What's the difference between a gaming license and a gambling license?
Nothing regulatory — "gaming license" and "gambling license" are used interchangeably for the same authorisation to operate online casino, betting, poker or lottery products. Some regulators and search habits favour one term over the other (the Malta Gaming Authority uses "gaming", for instance), but the underlying license and requirements are the same thing. In practice you'll see it searched as an online gaming license, an online casino license, a casino gaming license, an igaming license, an offshore gaming license, an offshore gambling license, or simply a license to gamble — all pointing at the same authorisation. One specific case worth flagging separately: an online casino license for sale usually means buying an already-licensed operator rather than applying fresh — a related but different service, which we can also scope for you.
How do I get an online gambling license?
In short: a free legal opinion to confirm the jurisdiction and license type (B2C or B2B), then we incorporate the licensing company, build the AML/KYC and responsible-gaming program, and prepare and submit the full gaming license registration. Most of the process is handled remotely — whether you're researching how to get a gaming license, getting a gaming license as a first-timer, aiming to obtain gaming license approval, or you're already past that and want to apply for gambling license paperwork, apply for gaming license or apply for online gambling license outright. The license itself is granted by the relevant gaming regulator — we manage the project end to end, from your first gaming license application to an open gambling license ready to operate, including cases where obtaining gambling license status is needed on a tight timeline.
Which jurisdiction should I choose — Curacao, Malta, Kahnawake, Anjouan or the Isle of Man?
It depends on your budget, timeline and target market. A Curacao gaming license and an Anjouan gaming license are faster, lower-cost entry points, popular for LatAm, Asia and Africa. A Malta gaming license carries EU passporting and the strongest EU credibility, at higher cost. A Kahnawake gaming license has a long track record, especially for poker, and a Nevis gaming license is another offshore option worth comparing on cost and timeline. The Isle of Man suits operators wanting a well-regulated, English-law base close to the UK market. We confirm the right fit at your free legal opinion.
What's the difference between a B2C and a B2B gambling license?
A B2C license authorises you to offer games directly to players — running your own online casino, sportsbook or poker room. A B2B (supplier) license authorises you to provide gaming software, RNG technology or platform services to other licensed operators, without taking bets or holding player funds yourself. Some businesses need both.
How much does an online gambling license cost, and how long does it take?
Cost and timeline vary significantly by jurisdiction and by how quickly your documents and AML program come together — offshore routes like Curacao or Anjouan are generally faster and less expensive than Malta or the Isle of Man. Whether you're comparing gaming license cost, casino license cost, online casino license cost, online gaming license cost, lottery license cost or sports betting license cost by jurisdiction, the gambling license fees and gambling license price you'll see quoted both come down to the same variables: jurisdiction, license type, and how quickly your file comes together. We give you a fixed, itemised quote and a realistic timeline after the free legal opinion, once we know which jurisdiction and license type actually fit.
Do I need AML/KYC and a compliance officer?
Yes, in every jurisdiction we work with. Regulators expect a written AML/CFT program, customer due diligence, transaction monitoring and a named compliance officer (often called an MLRO) before they'll grant or maintain a license — this is also what banks and payment providers check before onboarding you.
What are the gambling license requirements, and can you help partway through?
The core gambling license requirements are consistent across jurisdictions: a properly incorporated company, a written AML/KYC program, UBO and source-of-funds disclosure, a named compliance officer, and — depending on the regulator — local substance or technical/RNG testing. The exact casino license requirements or gaming license requirements for your specific vertical are confirmed at the free legal opinion. We provide gaming license assistance from the very first scoping call — whether you're comparing routes, ready to register gambling license paperwork with the regulator, or already mid-application and need help getting it over the line.
Can my casino accept crypto?
In several jurisdictions, yes — crypto deposits and withdrawals are allowed under a standard gambling license provided you run proper AML and source-of-funds checks; a few jurisdictions apply extra conditions or a separate permission. We confirm the crypto position for your chosen jurisdiction as part of the legal opinion.
Can I get licensed if I'm not based in that jurisdiction?
Yes — this is the normal model for offshore and international gaming licenses. You don't need to relocate; you need a properly incorporated licensing company (with whatever local office, director or staffing the jurisdiction requires) and a compliant application. We set this up for international owners regularly.
Will a gambling license help with banking?
It's usually the precondition. Gaming-friendly banks and payment providers expect a live license and a documented AML/KYC program before they'll open or maintain an account for a gambling business. We make introductions and help prepare a strong file, but the bank or provider always makes the final decision.
Do you guarantee the license will be granted?
No one honestly can — the regulator decides, not us. We build the company, AML/KYC, responsible-gaming and technical file to the standard the regulator expects and manage their follow-up questions, which is what actually gets applications approved. Avoiding a costly rejection is a large part of what the free legal opinion is for.
Your gaming licensing specialist
Alex Sandu
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