Entrepreneurs interested in starting a gaming company have many opportunities in various countries worldwide. We present you with some of the most appealing jurisdictions, mentioning that our local team or specialists can deal with all the company formation requirements, regardless of the chosen country.
| COUNTRY | COSTS | REQUIREMENTS | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curaçao | ANG 48,000 annual fee ANG 4,000 monthly fee ANG 250- ANG 500 due diligence fee/person |
– Register a company with the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce and get the gambling license. – A registered business office is needed. – At least one director is required, with residency in Curaçao. – One must prepare the operational manual with details about the games, betting limits, player identification, etc. – Implement the Anti-Money Laundering policies and cybersecurity measures. |
– Curaçao Gaming Authority issued the gambling licenses – It takes around 6 weeks to start the gaming company in Curaçao. – A clear criminal record and declaration of the source of funds are solicited. |
| Malta | Between EUR 40,000 and EUR 100,000 as minimum share capital for license types 1, 2, 3 EUR 5,000 as non-refundable application fee. EUR 10,000 – EUR 25,000 as annual license fee. |
– Must open a company. The limited liability company is a proper option in Malta. – The company must have “fit & proper” staff, and compliance officer, CEO, etc. – Must implement the Anti-Money Laundering & Know-Your-Customer policies – A 3-year business plan is required. – Must register for taxation in Malta. |
– Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) issues the gaming licenses with a validity for 10 years. – It takes around 7-12 months to get a gaming license in Malta – The gaming company must have an independent auditor approved by MGA in Malta. – Obtaining a remote gaming license in Malta is possible. |
| Kahnawake | No minimum share capital required, however proof of financial stability is needed. From USD 25,000 to USD 40,000 as initial application fee. Around USD 20,000 as annual renewable fee. |
– Must register a company first. – Must apply for a “Client Provider Authorization” (CPA). – At least one “Key Person” must be appointed who can be the company director. – Must obtain a Certified Random Number Generator. – Shareholders must present clear criminal records. – A software operating contract with game developers is needed. |
– The Kahnawake Gaming Commission issues the gaming licenses. – There is no corporate tax on gaming activities in Kahnawake. – It takes around 4 months to get a gambling license in Kahnawake. – A provisional period of 6 months is imposed to see the company operates accordingly. |
| United Kingdom | No minimum share capital required. From GBP 4,424 to GBP 91,000 as application fee, depending on the type of operator. Around GBP 4,199 as annual fee for small gaming operators in the UK. |
– Must register a company and appoint staff with Personal Management or Functional License. – A premise license is needed from the local authority. – A 3-year detailed business plan with profit & loss forecast is needed. – Must implement the Anti-Money Laundering & Know-Your-Customer policies. |
-The license application is done with the UK Gambling Commission. – An evaluation to check the finances & integrity is imposed. – It takes around 4 months to get a gaming/gambling license in the UK. – Online applications are also possible to get a gaming license. |
| Gibraltar | GBP 100,000 as licensing fee application GPB 85,000 as annual license fee |
– Register a company in Gibraltar. Usually, a limited liability company is suitable. – The company must have physical presence/office in Gibraltar. – Senior management with residency in Gibraltar is required. – Must have tested and approved gaming software. – A detailed 3-year business plan is solicited. Must comprise all financial forecasts (profits & losses). – Company owners must implement Anti-Money Laundering & Know-Your-Customer policies. |
– The Gibraltar Gaming Division accepts gambling license applications. – Background checks are made on shareholders, alongside financial audits. – 0.15% is the gaming tax imposed on gross revenue. – Various gambling licenses are available in Gibraltar. |
| Isle of Man | GBP 5,520 is the license application fee. GPB 5,520 – GBP 52,500 is the annual fee, depending on the type of gaming license. |
– Applicants must first open a company in Isle of Man. – At least 2 local directors are required and an operational manager. – Opening a local bank account is needed. – Implementing the Anti-Money Laundering/Know-Your-Customer policies is mandatory. |
– Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) issues the gaming licenses. – There 0% corporate income tax on gaming companies in Isle of Man. – Around 0.1% and 1.5% is the gaming duty imposed on Gross Gaming Yield. – It takes around 8-12 months to get a gaming license in Isle of Man. |
| Tobique | EUR 3,000 is the fee for the first year gaming license EUR 18,000 annual license fee EUR 2,500 – EUR 15,500 as pre-application fee EUR 7,000 as annual compliance fee |
– One must incorporate a gambling company. Offshore companies are accepted. – A detailed business plan is needed. – Implementing Anti-Money Laundering and Know-Your-Customer policies is compulsory. – Must have certified software & all mandatory terms & conditions for online gaming platforms. – Must appoint key personnel before starting the activities. |
– It takes around 2-4 weeks to get a gaming license in Tobique. – Tobique Gaming Commission issues the required gambling license. – Company owners must appoint a Money Laundering Reporting Officer. – There is no taxation on gaming activities in Tobique. |
| Antigua and Barbuda | USD 15,000 as application fee USD 10,000 – USD 15,000 as due diligence fee USD 100,000 as security reserve held for player protection USD 1,250 as annual renewal fee |
– One must register an International Business Corporation (IBC) in Antigua & Barbuda. – Must appoint a Key Person and at least one director. There is no residency restriction. – A resident agent is needed to open a gaming company in Antigua & Barbuda. – A detailed business plan is needed. This must comprise financial forecasts. – Company representative must ensure the Anti-Money Laundering & Know-Your-Customer policies are implemented. – Certified software and authorized by special agencies is required. |
– Company servers must be hosted in Antigua & Barbuda. – It takes around 4 months to get a gaming license in Antigua & Barbuda. – Gaming license in Antigua & Barbuda must be renewed annually. – 3% is the gross income tax on gambling companies in Antigua & Barbuda. |
| Comoros | EUR 15,000 – EUR 30,000 as initial license fee USD 2,000 – USD 5,000 as IBC registration EUR 10,000 – EUR 25,000 as annual renewal license fee |
– Applicants must be at least 18 years old and with a clear criminal record. – One must register an International Business Company (IBC) with a local address in Comoros. – The “Fit & Proper” test is imposed to company key personnel. – A certified Random Number Generator (RNG) is required before starting the operations as a gaming company in Comoros. – Implementing Anti-Money Laundering & Know-Your-Customer policies is imposed. |
– It takes around 4-8 weeks to get a gambling license in Comoros. – The gambling license application must be submitted by an authorized agent in Comoros. – Background checks & due diligence are imposed. – Anjouan Gaming Board issued the gambling licenses in Comoros. – There is no tax rate imposed on Gross Gaming Revenues (GGR) in Comoros. |
| Alderney | GBP 17,500 as first-year license fee GBP 10,000 as investigation deposit Starting from GBP 35,000 as annual renewal license fee GBP 400,000 for all gambling activities/year |
– Must incorporate a company in Alderney, with an executive director appointed. – An Anti-Money Laundering Office is required. – Proof of funds is solicited. – Applicants must meet the technical requirements & standards. – A detailed business plan is also needed for a gaming license application. – The Internal Control System must be approved before starting the activities. |
– Due diligence and Fit & Proper” tests are imposed. – It takes around 4-12 weeks to get a gaming license in Alderney. – Various license categories are available. – There are no taxes on gaming company profits in Alderney. |
| Costa Rica | USD 5,000 – USD 10,000 for the first-year Data Processing license in Costa Rica Around USD 5,730 as annual renewal license fee |
– Must incorporate a SRL in Costa Rica, with a physical registered office. – A local director and representative agent are required. – Authorities solicit clear criminal records of shareholders & key personnel. – Must present a detailed business plan for a gambling company in Costa Rica. – An ID number is issued at the time the company is formed. – Must implement the Anti-Money Laundering & Know-Your-Customer policies. |
– A Data Processing License is required instead of a gaming license in Costa Rica. – Offshore & cryptocurrency accounts for gaming companies are accepted in Costa Rica instead of classic ones. – It takes around 2-3 months to obtain a gaming license in Costa Rica. – 0% corporate income tax for gaming platforms registered outside Costa Rica. – 0% corporate income tax for IBCs with gaming activities in Costa Rica. |
| Sweden | SEK 230,000 as license registration fee SEK 120,000 as software permit SEK 264,000 as annual supervisory fee SEK 16,500 as annual B2B software providers fee |
– Must register a company to get a gambling license in Sweden. Legal entities established in EEA are accepted. – Must appoint a representative agent with residency in Sweden. – Applicants must respect the technical requirements and implement a certified software to operate. – The “Fit & Proper” test is mandatory for key personnel. – Implementing the Anti-Money Laundering & Know-Your-Customer policies is required. – Must prepare a detailed business plan to get a gaming license in Sweden. |
– 18% is the tax imposed on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in Sweden. – It takes around 3-6 months to get a gambling license in Sweden. – The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) issued the gaming licenses. – Obtaining software permit is mandatory. |
| Italy | EUR 1.5 million as minimum share capital EUR 3.7 million as guarantee EUR 7 million as license fee available for 9 years |
– The gaming company must be registered in Italy or in any EU/EEA country. – Physical office in Italy is required. – Company servers must be located within the EU. – Must have certified software for the gambling platforms. – The Anti-Money Laundering & Know-Your-Customer Policies are mandatory. |
– There is only one website permitted per gaming operator. – Various types of gaming licenses are available in Italy. – 3% is the annual fee of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). – Around 24.5% – 25.5% is the tax imposed on GGR in Italy. – Company owners must allocate at least 0.2% of the GGR to responsible gaming campaigns. |
| Australia | USD 200,000 as bank guarantee for corporate bookmakers. Around USD 733 as bookmaker license fee Around 12,541 as gaming machine dealer fee More than USD 21,000 as a lottery operator’s license fee in Queensland. |
– Must incorporate an entity first. – Must apply for a license depending on the jurisdiction and considering various restrictions. – A 3-year detailed business plan with financial forecast is required. – Responsible Gambling Code of Conducts is imposed. – Must implement the Anti-Money Laundering & Counter-Terrorism Financing policies. |
– Online casinos are restricted in Australia. – “Fit & Proper” test is mandatory for company key personnel. Criminal backgrounds are checked. – Gaming license applications are done with Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) Portal. – A credit report is needed to prove the financial stability. – Gambling licenses in Australia are regulated at the state and territory level. |
| United States | USD 100,000 as license application fee in New Jersey USD 20 million as start-up fee for online sportsbooks in Illinois USD 4-12 million is the fee for interactive gaming certificates in Pennsylvania USD 500,000,000 for opening a casino in New York USD 50,000 as license fee application in Michigan USD 500,000 as license fee, available for 2 years, in Nevada |
– Gaming licenses are issued at a state level. – A limited liability company with Employer Identification Number (EIN) is recommended to start gambling activities in the US. – The company must have a representative agent. – A solid business plan is needed to get a gaming license in the US. – Tax registration is mandatory. – One must present the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN when applying for a gaming license. – Audited statements to prove financial stability are necessary. |
– It takes around 6-18 months to get a casino license in the US. – Random Numbers Generators (RNG) are mandatory for US gaming companies. – In some cases, a 5-yer business plan is solicited. – It is recommended to choose the optimal US jurisdiction considering the fees, license conditions, verifications, etc. |
| China; Macau | MOP 5 billion is the minimum share capital for getting a gambling license in Macau, China. MOP 1.5 million as security deposit solicited. MOP 200 million as minimum paid-up capital. |
– License in Macau, China are issued through a public tender process. – Applicants must incorporate a limited liability company or a joint stock company to get a gaming license in Macau. – The company must have a local office in Macau. – “Fit & Proper” tests are imposed to key staff in the company/ – The company must have a resident director in Macau who must hold at least 10% of the share capital. |
– Online gaming is restricted in Macau. – The authorities check the criminal background of gaming license applicants in Macau. – Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) issues the licenses in Macau. |
| Canada | Starting from USD 100,000 as annual license fee in Ontario USD 50,000 – USD 100,000 as gaming license fee in British Columbia USD 5,000 as gaming license fee in Alberta, with USD 3,000 as standard deposit |
– Applicants can choose from 3 types of gaming licenses: gaming workers, charitable gaming, and business operators. – Must incorporate a company in Canada and present a solid business plan. – Must present criminal background and professional history. – Applicants must have permanent residency in Canada to develop gaming activities. – Personal disclosure verifications are done for gaming company representatives. |
– The British Columbia Lottery Corporations accepts gambling license applications. – Other authorities that issue gaming licenses: Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), Loto-Québec and the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux – It takes around 3-12 months to get a gaming license in Canada. |
| Japan | From USD 20,000 to USD 120,000 for initial gaming licensing in Japan. USD 25,000 as renewal fee for 3 years. |
– Company incorporation in Japan is mandatory to get a gaming license. – Having residency in Japan is mandatory for individuals owning more that 5% in company voting rights. – Must apply through bidding process to get a gaming license in Japan. – Applicants must present clear criminal records, and be at the disposal of authorities for various background checks. – Must register for taxation in Japan. |
– Obtaining a gaming license in Japan is a highly restricted process. – Only 3 licenses are available through Integrated Resort Casino licensing – Japan Casino Regulatory Commission (JCRC) issued gambling licenses after a rigorous verification of applicants. – 15% is the tax imposed on monthly Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in Japan. – A 3-year license is issued for those renting land/facilities for their casinos. – Online casinos are not available in Japan. |
| South Korea | Around USD 700 million to start a casino in South Korea, from which, at least USD 500 million must be from overseas investors. Around USD 50 million as guarantee deposit in Jeju province. |
– Must incorporate a company in South Korea and present a 3-year business plan. – “Fit & Proper” tests are imposed to company key personnel, including shareholders. – Technical audits are imposed when opening a gaming company in South Korea. – Must implement the Anti-Money Laundering & Know-Your-Customer policies. |
– 3 types of licenses available: local-entry casino, foreigner-only casino, state monopolies. – Online gambling activities are restricted in South Korea. – Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism & Jeju Special Self-Governing Province issue gaming licenses in South Korea. – 10% of the annual gross sales must be directed to the Tourism Promotion and Development Fund in South Korea. |
| Brazil | Around USD 6 million is the initial license fee. At least USD 930,000 must be preserved as guarantee deposit for players. |
– Businessmen must register a company in Brazil. The limited liability or the joint stock company is suitable. – Company directors must be qualified and have residency in Brazil. – At lest 20% of the company capital must be owned by a company or individual in Brazil (resident). – Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer is required. – Must ensure the company has certified software for its gaming platforms. – A 2-year solid business plan is required when applying for a gaming license in Brazil. |
– The initial license is valid for 5 years. – It takes around 5 months to obtain license approvals. – Cryptocurrency payment are not allowed for gaming activities in Brazil. – 12% is the tax on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in Brazil. |