A Guide to iGaming Licensing in the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man has earned a stellar reputation for supporting the flourishing iGaming industry. As a global gaming hub, and one of the first jurisdictions to regulate the activity of iGaming, its home to some of the industry’s biggest players.

And for good reason, the Island is a Tier-1 jurisdiction with a gold standard licensing regime, regulated by the renowned Gambling Supervision Commission.  Additionally, its robust regulation offers 100% player protection, making it the perfect place to launch, scale, and operate a trusted iGaming business with global reach.

The Island is recognised for its superior banking infrastructure, financial services and host of ancillary services. With 0% corporate tax rate, 0% capital gains tax and gaming duty between 0.1 and 1.5%, the jurisdiction offers operators some compelling benefits. There is a straightforward licence application process and quick licence turnaround, as soon as three months from submission.

So, from which licences are available to cost and time-frames for licencing, let’s dive in for everything you need to know about iGaming regulations in the Isle of Man.

What iGaming licences are available in the Isle of Man?

The Isle of Man offers one of the simplest licencing regimes in the world and is validated by the Gambling Supervision Commission. In terms of licences, there are five main licences to choose from: Full Licence, Network Licence, Sub-licence, Software Supplier Licence, and Token/Blockchain-based Software Supplier Licence.

As mentioned, the Island has numerous financial advantages, including a low betting duty of gross gaming profit, such as:

• For gross profit <£20m – 1.5%

• For gross profit £20m-£40m – 0.5%

• For gross profit >£40m – 0.1%

The type of licence you need very much depends on your business activity, size, and goals. Read on for a breakdown to help you decide which e-gaming licence you need.  

Full licence (B2C)

Traditionally the most popular licence, a full B2C licence is ideal for direct B2C operations.

This licence enables all forms of online gambling covering all verticals including poker, bingo, casino, slots, and more. Obtaining a full licence also includes a network service licence so you can host white-label partners.

For this licence type the following cost, application fees, and processing times apply:

• Annual fee: £36,750

• Application fee: £5,250

• Processing time: Approximately 8–12 weeks

Sub-licence (white label licence)

More suited to smaller operators and white-label clients, sub-licence holders must have a contract with a full licence holder.

Additionally, they can’t host their own games or payment systems independently. However, this licence type is ideal for businesses looking to enter the market quickly, as it has lower cost-to-entry compared with a full licence.

In terms of cost and application time, the following applies:

• Annual fee: £5,250

• Application fee: £5,250

• Processing time: Approximately 8–12 weeks

Network service licence

This type of licence has the same features and benefits as a full licence, but with one key difference…

You can use a Network Service Licence to accept players from global third-party operators. This licence is common for B2B operators who provide white-label or hosting services, but unless you pair it with a full licence you aren’t able to deal directly with players.

In terms of fees and time scales, here’s what to expect from this licence type:

• Annual fee: £52,500

• Application fee: £5,250

• Processing time: Approximately 8–12 weeks

Software supplier licence

The Isle of Man offers an elective software supplier licence for game developers and software providers. Although not mandatory for companies providing gaming content or gambling software on a B2B third-party basis, it provides an official recognition that can be beneficial.

• Annual fee: £36,750 per year

• Application fee: £5,250 application fee

• Processing time: Approximately 8-12 weeks

This licence covers a wide range of traditional software services, including slots, casino games, platforms, back-office systems, and live dealer studios. It also extends to resellers of these products, making sure both operators and software providers can trust their B2B partners are upholding strong corporate governance, thereby safeguarding reputations and reducing the risk of financial exposure.

Holding a Software Licence also allows a business to list its full suite of games and platform content on the Approved Software Registry, enabling operators to deploy content quickly and efficiently.

Token/Blockchain-based software supplier licence:

Specifically designed for B2B software providers who develop games that involve blockchain technology and crypto currency,

Much like the software suppliance licence, this licence isn’t mandatory. But obtaining it does put you in good stead with partners, investors, and financial institutions as it demonstrates a commitment to high regulatory standards.

In the Isle of Man, this licence is ideal for businesses that provide services such as RNG games, live dealer studios, betting platforms, or back-office systems that integrate blockchain or token-based functionalities.

To obtain this licence, applicants must demonstrate a thorough understanding of blockchain technology and its application in the gambling sector. The following fees also apply:

· Annual Licence Fee: £52,500

· Application Fee: £5,250

· Processing time: 10-16 weeks

It’s important to note, the timeframe for a token/blockchain-based software supplier licence depends on the completeness of the application and the efficiency of the review process.

Speak with our team about your eGaming strategy

Interested in setting up an iGaming business in the Isle of Man? The Gateway Gaming team would love to hear from you and can share further information. We’ve assisted a range of iGaming clients over the years, from growing start-ups to global brands with their licensing across the globe. Contact our team at hello@gaminggateway.com to discuss the Isle of Man licence and your business model today.

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