To become a full player in the iGaming arena, a company needs an online casino license. It is extremely difficult to obtain a license without special knowledge, since a lot of factors must be taken into account in the process. For example, in Antigua there is a small one-time fee and there are deductions from profits. The Curacao gaming license is also in demand, because it is inexpensive and provides many bonuses to the owner.
The international gambling license covers all types of gambling: online poker, bingo, casino, e-sports, lotteries, live casino, sports betting, etc.
At the moment, there are four common schemes for building relations between the state and the gambling segment:
- regulation of the casino activities of operators only on their territory;
- control and introduction of monopoly;
- lack of requirements for casino operators and the need to go through licensing;
- a ban on such a business.
In the latter case, entrepreneurs have a way out of the situation - they can undergo offshore type certification. Many jurisdictions provide such services. With this approach, the business will receive a legal basis and will be able to develop, despite the official ban.
In order not to be mistaken and to simplify the registration process, it is advisable to turn to professionals who have experience in handling such cases.
Allyant Group helps to get a gaming license for the Curaçao region. The advantages of this company in the field of iGaming licensing are:
- business transparency;
- high qualification of employees;
- the best prices in the segment;
- efficiency;
- quality services;
- additional services to support the client's betting and sportsbook business.
They take care of all the formalities, including direct contacts with government agencies.
Popular jurisdictions
Among the most popular and well-known places for online gambling are such jurisdictions as:
- Curacao;
- Malta;
- Kahnawake;
- Antigua and Barbuda;
- Gibraltar;
- Anjouan;
- Montenegro;
- Alderney;
- Isle Of Man.
Each jurisdiction has different application processing times, deadlines, restrictions and other factors necessary to keep an online casino running.
Curacao
The self-governing state entity of Curaçao is part of the Netherlands. To strengthen its regulatory framework and enhance its international reputation while eliminating the risk of money laundering and fraud, the Government of Curacao has regulated the issuance and operation of gaming licenses.
The list of advantages of obtaining a gambling license on the island includes:
- loyalty to the jurisdiction (the issuance of permits has been carried out for many years and the subject is considered to be well verified);
- minimum software requirements (use of products and solutions that are at the testing stage is allowed);
- a small package of documents for incorporation;
- a single online gaming license for all types of gaming activity (the Curacao license allows all electronic games, including online poker, bingo, casino, sports betting and lottery);
- low taxes - for companies that have chosen this jurisdiction but are geographically located outside it, corporate income tax is 0%, tax on net gains - 2%;
- the ability to go through the procedure without personal participation (the client does not need to be physically present to get a gambling license);
- relatively cheap registration and monthly maintenance (online gaming license and sub-license in Curacao is cheaper than in other jurisdictions);
- fast receiving process (there is no single term, but in general, receiving takes from 4 to 8 weeks);
- the possibility of obtaining an offshore type certificate (foreign business receives a legal basis and can develop, despite the local official ban on gambling in a certain state).
Allyant-group's team of experts are boasting extensive experience in helping clients secure and sustain a Curacao online gaming license. They offer comprehensive support throughout the application process, ensuring compliance with all terms and conditions set by the gambling license regulator. You can find out more detailed information about the service on the website allyant-group.com.
| Curacao | |
| License type | Single |
| Tax rate | 0% income tax |
| Term for obtaining | 4 - 8 weeks |
| Privilege | License and sub-license |
Malta
A gambling license in Malta comes with the following benefits:
- one of the most progressive legislations in Europe;
- easy access to the EU gaming markets;
- high reputation of the country;
- protection from the state;
- effective tax rate of 5%;
- developed financial services industry;
- stable economy;
- avoidance of double taxation;
- a single license for all types of games for a period of 10 years
- licensees have the right to obtain a residence permit in Malta.
| Malta | |
| License type | Single |
| Tax rate | 5% from gaming revenue |
| Term for obtaining | Аbout 6 months |
| Privilege | Residence permit in Malta |
Kahnawake
Kahnawake is a sovereign land located near the Canadian border. It belongs to the Indian tribes, who at the end of the last century managed to legalize gambling.
An online casino license issued in this jurisdiction gives the holder such advantages as:
- work in a territory with a favorable geographical position;
- economic stability;
- extensive experience as a regulator;
- the prestige of the sovereign land in business circles and among the casino players;
- no requirements for the share capital;
- numerous gaming tax preferences;
- a clear legal framework;
- the client can get a gambling license for 2-4 months
- transparency of all requirements for legal entities.
In addition, applicants can obtain one online gambling license and open several directions.
| Kahnawake | |
| License type | Single |
| Tax rate | No income tax |
| Term for obtaining | 2-4 months |
| Privilege | Share capital: any amount |
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is an offshore zone, so a company registered here will get all the benefits of a classic offshore. In addition, gambling business entrepreneurs receive such preferences as no taxation, the right to attract users from the UK, the ability to place a server anywhere in the world, and not just in the territory of registration, and a loyal attitude towards non-residents. Terms for issuing an online gambling license - from 3 months. Licenses in Antigua and Barbuda are divided into two types: Interactive Gaming (online casino, poker, roulette, slot machines, sports betting, video slots, lotteries, etc.) and Interactive Wagering (for bookmakers).
| Antigua and Barbuda | |
| License type | Not single |
| Tax rate | 3% of “net win” |
| Term for obtaining | From 3 months |
| Privilege | UK players attraction |
Gibraltar
In Gibraltar, gambling segment participants are provided with a flexible fiscal system with low rates (approximately 1% of revenue), no initial fees and the ability to operate without geographical restrictions as an offshore casino. There are six types of online gaming license (lottery, online casino, betting platform, etc.) and operators must obtain a separate online gaming license for each type of product. The documents are considered on average from 3 months.
| Gibraltar | |
| License type | Not single |
| Tax rate | About 1% of revenue |
| Term for obtaining | About 3 months |
| Privilege | No initial fees |
Anjouan
It is a suitable jurisdiction for startups as it allows organizations to reinvest all profits into the business as they can benefit from 0% gaming tax on their GGR and 0% VAT on all income. A single online gaming license is issued for all types of games. The term for obtaining a gaming license takes several weeks. This jurisdiction is not yet widely known and advertised, but for those who want to start their gaming business quickly and cheaply, Anjouan is a good option.
| Anjouan | |
| License type | Single |
| Tax rate | 0% gaming tax on GGR |
| Term for obtaining | About 1 month |
| Privilege | 0% VAT |
Montenegro
Montenegro provides one online betting license for all types of online gambling activities, while payment is made for each element separately (but at the same time, an entrepreneur is entitled to an online gambling license only after obtaining a land-based gambling one). Consideration of the application lasts approximately 30-40 days, excluding the time for preparing a package of documents. The single rate of corporate income tax and income tax is 9% and isn't levied on the bookmaker's cash turnover. Casinos receive great support from the state, having the right to provide large prizes in lotteries and other types of gambling.
| Montenegro | |
| License type | Single |
| Tax rate | Single tax rate 9% |
| Term for obtaining | 30-40 days |
| Privilege | State support |
Alderney
Alderney is part of the Channel Islands, which are under the British protectorate. Limited liability companies are exempt from corporate tax. The amount of the additional tax is determined based on the license fee. Also attractive for investors are a single license for all types of games and a small amount of share capital (2 pounds sterling) for companies that work in the field of iGaming.
| Alderney | |
| License type | Single |
| Tax rate | 0% corporate tax |
| Term for obtaining | From 6 months |
| Privilege | Low share capital |
Isle of Man
The advantages of the online gaming license are a 1.5% income tax, a wide selection of gambling destinations and the ability to advertise a casino and sportsbook business in the UK. Only one gaming license is required for different directions. Depending on the income level of the company, a gambling tax is set: from 0.1% to 1.5%. When calculating the level of taxation, the net profit of the casino is taken into account, there is no capital gains tax.
| Isle of Man | |
| License type | Single |
| Tax rate | 0.1% - 1.5% income tax |
| Term for obtaining | From 6 months |
| Privilege | Advertising in the UK |
Rules and Requirements for Obtaining an Online Betting License
Each country has adopted its own, often very peculiar rules and requirements for gambling establishments, but basically all these requirements relate to the personal reputation and professional qualifications of the owners and employees of such establishments:
- the owners and employees of the company are required to have experience in the field of finance in order to guarantee the stability of the business;
- among the owners and employees of the enterprise there shouldn't be persons suspected of illegal activities;
- in some jurisdictions, gambling commissions take into account the personal reputation of applicants;
- in certain jurisdictions, the applicant must provide a business plan;
- often the applicant is required to provide detailed information about the financial and administrative structure of the company, data on shareholders, investments, key persons.
A separate block of requirements concerns the organizational and technical side of the business - the structure of the company, the rules for working with clients, the hardware and software used, etc.
What to Consider When Choosing an Offshore Jurisdiction
Costs for obtaining an international gambling license
This document usually costs a lot. But in addition to it, one should also take into account the cost of registering and equipping the company, its subsequent maintenance in a particular jurisdiction.
Political and economic stability
It makes no sense to start a casino business in a jurisdiction that is on the brink of war or economic collapse. An unstable political climate may threaten negative changes in legislation affecting the iGaming industry. If a stable country is chosen, the risks associated with exchange rates, profit transfer, negotiations on cooperation with providers of specialized services are minimized.
Availability of agreements on avoidance of double taxation
Paying taxes on the same income in different jurisdictions is not the best gaming business prospect. Therefore, before obtaining an online casino license, it is better to find out if the chosen country has signed an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation with the country of the current residence of the entrepreneur.
Confidentiality
Asset protection, including through specific privacy laws, remains a top priority in tax-free countries. In the era of tax openness, many jurisdictions are introducing registers of beneficiaries to get out of the 'black lists' of international financial regulators and national supervisory authorities in different countries. However, in most cases these are closed registries, information from which can only be transferred to the competent authorities by a court decision.
Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
