Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: To obtain an online gaming licence, decide which markets you want to serve, then choose between a local licence in each regulated market (such as the UK or Brazil) and an international licence (such as Malta, Isle of Man or Curaçao). Prepare a company structure, ownership and source-of-funds documents, a business plan, certified games and platform, AML and responsible gambling policies, and key personnel, then apply and pass the regulator’s checks. Timelines and costs vary widely, so get specialist legal advice.
A licence is the foundation of any legitimate iGaming business. Without it, payment providers, game studios, ad platforms and affiliates will not work with you. This guide explains how licensing works and how to prepare.
Step 1: Start with your target markets
The most important rule: a licence only lets you serve the markets it covers. Many countries require their own local licence and block offshore operators. Chile’s courts, for example, have ruled that a foreign licence does not make an online gambling site legal there (MercoPress). List your target markets first, then choose licences to match.
Step 2: Choose the type of licence
| Licence type | Examples | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Local market licence | UK Gambling Commission, Brazil’s SPA, Spain’s DGOJ | Serving players in that country |
| International licence | Malta (MGA), Isle of Man, Curaçao (CGA) | Serving markets without local licensing, where allowed |
| B2B supplier licence | Many regulators issue these | Platform and game providers |
Curaçao, a common choice, replaced its old sub-licence system with direct licensing by the Curaçao Gaming Authority under the LOK, in force since 24 December 2024 (Curaçao Chronicle). Read our Curaçao licence guide.
Step 3: Prepare the company and people
- Register a company in the required jurisdiction, often with local directors or substance.
- Identify all beneficial owners and document their source of funds.
- Appoint key personnel, such as a compliance officer and an AML reporting officer.
- Prepare fit-and-proper checks for directors and owners.
Step 4: Prepare the operational documents
- Business plan with markets, products and financial projections.
- Terms and conditions for players.
- AML and counter-terrorist financing policies.
- Responsible gambling policy, with tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion.
- Complaints and dispute resolution procedures.
- Data protection and IT security policies.
- Certified games and RNG reports from approved testing labs.
Step 5: Apply and pass review
Submit the application, pay the fees and answer the regulator’s questions. Regulators may inspect systems, interview key people and ask for more documents. After approval, you must keep meeting ongoing duties, such as reporting, audits and fee payments.
Step 6: Use your licence in marketing
Display your licence number and regulator on your site, and only advertise in markets your licence covers. Ad platforms check this: Google requires gambling certification for each country (Google Ads policy). Advertising rules also apply; the UK, for example, sets detailed requirements for gambling ads (UK Gambling Commission).
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a licence on price alone, without checking which markets it covers.
- Underestimating timelines for company setup and banking.
- Weak AML or responsible gambling policies.
- Advertising before the licence is granted.
- Assuming an offshore licence protects you in regulated markets.
Need help? Our gaming licensing agency service and list of gambling licence acquisition agencies can guide you.
Frequently asked questions
Choose based on your target markets. Regulated markets like the UK or Brazil need their own licence; international licences like Malta, Isle of Man or Curaçao suit markets without local licensing, where allowed.
No. A licence only covers markets where it is accepted. Many countries require a local licence and block offshore operators.
Company and ownership documents, source of funds, a business plan, player terms, AML and responsible gambling policies, certified games and details of key personnel.
It varies by regulator and how prepared you are, from several months to a year or more. Get specialist legal advice for current timelines.
Ready to market your licensed brand?
Once you are licensed, CliqBetter can help you acquire players in your licensed markets. Book a demo.