An iGaming license is a mandatory legal authorization for operating regulated online gambling services. An online casino license defines compliance boundaries and enforcement exposure. Operating without an iGaming license triggers fines, payment blocking, and criminal liability. Each online gaming license is issued by a designated regulator. Requirements differ across gambling licenses and casino gaming license frameworks. Understanding “what is a gaming license” is essential for lawful market entry.
Why Online Casinos Must Obtain a Gaming License
The online gaming license also determines the legal status of the online gambling sites based in the jurisdiction. Within the UK, the failure to possess an online gambling license creates an offense under the Gambling Act of 2005, according to Section 33.
The powers available to enforce gambling laws include fines and imprisonment, according to the UK Gambling Commission. The casino license would also provide a means to connect with payment services and banking institutions. The standards that need to be followed by gambling institutions under sections 89 and 97 of the Gambling Act relate to fairness, security, and protection.
Anti-money laundering is also mandated by an iGaming license. Gambling services fall under Directive (EU) 2015/849, which requires:
- Customer verification;
- Transaction monitoring;
- Risk reporting.
Regulators may suspend or revoke a license for noncompliance. Marketing activity is also regulated through gambling licenses. Promotional messaging must be accurate and disclose material conditions. Regulatory guidance confirms that a gaming license ensures that casino bonuses are presented with transparent terms, reducing misleading practices.
The Types of Gambling Licenses
Gambling regulation is structured around jurisdictional scope. An iGaming license is typically issued as either a national or international authorization. National gambling licenses permit operations within a single country and are enforced by domestic regulators, such as the UK Gambling Commission. Operators can service several markets from a single base with international, or offshore, gaming licenses.
Examples include Malta and Curaçao, regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority and the Curaçao Gaming Control Board. The correct online gaming license depends on target markets and applicable local law.
Curaçao Gambling License
The Curaçao gambling license is an iGaming license used by many offshore operators. Licensing is moving from the historic NOOGH master-sublicense model to direct regulation. The National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) bans organizing games of chance in or from Curaçao without a CGA permit.
Online submissions are now central. iGaming license applications and supplier-license applications must be filed through the CGA portal. The portal states that off-portal submissions are not processed. The LOK entered into force on 24 December 2024. Key compliance areas linked to an iGaming license include:
- Transitional operation terms cited in CGA certificates of operation.
- Certificates may note that an iGaming license application is “in progress” during transition.
- Player-protection duties and complaint handling are embedded in the LOK framework.
- Responsible gambling and addiction-prevention objectives are stated in the LOK text.
- AML/CFT controls are aligned with FATF international standards.
For an online casino license, Curaçao’s direction is clear. The iGaming license is becoming more document-heavy and audit-oriented. This affects costs, timelines, and evidence quality for operators.
Malta Online Casino License
The Malta online casino license is a well-known online gaming license in the European Union. This is offered by the Malta Gaming Authority in compliance with Chapter 583 of Malta’s laws – the Gaming Act. It should be noted that this online gaming license allows for both B2C and B2B online gambling activities. The Malta license structure is well-organized. Licenses are categorized into B2C and B2B. They include:
- Casino games;
- Betting;
- Gaming suppliers.
An online casino license is issued only after the completion of the financial and technology evaluations. The MGA also requires that shareholders and directors be fit and proper persons. iGaming licensing involves system audits and reporting. License holders must comply with EU anti-money laundering regulations. Holding an online Malta casino license may be preferred if one wants to conduct business in the EU.
Kahnawake Gambling License
A Kahnawake gambling license is an iGaming license issued by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC). The Kahnawake Gaming Law, which was initially passed in 1996, outlines the KGC's jurisdiction. The iGaming license framework is implemented through the Regulations concerning Interactive Gaming, first enacted on July 8, 1999.
For most operators, the core online gambling license is a Client Provider Authorization (CPA). The KGC states it issues five license types under its interactive gaming regulations. The application process is document-driven and fee-based. The KGC requires the information described in its regulations and application forms.
An iGaming license in Kahnawake is typically used for offshore-facing operations, not domestic Canadian retail. You should treat market access as jurisdiction-specific. Common control areas under this iGaming license include:
- Governance and “fit and proper” suitability checks;
- Technical compliance is referenced in the Regulations concerning Interactive Gaming.
Requirements for Obtaining an iGaming License
An iGaming license is issued only after regulators verify legal, financial, and operational readiness. The fundamental standards of all major gaming licenses are the same, notwithstanding jurisdiction-specific variations. Regulators define these standards in primary legislation and binding guidance. Common requirements for obtaining an iGaming license include:
Corporate registration and ownership disclosure. Applicants must submit incorporation documents and beneficial ownership details, required by the Malta Gaming Act (Cap. 583).
- Fit and proper checks. Directors and shareholders undergo integrity and criminal background assessments, as mandated by the Malta Gaming Authority.
- Business plan and financial projections. Regulators require evidence of sustainable operations, confirmed in MGA licensing procedures.
- Player fund protection measures. Licensed operators must segregate player funds, required under UK Gambling Commission licensing conditions.
- AML and KYC controls. Online gambling license holders must comply with Directive (EU) 2015/849.
Understanding how to obtain a gaming license requires reviewing regulator-specific statutes and technical standards before submitting an application.
FAQ
What is an iGaming License?
An iGaming license is a legal right to conduct online gambling business operations. An iGaming license is only issued by a national or an offshore regulatory authority. An iGaming license entails operational and regulatory requirements.
Why is an online gaming license required?
A gaming license online validates legal operation in markets that are governed. The document allows interaction with payment and software vendors. Failure to have one results in consequences regarding punishment and crimes.
What is the average time required for an iGaming license?
Timeframes vary by country and application quality. Three to six months are required for the average review of web gambling applications, according to most regulators.
How do you get a gambling license?
The process includes corporate registration, due diligence, and technical audits. Regulators also assess financial stability and AML controls. Final approval follows internal and external reviews.
Can one casino license cover multiple countries?
Some gaming licenses allow cross-border operations. Market access still depends on local law. Separate approvals may be required.
