Do you want to start an online casino? Then you need a good license. Not all licenses are the same. Some are expensive but give you access to more countries. Others are cheaper but less known. In this article, we look at the three major licenses: UK, Malta, and Curaçao. We compare everything you need to know before you choose.
Choosing the right license can be challenging. It depends on your budget, target audience, and future plans. This guide helps you make a smart choice that fits your business plan. We look at costs, application time, taxes, and much more.
Why a Casino License is Necessary
A casino license is not just a piece of paper. It is your access card to the gambling world. Without a license, you cannot:
- Operate a legal casino business
- Make deals with game providers
- Use payment services
- Gain trust from players
Licenses ensure safe and fair gaming. They protect players against fraud and help combat money laundering. For casino owners like BetCity NL, licenses are a must, not an option.
The UK Gambling License: Strict but Reliable
The license from the UK Gambling Commission is known as one of the strictest in the world. It is not easy to obtain, but it provides many advantages.
Features of the UK License
The UK license requires a lot from operators. You must prove that you:
- Offer fair games
- Protect players
- Follow anti-money laundering rules
- Have a solid business plan
The application process often takes 4 to 6 months. During this time, the commission examines your entire business. They review your finances, your team, and your software.
Costs and Taxes in the UK
The UK license is one of the more expensive options. Key costs include:
- Application fees: £5,000 to £100,000 (depending on license type)
- Annual renewal: 0.1% to 0.2% of your revenue
- Corporate tax: 19%
- VAT: 20%
These costs are high, but they give access to one of the largest gambling markets in the world.
The Malta Gaming License: The EU Favorite
Malta was the first EU state to regulate online gambling.
Since 2001, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has issued hundreds of licenses.
Types of MGA Licenses
Malta offers different licenses:
- Type 1: Casino games (slots, roulette, etc.)
- Type 2: Sports betting
- Type 3: Poker and other peer-to-peer games
- Type 4: Skill games and fantasy sports
You can apply for one or multiple types depending on your offering.
Advantages of a Malta License
A Malta license has strong advantages:
- EU recognition and high reputation
- Access to European markets
- Low effective tax (5%)
- Protection for both players and operators
Application Process and Requirements
Applying for a Malta license is not simple. You must:
- Establish a company in Malta or the EU/EEA
- Have minimum capital (€40,000 to €240,000)
- Appoint key officials
- Submit a detailed business plan
- Pass technical and compliance audits
The process takes about 6 to 12 months and costs €5,000 in application fees plus consultancy fees.
The Curaçao Gambling License: Fast and Affordable
Curaçao was one of the first places in the world to legalize online gambling. Its license is popular with startups due to low costs.
Advantages of the Curaçao License
The Curaçao license is favored for these reasons:
- Low costs (€20,000 to €40,000)
- Fast application (1–2 months)
- One license for all game types
- Minimal tax (2% corporate tax)
- 0% VAT
Limitations of the Curaçao License
There are also disadvantages:
- Less reputable than the UK or Malta
- Not recognized in some countries (US, UK, Spain)
- Less player protection
- Limited access to payment services
Comparison Table: UK vs Malta vs Curaçao Licenses
| Feature | UK | Malta | Curaçao |
| Application time | 4–6 months | 6–12 months | 1–2 months |
| Application fees | £5,000–£100,000 | €5,000 | €2,000–€4,000 |
| Total startup costs | £100,000+ | €50,000–€100,000 | €20,000–€40,000 |
| Corporate tax | 19% | 5% (effective) | 2% |
| VAT | 20% | 18% | 0% |
| Market access | UK, limited EU | EU, worldwide | Worldwide (except UK, US, Spain) |
| Reputation | Excellent | Very good | Fair |
Annual Compliance Costs
- UK: £10,000–£50,000 plus license fees
- Malta: €50,000–€100,000 for audits and tests
- Curaçao: €10,000–€15,000
New Developments in Casino Licenses
The world of gambling licenses is changing rapidly:
- Curaçao is introducing stricter regulations through the new Curaçao Gaming Authority
- Malta is improving its processes to handle applications faster
- The UK is increasing requirements for responsible gambling
It is important to monitor these changes when choosing your license.