The iGaming industry is one of the most lucrative yet heavily regulated sectors globally. Operators looking to launch or expand their gaming businesses must obtain a valid gaming license from a recognized jurisdiction. Licensing ensures regulatory compliance, financial stability, and access to banking, payment processing, and software partnerships.
This article explores the licensing requirements in Malta, Estonia, Greece, the United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, and Anjouan, covering application timelines, regulatory strictness, and capital requirements. Additionally, we highlight how Obtained.com can assist operators in securing licenses, acquiring established gaming businesses through M&A, and connecting to essential service providers.
✔️ Legal Compliance – Ensures adherence to AML, responsible gaming, and anti-fraud regulations.
✔️ Access to Banking & PSPs – Licensed operators can open corporate bank accounts and connect with payment service providers (PSPs).
✔️ Trust & Credibility – A gaming license enhances player trust and allows marketing in regulated markets.
✔️ Game & Platform Integration – Licensed operators can partner with game providers, aggregators, and platform developers.
✔️ Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Opportunities – Investors and large operators prefer to acquire licensed entities to expand quickly.
|
Jurisdiction |
Application Timeline |
Regulatory Strictness |
Capital Requirements |
|
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) |
6 to 12 months |
High |
€80,000 – €100,000 |
|
Estonia Tax and Customs Board |
2 to 3 months |
Moderate |
€1 million (games of chance); €25,000 (games of skill) |
|
Hellenic Gaming Commission (Greece) |
Up to 12 months |
High |
€200,000 paid-up capital; €500,000 guarantee |
|
United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) |
3 to 6 months |
Very High |
No minimum, but financial stability must be demonstrated |
|
Brazil’s Ministry of Economy |
Under development |
To be determined |
To be determined |
|
Anjouan Gaming License |
3 to 4 weeks |
Moderate |
Approximately €17,000 |
✔️ Jurisdiction Selection – Helping operators choose the best license based on market goals.
✔️ Application Preparation – Assisting with document submission, AML policies, and due diligence.
✔️ Regulatory Compliance – Ensuring full adherence to gaming laws and ongoing reporting.
✔️ Gaming Platforms & Aggregators – Integration with leading platforms and game providers.
✔️ Payment Processing (PSPs) & Banking – Assisting with corporate banking and PSP connections.
✔️ White-Label Solutions – Helping startups access turnkey iGaming solutions.
✔️ Buying Licensed Companies – Assisting in acquiring established licensed operators for faster market entry.
✔️ Due Diligence & Market Analysis – Ensuring financial and legal compliance before acquisition.
✔️ Investor & Strategic Partnerships – Connecting operators with potential investors and business partners.
Obtaining an iGaming license is a critical step for operating legally and expanding into global markets. Strictly regulated jurisdictions (e.g., Malta, UK, Greece) offer credibility but require higher capital and compliance efforts. Fast-track licenses (e.g., Estonia, Anjouan) allow quicker market entry with lower costs.
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