

Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) License

The Isle of Man offers a highly respected iGaming license with a strong focus on financial stability, anti-money laundering, and fair play. Its well-established legal infrastructure and strong reputation among regulators make it a prime choice for serious operators, especially those in Europe and Asia.

Gibraltar Gambling License

Gibraltar has long been a hub for large, multinational gaming operators. Its license is known for high regulatory standards and favorable tax benefits. However, post-Brexit uncertainty has made the jurisdiction less attractive to some new operators despite its historical prestige.

Kahnawake Gaming Commission (Canada)

Located in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake in Canada, this commission has been licensing online casinos and sportsbooks since 1999. While not as internationally recognized as MGA or UKGC, it is respected in certain markets and offers tax advantages with a reasonably efficient setup process.

Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC)

Alderney, part of the Channel Islands, provides a highly robust regulatory framework and is known for upholding high integrity and fairness standards. Although it targets primarily established operators, it remains one of the top-tier licenses for trust and compliance.

Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen)

Since Sweden re-regulated its market in 2019, the Swedish Gambling Authority has become a key regulator for operators targeting the Nordic region. Its license is compulsory for access to the Swedish market and emphasizes consumer protection and responsible gaming.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) License

PAGCOR is the regulatory body for the Philippines' gambling industry and also acts as an operator. The license is favored by companies targeting the Asian market, offering reasonable tax rates and a clear regulatory framework. It’s particularly popular among offshore gaming operators (POGOs), although recent scrutiny and reforms have added some complexity.

Estonian Tax and Customs Board License

Estonia offers a reputable EU-based license through its Tax and Customs Board. It has gained popularity due to its straightforward application process, relatively low setup costs, and robust regulatory standards. License holders benefit from EU-wide service recognition under certain conditions and Estonia’s tech-friendly environment.

Antigua and Barbuda Directorate of Offshore Gaming

One of the pioneers in online gaming regulation, Antigua and Barbuda offer an affordable and tax-friendly license. Though less prominent today, it still attracts smaller operators and startups due to its long-standing credibility and flexible regulatory approach.

Belgian Gaming Commission License

Belgium has a tightly regulated gaming market where only land-based casinos can extend their licenses online. As such, acquiring a Belgian license often involves partnership with a physical casino. It is highly respected and essential for legal operation within Belgium, albeit less accessible for independent operators.

Coljuegos (Colombia) License

Colombia is a leader in the Latin American iGaming space, being the first country in the region to regulate online gambling. Coljuegos, the national regulator, has established a comprehensive licensing framework that includes player protection, AML compliance, and a competitive tax regime. It is a key license for operators entering the fast-growing LatAm market.

Anjouan

Located in the Indian ocean is a small island named Anjouan which have been issuing gaming licences since 2005. In recent years the jurisdiction has gained popularity, attracting many operators due to its low costs and fast application process. Licence costs are around €17,000 and the licence can be obtained within a matter of weeks. In addition to this, the jurisdiction boasts 0% gaming tax and 0% income tax.

Tobique

Tobique, a region known for its strategic positioning and robust regulatory framework, offers a competitive fiscal environment with 0% corporate tax and income tax. The jurisdiction has a supportive environment for technological infrastructure, and low licensing fees competitively priced at $18,000.

East Timor

An emerging gaming jurisdiction on the landscape is East Timor, a sovereign nation located in Southeast Asia. With the establishment of the Virtual Gaming Association (VGA) in 2023, the regulation is set to be modelled on Malta and Isle of Man rules, with plans to issue both B2C and B2B licences. The industry is eagerly awaiting to hear the details of the regulatory framework which is aiming to be fully implemented at the start of 2025.

Vanuatu

Another jurisdiction seeking to entice gaming operators is Vanuatu. Known as the world’s first jurisdiction to offer online gaming licences, the Island has unveiled a new licensing regime to compete in the thriving global market. With a competitive annual licence fee of €10,000, the newly established Vanuatu Gaming Authority (VGA) who regulates the sector, is planning on processing the entire application online. They have also announced a fast licence turnaround time of several weeks.

Ontario

The largest province in Canada, Ontario, introduced iGaming regulation in 2022 as the first province in Canada to regulate the sector. The iGaming Ontario (iGO) subsidiary, alongside the Government of Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, manages the sector and facilitates the iGaming licences. There are several types of licences available, covering the casino, sports and lottery market segments. Ontario offers operators access to a regulated market with high standards and a safe gaming environment, providing enhanced credibility. There are also financial incentives in place, with various tax credits on offer for Operators. The regulator has implemented a tiered licence fee structure to capture a wider market share, with fees depending on the number of sites.

Brazil

In 2023 Brazil introduced regulation on fixed-odds betting amid the growing popularity of games of chance in the jurisdiction and growing need to create a safer gaming environment. Regulated by the National Gaming and Betting Secretariat and Brazil Ministry of Finance, iGaming operators currently in Brazil and operators looking to target the jurisdiction to facilitate sports betting or online casino activities must apply for the licence to operate in the sector. The licence fee costs BR$30 million (US$6.1 million) and is valid for 5 years. As a hugely popular iGaming jurisdiction for many years, Brazil holds a competitive sports landscape and the jurisdictions step in creating a regulated environment has not slowed down the demand.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar has been a recognised iGaming jurisdiction for many years, having regulated the sector back in 2005. In addition to its reputation, the Island offers many compelling fiscal benefits, with an exemption from VAT and capital gains tax. Online casinos also face a nominal 0.15% tax on gross profits and taxes on fixed odds betting are capped annually.

eGaming in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, a Central American nation, does not have any regulations to manage how online gaming firms operate but allows offshore businesses that run gambling, casino, or betting operations from the country. Licence fees are not applicable, and earnings from abroad are not taxed.

Interested in a licence?

At Gaming Gateway, we provide bespoke consultation on iGaming licensing to guide clients on choosing the right licence for their business model. Our team hold decades of experience in the iGaming sector and have worked closely with a variety of B2C and B2B operators to establish in a new jurisdiction.

Our services

We provide dedicated assistance with iGaming licensing in over 40 jurisdictions, from the initial consultation, application to live. We offer support with establishing a clients iGaming operation with bespoke corporate services, banking and compliance.

Contact us

Feel free to reach out to our team for a one-to-one discussion today to discuss your iGaming operation and licence of interest. We’re here to help.