Online Casino License Types
Nowadays, to run a casino in the gambling market, it is required to obtain the appropriate license. This document indicates that users are dealing with a fair company in the country in which they are based. But, it is not that simple. Just having an online casino license is not enough. It is required to check the official body that issued it. The truth is that not all gambling authorities are equally reputable. Some have stricter requirements than others. Accordingly, online casinos with their licenses are more trustworthy.

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All Casino Sites by Licenses
To make sure your chosen casino has a license, go to the official gambling site and scroll down to the bottom of the homepage. There, you will find the casino gaming license, as well as the number and the authority that issued it. Below, you will find casino websites with official licenses.
What is an online gambling license?
A casino license is an official approval given by a government or regulatory agency that allows a company, like an online casino, to run its business in a legal manner. With such a document, the casino can let online users sign up and play its games. But this license usually comes with certain rules. For instance, it might only be valid in specific countries or regions, and the casino may not be allowed to operate outside of those areas.
To get a license, companies in the online gambling (gambling) industry need to meet specific (often strict) requirements. They usually have to submit a solid business plan, explain how their company works, share financial details, keep proper financial records, and go through regular checks or audits. They also have to reveal who actually owns and profits from the business. On top of that, companys need to provide information about the games they will offer and the software they will use to run them.
Where and Why Online Casinos should be Licensed?
Generally, the online company should be licensed in each country in which it provides gambling services. But to avoid this, many casinos obtain reputable international licenses. These are usually issued in jurisdictions like Curaçao, the UK, and some others. By obtaining one of these licenses, an company can legally serve gamblers in dozens of countries, if they have the appropriate laws, of course.
As for the reason for the license, there are plenty of them. So, gambling companys need it to:
- Run their business legally in many different countries;
- Offer their gambling services to people around the world without breaking any laws;
- Save money through low or even zero taxes in some regions, including offshore ones;
- Build strong partnerships with major payment companies and well-known merchants;
- Open bank accounts for business payments in different countries;
- Take advantage of good advertising opportunities and promote their brand or even become a sponsor;
- Work with top-quality hardware suppliers;
- Use the best casino games and software to power their sites;
- Get their app listed on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store;
- Gain trust and credibility with a license, since users will feel safer choosing their services;
- Avoid risks of being shut down, fined, or arrested for illegal operations.
By picking an online casino site with a valid license, you are choosing a legal company in your area. You can also be sure that it protects your rights and sensitive information. In case of misunderstandings, you can contact the regulators described below.
Most Known Gambling Licenses
In most countries, there are local commissions and authorities like MGA that issue gambling licenses. It is they who determine the requirements and standards that companys should meet. It is fair to say that some such authorities are more demanding than others. Their licenses are particularly trusted. Choosing any of these casinos, online players usually have nothing to worry about. Some of these gambling regulators are outlined below.
Curaçao Gaming Authority
The Curaçao casino license is a favorite among gambling companys thanks to its affordability and the ability to offer services in many parts of the world. In 2025, the authority is going to make some changes that are expected to include:
- New rules to ensure fair gaming, with improved auditing and performance checks;
- Stronger protections for players, better customer support, clear complaint procedures, and more focus on responsible gambling measures;
- Adoption of global guidelines to help prevent money laundering among online users.
Malta Gaming Authority
The online casino Malta license is widely seen as one of the most respected and reliable in the industry. Holding this license shows that the site operates with transparency and fully complies with European Union laws and standards for online gambling. The competitive advantages of the Maltese Gaming Authority includes:
- Experience within 10+ years;
- Strong focus on responsible gambling limits and measures (self-exclusion, deposit limits);
- Accepted by EU member states and beyond;
- Regular audits of licensed companys;
- Strong development in fraud prevention regulations.
Kahnawake Gaming Commission
Kahnawake was ahead of the game, becoming the first place to regulate online gambling back in 1999. Today, it’s home to 250+ licensed websites with slots and other games. This jurisdiction is well-regarded in the gambling world for its range of license types, appealing tax benefits, and affordable setup and maintenance costs. Its flexible application process also makes it a popular choice for new online gambling businesses. Here are some more advantages to mention:
- Presence in the market for 25+ years;
- Strict requirements to casino’s safety;
- Focus on fair play and RNG (random number generator) games.
UK Gambling Commission
Undoubtably, the casino license UK is one of the most trusted in the gambling world. Established under the Gambling Act 2005, it oversees all forms of gambling in the United Kingdom. A license from the UKGC is a strong sign that an company meets the highest standards for fairness, security, and player protection. Other pros of the commission include:
- Strong reputation and global recognition;
- High level of player protection and responsible gambling measures;
- Full compliance with UK laws and regulations;
- Increases user trust and confidence;
- Allows legal access to one of the biggest gambling markets in the world.
How can Casinos apply for a License?
When it comes to creating and launching a gambling site, the most common question is how to get a casino license. Typically, an gambling company should take several steps:
- Choice of jurisdiction. First of all, the company has to select the country or territory that issues licenses for online gambling. The choice depends on the budget, level of regulation, taxation, and other criteria. Those interested in a crypto casino license should find a authority.
- Document preparation. To apply, the company usually needs to provide documents about the company behind the casino, a business plan, information about the owners, and proof of funding sources. Some regulators may also request a description of anti-money laundering and responsible gambling policies.
- Applying. At this stage, the gambling company submits an application to the commission of the chosen jurisdiction. In some cases, online sites simplify the process.
- Verification and audit. The regulator then verifies the accuracy of the information submitted. It may also require testing of the gaming site for compliance with technical standards.
- Obtaining a license. If the application is approved, the online casino receives a license for a certain period of time with the obligation to comply with all the requirements of the jurisdiction.
Why use White label site to Receive a Licensed Casino
Opting for a white-label site to secure a Curaçao license casino is a smart way to save both time and money. It bypasses the lengthy and complex government licensing process, which can take months (or even years).
Such an approach enables businesses to meet the required licensing standards pretty fast, making the process more efficient and hassle-free. Additionally, using a white-label site ensures full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, providing businesses with protection against potential legal problems.
Online Casino License FAQ
Can a casino operate without a license?
No, a reliable online casino should have a valid license to operate in the specific country legally. Serving players without a license can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and shutdowns.
How do casinos get a license?
Casinos apply for a license through a recognized regulatory authority like Curaçao or the UK. The process usually involves submitting detailed business plans, financial records, information about ownership, and compliance with specific regulations. The casino should also pass audits and meet industry standards before the claiming a license.
What are the best casino licenses?
The best casino licenses come from well-established and reputable authorities of Malta, United Kingdom, or Anjouan. These licenses are trusted by players and ensure that casinos meet high standards for fairness, security, and player protection.
How much does a casino license cost?
Whether the company is applying for a Gibraltar or Cyprus casino license, for example, the cost ranges from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of euros. The sum depends on factors like the type of license and the business scale. There are also ongoing renewal fees and compliance costs to consider.
Why do some online casinos have multiple licenses?
Some gambling websites hold multiple licenses to operate in different countries or regions. This allows them to legally offer their services to a wider audience while complying with the various laws and regulations of each jurisdiction.
Can a casino lose its license?
Yes, the gambling company can lose an active license if it fails to comply with the regulatory standards, engages in fraudulent activities, or violates the laws of the specific jurisdiction. In this case, the casino can close its doors and encounter significant penalties.