All Online Casino Licenses

Last Update February 26, 2020

Always be on the lookout for casinos with online gambling license. Consider this your point of departure to an enjoyable gaming experience. If the casino site has a license then chances are that they'll flaunt it. What's all this hype about internet gaming licenses you may be asking? Read on as we take a look at everything there is to know about licensed casinos online. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of things, here's one of the best pieces of advice you're going to hear today. Play at UK licensed online casinos only! You've been warned.

Licenses

Logo	Name	Casino Count
	Alderney	4
	Gibraltar	8
	Malta	3
	UK Gambling Commission	28

Prevailing Online Gambling Licenses

Try your luck at several gambling sites and the chances are that the majority will hold a license in at least one of the jurisdictions listed above. These are the main gaming licenses out there. Whilst some may be considered safer than others, each open the doors to different markets.

However, to you, as a UK casino player, the UKGC license is the only relevant one. No UK license means the casino is not allowed to take your deposits, and allow you to play casino games.

Gaming License Requirements

Each gambling jurisdiction comes with its own regulatory body and legislation. Of course, offshore gaming licenses will differ. This said, there are some common patterns to be found in all casino licenses regardless of which local authority has issued the permit. This is because countries have looked to regulate gambling activities for the same reasons. Main licensing objectives revolve around the protection of players, particularly those that are vulnerable. For this reason, when applying for a license, operator requirements are somewhat similar. Some licensing authorities are of course more strict than others but below is a list of the more general criteria all applicants must fulfil.

Registered address in the licensing jurisdiction
Local bank account
Proof of sufficient capital
Clear criminal conduct (no felonies)
Detailed business plan
Financial reports
Identification of shareholders and major gaming employees
Payment of application fee and any other charges

Gaming License Cost and Types

Before we look into the gambling license application process, it's also important to understand what sort of permit you'll need to apply for. Some dominions adopt a one size fits all policy. These are the exceptions though and in most cases, there are various types and each come with their own license fee. Whilst it is impossible to generalise in this section, there are still some similarities.

For starters, most gambling firms will need to apply for a separate license for onshore and offshore gaming. The first will need a gambling premises licence. Some licensing bodies with stricter regulations, take things one step further. to help aid compliance, licenses are segregated into various classes according to game types. Slot machines, table games, bingo, lotteries and any other gaming machines that you'd expect to find in a casino are usually classed into one category. Betting (fixed-odds and peer-to-peer) is usually put into a class of its own. At the end of the day, it all comes down to specific gambling laws in place. We suggest checking back to responsible authorities within the country for further information.

Each type of permit comes with its own fee. In addition to this, there are other underlying costs that potential licensees need to be aware of. For instance, most operators in gambling services will need to pay an annual fee. To make things easier, we have included a list of the possible fees to look out for. Of course its always worth checking back to the local Commission for further information.

Application Fee
Licence Fee
Annual Fee

The fees listed above must be paid directly to the licensing agency. This added revenue is then used to help both the local gaming authority as well as provide financial benefits for the rest of the country. Costs don't stop there though. Applicants need to keep in mind that there are many other underlying costs. For instance, operators will need to set up a business within the country. The iGaming may be a booming industry, but entering it sure doesn't come cheap. As for the countries offering licensure, they stand to benefit massively from gambling licences. Let's just say new gambling establishments open up opportunities for hundreds of employees!

Gaming License Application Process

If you're a start-up looking to engage in gaming services then this next section will help you get a better idea of the actual process. You should already know what documentation you'll require as well as which licence to apply for. In most cases, the rest of the registration process can be done online. Here's a rough guide of the steps you'll need to take when filling out the online application form.

How to get a Gaming License – Step-by-step Guide

Make yourself fully aware of gaming laws within the licensing jurisdiction
Select the type of licence to apply for
Ensure that you have all the necessary information including any certification, according to licensure requirements
Visit the official website of your local gambling commission or registered licensing body
Fill out all of the information required on the online application form
Upload any further certification required
Pay any outstanding fees including online application charge
Check for an email of acknowledgement
Wait patiently for the commission to process the application

The application process may seem simple in theory however complications along the way are not unheard of. For starters, you'll need to ensure that all documents have been submitted. Leave anything out and you could end up with several time lags. Even if you have uploaded all of the paperwork required, the local gaming board will need to carry out a background investigation. Only once they are certain that criteria has been met will they deem an applicant worthy of becoming licensed. Moreover, licence holders are subject to regular audits. Any breaches in compliance could result in the decision to suspend or even revoke a permit.

Licensed Vs. Unlicensed Casinos - What to Expect

So far there has been a lot of talk about gambling policies and other regulations. Although the legal side plays an important role in providing integrity for casinos with the right permits, this is only half of things. A gambling business that is in line with the laws has so much more to offer to their players. Below we'll take a look at all the windows of opportunity legislations in most gaming dominions open to operators and players alike.

Game Fairness

Whilst fairness of games is somewhat easier to regulate at gambling premises, the online world can raise quite a few doubts. This is where regulatory bodies step in. Most casinos with a legal permit must fulfil specific enforcements in relation to game fairness. As well as ensuring that they collaborate with reliable providers, they must vouch for the fact that all games make use of RNG software. Moreover, most authorities will include certain codes of conduct that operators must follow. Games at legal online establishment are subject to regular audits, where independent organisations like eCOGRA find purpose. Some will even take things further and provide annual reports. Slots, scratch cards or classic table games, if a casino has a gambling licence, then chances are, you'll be hitting a win in no time!

Protection of Player Funds & Complaints Procedure

There's nothing more frustrating than hitting a win on a big jackpot only to find out that you can't cash out. We've seen this happen time and time again at online casinos that aren't legit. This is where Gambling Commissions come in! An operating licence in the gambling industry comes with a long set of rules and strict enforcement. Moreover, they are ready to listen to players and act upon complaints received. Gambling operators found to be in breach of any laws will put in front of a gaming control board. Non-compliance can be detrimental and Commissions have had applications revoked in the past. Play at unlicensed gambling premises or sites and seeking legal action will be all on you!

Anti-Money Laundering Activities

If you have any experience with the gambling industry then you know that gambling operators have a long history with money laundering. Gambling acts and licensing authorities have helped with compliance and enforcement. We see this happening in some jurisdictions more than others. All gambling licence holders though must abide by specific KYC rules imposed by the UK Government to ensure player verification. This is the reason for longer processing times but it's a small price to pay. Honesty is a huge part of casinos and betting sites with a licence. The last thing a business or a player for that matter, wants is to be associated with criminal activities.

Responsible Gambling

In most cases, when it comes to licences, part of the application process includes taking necessary steps to ensure that the business becomes an advocate of responsible gambling. Addiction isn't uncommon and the financial implications can be massive. Unlicensed establishments are not restricted by certain laws and some will actually take advantage of vulnerable groups. Licensees, on the other hand, must carry out all the necessary steps to protect these same players.

Making parents aware of website blockers such as NetNanny for young persons is one example. Most will also provide other tools to help with money management. How far a casino site takes this, all comes down to the specific licensing authority and legislation. The good news is that most will provide at least some information. Licensed gaming establishments do have their players best interests at heart that we can vouch for!

Gaming Licenses FAQs

✔️How long does it take to get a gaming license?

It depends on where you are applying from. Certain regulators have longer processing times than others. In our experience though, the whole process will last several months. One piece of advice we do give applicants is to ensure that they have fulfilled all criteria in line with the specific legislation. This will help to speed up the application process massively or at least it will reduce time lags.

✔️What is a gaming license for a casino?

This is a legal requirement of any gaming or betting site or other gambling premises looking to enter the market. There are various Commissions that offer applications and moreover in most cases there are different types too. Prior to filling out an application, you'll need to take a decision of which markets you plan to target and the type of service you'll be engaging in.

✔️When does one need a gaming license?

Always. At least if the gaming establishment is looking to become a legit business that is. One thing to keep in mind is that there are various types of licences out there. We would always suggest checking back to the specific Gambling Commission you are applying for a licence with. Usually, they provide all the information on their official website.

✔️What are the requirements for getting a gambling license?

This will depend mostly on the authorities within the licensing country as well as the type of potential licensee. We would suggest familiarizing yourself with the long list of requirements and ensuring that you collect all necessary information. This will help to speed up the application process quite substantially.

✔️How much does it cost to get an online gambling license?

This again depends on where you are looking to set up your gambling business as well as the type of gaming licence. Premises licences can often end up costing less than online operating licences. Moreover, some Gambling Commissions are notorious for charging high fees due to differences in taxation laws for instance. We always suggest checking back to the official website for further information. It is also important to look out for other underlying costs when setting budgets.

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