Table of contents
The iGaming industry is among the fastest-growing and hottest topics these days. The sector is forecasted to grow significantly in the years to come, reaching roughly $1 trillion ($888.1 billion) in a little more than 5 years. Despite modest annual growth, for years the industry has remained profitable amid inflation, according to estimates, which makes it highly attractive both for entrepreneurs and investors looking for a consistent income source.
What makes the industry attractive to entrepreneurs is the vast global population consistently spending money on gambling. It is estimated that roughly 26% of the population gambles regularly, which is nearly 1.6 billion people, and more than twice that number (4.2 billion) spends money on entertainment at least once a year. In contrast, the crypto industry, which makes the headlines regularly and grows at an enormous speed each year, has just a 6.8% ownership rate or about 560 million individuals who own digital assets.
Nevertheless, those wishing to enter and benefit from everything the industry has to offer face one common challenge: obtaining the right gaming license. Before deciding on one, the applicants need to consider multiple factors, including the level of recognition the license offers, tax treatment, and regulatory expectations – a process that can be extremely time-consuming for those unfamiliar with the matter.
Therefore, our team of industry lawyers has prepared this guide, offering an overview of the best offshore gaming license options for both small and large operators today.
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Types of Gaming Licenses
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Validity (years)
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Time to Obtain
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Crypto Friendly
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Gaming Tax
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Reputation & Player Trust
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Banking / Partners Access
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Malta
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B2B, B2C (separate license for each activity)
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10
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6 to 12 months
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Yes
(with prior regulator's approval)
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0.05
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Very high
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Excellent
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Estonia
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B2C
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5 or 20
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4 to 6 months
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Yes
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6% (gradually reduced to 4% (B2C))
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High
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Good to excellent
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Isle of Man
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B2B, B2C
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5
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2.5 to 3 months
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Yes
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0,1%-1.5% (B2C)
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High
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Excellent
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Anjouan
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B2B, B2C
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1
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1 to 2 months
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Yes
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0
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Low
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Limited
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Kahnawake
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B2C
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5
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4 to 6 months
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Yes
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0
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Moderate
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Limited to moderate
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Tobique
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B2B, B2C
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1
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1 to 2.5 months
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Yes
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0
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Low
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Limited
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Best Gaming Licenses to Get Now
1. Malta Gaming License (MGA)
The Malta gambling license today is an undisputable Tier-1 licensing choice for large operators. Issued by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), a regulator established back in 2001, the Malta online casino license allows operating various gambling activities, including casino games, sports betting, and lotteries. Today, the MGA is considered a “golden standard” regulator in iGaming, and Malta gaming license holders could exploit the following benefits:- Great Reputation. Due to strict regulations under MGA and significant supervisory efforts, the Malta gambling license is well respected among different service providers, particularly in the fields of banking, gaming technology, and other related software.
- Access to the European Market. Even with Europe’s massive shift toward national licensing frameworks, some EU member states remain accessible to Malta online gaming license holders.
- Pivotal Player Protection. To get a Malta gaming license, operators must invest in robust player-protection measures, such as alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and self-exclusion tools, to ensure fair play and operational integrity, ultimately elevating customer trust in the brand.
- Best Suited For: scaling projects prepared to undergo severe standards in exchange for complete EU access, credibility, and freedom to operate
- License Types: B2B and B2C (Type 1 for online casino-style games, like roulette, blackjack, baccarat, some types of poker, lotteries, secondary lotteries, and virtual sports games; Type 2 for fixed-odds betting offering, where the outcome is determined by an event or competition separate from the game itself; Type 3 for peer-to-peer games and betting exchanges where the operator’s revenue is generated from stakes- or prize-based commission; and Type 4 for controlled skill games)
- Validity: 10 years
- Time to Obtain: 6 to 12 months
- Crypto-Friendly: Yes, but subject to prior regulator’s approval
- Gaming Tax: 5%
- Reputation & Player Trust: Very high
- Banking & Partners Access: Excellent
2. Estonia Gambling License (EMTA)
Regulated and issued by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA), the Estonia gambling license offers a robust, top-tier regulatory environment for online gaming businesses. While historically less sought after than the MGA license, the gambling license in Estonia is gaining momentum among a certain group of firms as a more affordable and reliable licensing route. Licensed operators benefit from a robust and respected regulatory framework, as well as the following:- Leading Startup Infrastructure. Estonia has become one of Europe’s leading fintech and digital innovation hubs, hosting a wide range of PSPs, IT, and technology companies. This mature ecosystem grants licensed operators streamlined access to premium infrastructure and essential business services enabling sustainable, compliant growth in the iGaming sector.
- Access to the European Market. As Estonia is an EU jurisdiction, EMTA-licensed operators may explore cross-border activities within the Union, subject to prior thorough examination of local laws, as some member states require their own domestic licenses to conduct gambling business.
- Favorable Taxes. Under Estonia’s corporate tax system, profits are only taxed when distributed, allowing retained and reinvested funds to remain tax-free, creating supportive conditions for scaling operations.
- Best Suited For: established operators or startups with a long-term vision seeking EU access, credibility, and access to top-tier payment and banking solutions
- License Types: activity license for organizing gambling (determines the type of game of chance that the operator is allowed to provide) and operating permit (grants the right to organize remote gambling)
- Validity: 5 or 20 years, depending on the license type
- Time to Obtain: 4 to 6 months
- Crypto-Friendly: Yes
- Gaming Tax: 6% (B2C), gradually reducing to 4% by 2028
- Reputation & Player Trust: High
- Banking & Partners Access: Good to Excellent
3. Isle of Man Gaming License (GSC)
A recognized pioneer in global gambling regulation, the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) continues to uphold its status as one of the most reputable and trusted offshore authority in the global iGaming sector. While recent years have seen fewer new licenses granted, the GSC license still remains a highly attractive offshore licensing solution, thanks to a compelling combination of advantages, including:- Strong Reputation and Regulatory Credibility. With its rigorous focus on transparency, compliance, and responsible gaming, licenses are only granted to reputable, financially sound, and ethically operated entities. As a result, license holders can benefit from the jurisdiction’s longstanding global reputation for integrity and trust – a key factor that enhances their credibility among payment providers, business partners, and players alike.
- Best-in-Class Business Infrastructure. The Isle of Man offers world-class digital infrastructure, a highly skilled English-speaking workforce, and a stable political and economic climate — all of which create an ideal foundation for sustainable operations.
- Attractive fiscal environment. The Isle of Man offers one of the most favorable tax regimes worldwide. Licensed operators enjoy 0% corporate income tax, 0% capital gains tax, and no VAT, while the gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax ranges from 1% to 1.5%. This favorable tax regime not only encourages reinvestment but also stimulates innovation and supports long-term growth, which draws interest from both new market entrants and seasoned operators seeking relocation.
- Best Suited For: mid-sized and big companies who wish to collaborate with top-tier providers, target international markets, and grow in licensed markets with a stable legal foundation
- License Types: B2B and B2C (Full License (covering both casino, sportsbook, poker, esports, and software supply under one authorization), the Network License (same as the Full License but allowing the holder to host players from global operators without requiring separate registration), the Sub-license (linked to a Full License holder and allowing limited product offerings under that authorization), the Software Supplier License (permitting software providers to offer B2B gaming solutions to Isle of Man operators without additional certification), and the Token/Blockchain-based Software Supplier License (enabling blockchain or cryptocurrency gaming software providers to distribute their products without separate certification, subject to compliance with GSC digital asset regulations).
- Validity: 5 years
- Time to Obtain: 2,5 to 3 months
- Crypto-Friendly: Yes
- Gaming Tax: 0,1%-1.5% (B2C)
- Reputation & Player Trust: High
- Banking & Partners Access: Excellent
4. Anjouan Gaming License
In recent years, the Anjouan gambling license has gained significant prominence worldwide for its cost-effectiveness, streamlined approval process, and tax advantages. The issuance of international gambling licenses in Anjouan falls under the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA). Key pros of the Anjouan gaming license:- Affordable Cost. Unlike most popular offshore jurisdictions, where licensing fees can be much higher, the Anjouan gambling license remains highly cost-effective. The Anjouan offers a significantly lower financial threshold compared to licenses issued in Kahnawake or Malta, while still providing a credible regulatory framework for global operations.
- Tax Advantages. The jurisdiction imposes no tax on GGR, enabling companies to retain and reinvest more of their earnings into expansion, marketing, and technology development.
- Issuance Speed. A gaming license could typically be obtained in a timeframe from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the circumstances, which is among the fastest in the industry. Provided that the applicant’s documentation and KYC requirements are complete and compliant, the process can take as little as 6 weeks.
- Best Suited For: startups (including in crypto) and mid-sized companies planning to test MVP and expand rapidly across multiple markets
- License Types: B2B (allows provision of gaming platforms, software, and services to other operators) and B2C (permits direct-to-player gambling operations)
- Validity: 1 year
- Time to Obtain: 1 to 2,5 months (average)
- Crypto-Friendly: Yes
- Gaming Tax: 0%
- Reputation & Player Trust: Low
- Banking & Partners Access: Limited
5. Kahnawake Gaming License
Getting a gaming license in Kahnawake is an attractive option for serious, growth-oriented iGaming operators. Granted by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC), this license offers a set of unique benefits that clearly answer “Why pursue a Kahnawake gaming license when other jurisdictions may appear more favorable?” Those are:- Favorable Taxation. There is no GGR taxation, allowing operators to reinvest all the income back in the business and scale at maximum speed.
- Comprehensive Coverage. A single Kahnawake license authorizes operators to offer a broad range of gaming services, including casino games, sports betting, poker, and live dealer operations. This all-in-one model eliminates the need for multiple separate licenses for each vertical and offers flexibility to expand product offerings seamlessly.
- Operational Stability. The licensing process is straightforward and transparent, supported by a proactive regulatory body that prioritizes stability and continuous compliance. Coupled with strong player-protection measures and an established dispute resolution framework, the Kahnawake gaming license ensures long-term operational confidence for global operators.
- Best Suited For: iGaming platforms looking to establish credibility and grow in Latin America and other underserved international markets
- License Types: B2B (Interactive Gaming License (IGL) – hosting services and Casino Software Provider Authorization (CSPA) for software supply) and B2C (Client Provider Authorization (CPA) – core license for operators running casinos, betting, or poker from Kahnawake-hosted servers and Live Dealer Studio Authorization (LDSA) – permits operation of live dealer studios and related activities)
- Validity: 5 years
- Time to Obtain: 4 to 6 months
- Crypto-Friendly: Yes
- Gaming Tax: 0%
- Reputation & Player Trust: Moderate
- Banking & Partners Access: Limited to Moderate
6. Tobique Gambling License (TGC)
Closing this list of top gaming license options as of today is the Tobique gaming license, issued by the relatively newly formed Tobique Gaming Commission. The license has quickly positioned itself as a high-caliber choice, supporting all major gaming verticals while offering operators a single, consolidated licensing solution.- Fast Licensing Process. Approval typically takes 1-2,5 months, faster than many competing jurisdictions.
- Cost-Effective Solution for International Market Access. The Tobique license combines a cost-effective structure with the flexibility to operate in multiple verticals and regions, making it an attractive solution for scaling international presence.
- Domain Flexibility. The license covers up to 5 URLs within the base fee, with the option to add more at an additional cost.
- Best Suited For: forward-thinking projects and startups seeking a more reputable and comparatively fast market entry, along with potential tax advantages
- License Types: B2B and B2C (direct licensee authorization, bookmaker’s license, betting intermediary’s license, wagering operator’s license, wagering machine license, lottery promoter’s license, pools promoter’s license, gaming software license, gaming software aggregator license, social gaming license, and game of skill license)
- Validity: 1 year
- Time to Obtain: 1 to 2 months
- Crypto-Friendly: Yes
- Gaming Tax: 0%
- Reputation & Player Trust: Low
- Banking & Partners Access: Limited
What Are Operators Looking for When Getting a Gaming License?
The choice of the jurisdiction to obtain the gaming license for a typical business commonly comes to assessing one or more of the points from the basic set of well-established criteria. These include:- Taxation: Balancing corporate and gaming taxes to minimize expenses and maximize net income.
- Gaming License Cost (License & Maintenance Fees): Upfront application fees and ongoing renewal expenses directly impact long-term profitability.
- Regulatory Prestige & Reputation: A well-recognized license enhances player trust and credibility among key banking and software solutions providers.
- Market Access: Whether the license allows accepting players from the operator’s target jurisdictions.
- Crypto-Friendliness: Flexibility in integrating cryptocurrencies for deposits, withdrawals, and gaming activity.
- Approval Speed vs. Strict Oversight: Weighing the benefits of fast, streamlined approval against the credibility of stricter regulatory standards.
Stay ahead of the dynamic Crypto and iGaming regulatory landscapes with the latest news and insights, carefully selected and vetted by Inteliumlaw
What Should Operators Take Into Account When Selecting a Gambling License?
Getting a gaming license requires careful consideration; given each business’s unique priorities, only 1 license would be a perfect fit, and therefore relying on the criteria mentioned earlier alone could not suffice. Let’s face it: licenses are not created equal, and operators should carefully select and tailor their license choice to their business plan and core priorities.
Each license serves a distinct purpose and would be a “Holy Grail” only for certain gambling businesses, while being extremely unsuitable for the rest. Relying solely on taxation and fast launch to market is insufficient for startups that look to integrate cryptocurrencies and get a crypto casino license. On the other hand, licenses that can be obtained fast and at low cost rarely allow for partnering with Tier-1 gaming or payment solutions providers.
Let’s consider a couple of imaginary scenarios:
Case Study #1: Crypto Gambling Startup
Operator profile: A small, tech-focused startup with a limited budget. Primary goal: rapid, cost-effective launch of a crypto online casino serving a global audience with a focus on Latin America (LATAM). No immediate plans to enter highly regulated markets like the UK or most of the EU. Speed is the top priority.
Best solution: Anjouan gaming license. What makes it the optimal choice is the extremely fast application process (often just a few weeks), one of the lowest setup costs in the market, and a pro-crypto regulatory framework
Why others don’t fit:
- Malta, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar, and Alderney are less cost-efficient and have a complex application process which can take 6 to 12 months, in the worst case;
- Estonia is a popular choice for companies looking for a reputable solutions and services offering in Europe, which is not usually a priority for the startup, plus the cost and timeframe are not startup-oriented;
- Kahnawake is a possible option for startups, yet slower to obtain and less optimal for those prioritizing minimal cost and maximum speed.
Case Study #2: B2B Gaming Platform Serving Multiple Brands
Operator profile: Technology supplier with multiple B2C operators focused on Brazil and the rest of the LATAM region. The company is looking to demonstrate credibility by acquiring an online gambling license from a recognized regulator for partner due diligence and fast certification approvals.
Best solution: Isle of Man gaming license or available alternatives, depending on details of the case (contact us for consultation). The Isle of Man B2B regime is both credible and flexible for operators. The jurisdiction’s technical rigor and active supervision are trusted by many partners, facilitating accelerated partner vetting.
Why others don’t fit:
- Alderney: Best-in-class for B2B, but the costs are substantially higher;
- Anjouan: Reputation rapidly improving, yet still normalizing with some payment providers (not a priority if the orientation is not B2C-licensed operators in Anjouan).
Case Study #3: EU Brand Seeking Tier-1 Payment Solution Providers (PSPs) Access
Operator profile: A mid-to-large online casino and sportsbook focused on EU-permitted “.com” markets, with emphasis on comprehensive payment rails, top-tier gaming content providers, and other trusted partnerships. Plans to add a B2B arm later.
Best solution: Malta gaming license or Estonian gaming license. Both stand out for EU-oriented B2C, have recognized TG/AML sophistications, and a streamlined path to B2B licensing. Estonia can be even easier and more cost-efficient to consider, even though the jurisdiction doesn’t have a B2B licensing regime, as another B2B jurisdiction – Romania or Malta – could be considered for B2B arm implementation at a later stage.
Why others don’t fit:
- Tobique: Limited recognition with leading providers;
- Gibraltar / Kahnawake: Not widely recognized as hubs for global B2B aggregation.
These scenarios illustrate that licensing is never one-size-fits-all, a philosophy that Inteliumlaw has followed since its inception. Every license in this ranking aligns perfectly with a specific operator profile and their unique needs.
How to Choose and Obtain Gaming License Best Tailored to Unique Business Needs
Selecting a gaming license that precisely matches unique business needs is rarely obvious, but specialized legal counsel can help cut through this complexity and assist with a sound, compliant choice. With highly skilled legal advisors at Inteliumlaw, companies can navigate complex regulations with confidence, eliminate the pain of dealing with a lengthy and bureaucratic application process, and obtain a bespoke online gaming license – all positioning operators for sustainable, long-term growth.
Inteliumlaw advises iGaming companies at every stage of their lifecycle. Our legal team covers the full spectrum of legal needs to streamline the process and help secure a gambling license most suitable for your business. Additionally, Inteliumlaw offers ongoing compliance support to keep you ahead of complex, fragmented, and ever-changing gambling regulation.
Contact Inteliumlaw today to obtain the right gaming license for your business.
