Do you want to start gambling but don't know whether it's legal in your country or not? Certain activities can have an age restriction, such as playing video games, drinking alcohol, or buying tobacco. Regarding gambling, the most common age limit is 18 years. In case you’re wondering how old do you have to be to gamble or place bets, in this article, I'll point out age restrictions for many places, so stay tuned. In the following sections, I'll go over age restrictions related to gambling and sports betting around the world. The United States In most states, the gambling age in the USA is 18, but there are some exceptions. States Casino Games Sports Betting Alabama 21 / Alaska 21 / Arizona 21 21 Arkansas 21 21 California 18 / Colorado 21 21 Connecticut 21 21 Delaware 21 21 Florida 21 18 Georgia 18 (cruises only) / Hawaii 21 / Idaho 18 / Illinois 21 21 Indiana 21 21 Iowa 21 21 Kansas 21 / Kentucky / / Louisiana 21 21 Maine 21 / Maryland 21 21 Massachusetts 21 18 Michigan 18/21 18 Minnesota 18 18 Mississippi 21 18 Missouri 21 18 Montana 18 18 Nebraska 21 18 Nevada 21 21 New Hampshire 21 21 New Jersey 21 18 New Mexico 21 18 New York 21 18 North Carolina 21 21 North Dakota 21 21 Ohio 21 / Oklahoma 18 / Oregon 21 21 Pennsylvania 21 21 Rhode Island 21 21 South Dakota 18 at Indian Casinos 21 South Carolina 21 (cruises only) / Tennessee / 21 Texas 21 21 Utah 21 / Vermont 21 / Virginia 21 21 Washington 18 21 West Virginia 21 21 Wisconsin 21 21 Wyoming 21 18 Europe The minimum age to gamble in Europe varies. In some places, the legal age to gamble is 21, while in others, it might be 20 or 18. Take a look below to find out how old do you have to be to bet and play casino games in Europe. For the UK, European Countries Casino Games Sports Betting Albania 18 18 Austria 18 18 Andorra / / Belarus 21 21 Belgium 21 21 Bosnia and Herzegovina / / Bulgaria 18 18 Croatia 18 18 Czech Republic 18 18 Denmark 18 / Estonia 21 21 Faroe Islands 18 18 Finland 18 18 France 18 18 Germany 18 18 Gibraltar 18 18 Greece 23 23 Guernsey 18 18 Hungry 18 18 Iceland 18 18 Ireland 18 18 Isle of Man 18 18 Italy 18 18 Kosovo 18 18 Latvia 18 18 Liechtenstein 18 18 Luxembourg 18 18 Malta 18 (25 for Maltese citizens) 18 (25 for Maltese citizens) Moldova 18 18 Monaco 18 18 Montenegro 18 18 Netherlands 18 18 North Macedonia 18 18 Norway 18 18 Poland 18 18 Portugal 18 or 25 (depends on the casino) 18 or 25 (depends on the casino) Romania 18 18 San Marino 18 18 Serbia 18 18 Slovakia 18 18 Slovenia 18 18 Spain 18 18 Sweden 18 18 Switzerland 18 18 Turkey 18 18 Ukraine 18 18 United Kingdom 18 18 Vatican City / / Asia Overall, there's no doubt that Asia is one of the best places in the world to gamble. But what is the legal age to gamble there? In most Asian countries, you have to be between the ages of 18 and 21. Countries in Asia Casino Games Sports Betting Akrotiri and Dhekelia 18 18 Afghanistan Illegal Illegal Armenia 21 21 Azerbaijan 18 18 Bahrain Illegal Illegal Bangladesh / / British Indian Ocean Territory 18 18 Brunei Darussalam Illegal Illegal Cambodia / / China Illegal(except for lotteries) Illegal Christmas Island 18 18 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 18 18 Cyprus 18 18 Georgia 18 18 Hong Kong 18 18 Iran Illegal Illegal India 21 21 Indonesia Illegal Illegal Israel 18 18 Japan 20 20 Kyrgyzstan 18 18 Laos 18 18 Lebanon 21 21 Macau 21 21 Malaysia 21 21 Maldives Illegal Illegal Mongolia / / Myanmar 18 18 Pakistan Illegal 1Illegal Philippines 21 18 Qatar Illegal Illegal Russia 18 18 Saudi Arabia Illegal Illegal Singapore 21 18 South Korea 19 19 Syria Illegal Illegal Tajikistan 18 18 Thailand Illegal Illegal Turkey 18 18 UAE Illegal Illegal Vietnam 21 21 Canada Usually, the minimum age for gambling in Canada is 19 years old. However, like with most other countries around the world, it can vary geographically. Here are the exceptions: Quebec — 18 Manitoba — 18 Alberta — 18 Latin America The iGaming business has a lot to look forward to in Latin America. There’s stable growth, and more of it will come. South America is made up of 12 independent countries, each with its own laws about gambling. The legal gambling age is 18 years old. Oceania When it comes to Oceania, the usual gambling age is 18 years old. The only current exception is 20 for casinos in New Zealand. There’s no known legal age in Papua New Guinea. In the Federated States of Micronesia, it’s dependent on state law. It’s illegal in the Marshall Islands and Tokelau. Africa In Africa, the gambling age is usually 18 or 21, except for Nigeria, where the age limit is 20. It’s illegal in Algeria, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Libya, Mauritania, Somalia, and Sudan. There’s no known gambling age for Tunisia, South Sudan, Guinea-Bissau, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea. FAQ Why are the gambling age limits different? The legal age when you start being considered an adult differs from country to country, which is probably the main reason. What will happen if you gamble while you’re underage? In the US, the winnings will be taken away, and it’s not likely that something else’s going to happen. Though, if someone continuously goes to casinos underage will face some consequences. Also, the operators who let you in can face harsher punishments sometimes. Is the age restriction the same for land-based and online casinos? It usually is, but there are countries where the age limit differs between the two. Is there a connection between the casino bonuses and the age restriction? No, there’s no connection. You need to be 18 years old or above, and you can take advantage of the bonuses just like everyone else.

Even though blackjack rules are the same whether you play the game in a land-based or online casino, the experience is quite different. When playing blackjack online, you don't have as many distractions you normally encounter in a brick-and-mortar casino. It's also far less noisy. Therefore, it's important to use specific hand signals to indicate your move. If you're new to the game, hand signals might be confusing. That's why we'll tell you all about blackjack hand signals to help you familiarize yourself with blackjack etiquette. Hand Signals in Classic Blackjack The key part of this guide is learning how to use blackjack hand motions correctly without disrupting the gameplay. It might not seem complicated at first, but they are quite basic. Each one can be mastered with just a little practice. In addition, there are variations in hand signaling based on the blackjack type. For example, face-up blackjack and face-down blackjack involve different hand signals. Below, you'll find a brief explanation of each signal in blackjack. Hit Hitting means asking for more cards. Generally, index fingers are used when tapping. Nevertheless, some casinos accept both index and middle fingers for tapping.There are different signals for hitting in face-up and face-down blackjack: In face-down blackjack, you scrape the table to indicate that you would like another card; In face-up blackjack, however, you tap on the table or simply point at your cards. Stand As opposed to hitting, standing means you are happy with the hand you're dealt and don't want more cards. Your round has now effectively ended, and all that remains is to see the dealer's hand. Face-up and face-down blackjack games have different signals for standing: In face-down, move your cards underneath the chips, but be careful not to move the chips; In face-up blackjack, wave your hand over your chips to indicate you want to stand, which is more simple. Double Down Doubling down in blackjack means that you want to double your bet in the middle of a hand. In that case, you'll get another card. Blackjack signals are the same whether you play face-up or face-down blackjack—just put extra chips next to your initial bet. Split You'll sometimes receive two identical cards in a blackjack hand. When this happens, you can choose to split the hand into two separate hands and place two separate wagers on each. Splitting a hand requires an additional bet equal to your initial bet. Each hand gets one more card after the cards have been split. The same signal for splitting is used in face-up and face-down blackjack. Simply hold up your index finger and middle finger to create a V shape. Surrender Use the blackjack surrender hand signal after seeing your first two cards and the dealer's up-card if you believe that you have less than a 50% chance of winning. Surrendering allows you to keep half of your initial stake instead of losing it all. In blackjack games where the cards are dealt out of the shoe, the hand signal for surrender is to draw a line on the table behind your bet using your index finger. You can also verbally announce that you intend to surrender. Procedures for surrender may differ in handheld games, so you might want to check with the dealer about the proper etiquette before playing. Insurance Some blackjack variants allow you to purchase insurance. In this case, you can place a side bet if the dealer's up-card is an ace. You can do that to protect half of your initial bet. There's no specific hand gesture in this case, so you can verbally signal to the dealer that you want to buy insurance. You can read here why experienced players have mixed feelings about blackjack insurance. Why Use Blackjack Hand Signals? In blackjack, hand signals aren't only the way for you to look cooler at the table. They serve the purpose of making your intentions clear. That's why universal blackjack signals are developed to make communication easier. Listed below are some reasons why using signals is so important. Ensuring Fairness in the Blackjack Game While playing, gestures show the dealer your intentions and eliminate the possibility of foul play. Furthermore, most casinos have security cameras positioned above the tables to determine if a player is cheating. Ensuring the Interests of Both Players and Casinos Are Protected In land-based casinos, for instance, blackjack hand signals are required in case any dispute arises. Most dealers explain the signals to new players. Speeding Up the Game It's necessary to use proper signals to maintain the rhythm of the game. Once players become accustomed to different signals, the game becomes faster. Blackjack signals enable players and dealers to communicate without any disruptions during the game. Providing Assistance to Novice Players Blackjack dealers and fellow players can tell if you're using the hand signals correctly. The more experienced players can step in to help. Of course, there's always the option of requesting the blackjack dealer to assist you if you don't know what you're doing. Other Rules and Etiquette for Live Blackjack Now that we've established hand gestures in blackjack, let's go over some additional rules you need to know. When buying chips, many casino players turn over their money to the dealer instead of putting it on the table. Dealers in Las Vegas casinos aren't allowed to take the money from your hand. Instead, you should place your money on the table so that the dealer can spread it out, count it, and give you the chips. You shouldn't hold your cards with two hands. This rule is imposed to prevent players from switching cards. You should refrain from engaging in inappropriate behavior at the table, such as yelling or swearing. Furthermore, giving unsolicited advice to other players is not a smart move. Never remove the cards from the table. Everyone should be able to see your cards at all times. When the dealer announces that there are no more bets, you aren't allowed to touch your chips until the end of the game. You should never touch your cards when they are dealt face up. If you want to hit or stand, you should use hand gestures to indicate your move. You should always signal your decision instead of verbalizing it. This rule is imposed so that cameras can capture everything that players do at the table. What Happens If You Forget to Use a Hand Signal? Hand signals for blackjack may seem confusing if you're playing live blackjack for the first time. A fear of making a mistake can easily creep in, especially if the game moves quickly. The good news is that you don't have to worry if you forget to use a signal — nobody will remove you from the table if you forget to do so. The dealer will take the time to remind you how to play blackjack correctly. Even so, make sure you're prepared. Practicing hand signals in advance surely helps. Are Hand Signals Used in Online Blackjack? If you have ever played live dealer blackjack in a land-based casino, you know that it's a different experience from playing it online. The software is an intermediary between the dealer and the player, enabling communication via virtual controls and removing the need for hand signals. However, you can still see the dealer making hand signals to indicate open and close bets. These have more to do with the aesthetics of the game rather than necessity, as all the information will appear on the screen. Conclusion That's all you need to know about the blackjack hand signals at land-based casinos. To learn these signals, you'll need to practice them before you start playing blackjack. Use this article as a guide, and you'll master the game in no time. FAQ How do you tell a dealer you want to split in blackjack? To indicate that you want to split in blackjack, hold up your index and middle finger to create a V shape. It’s one of the classic blackjack hand signals. What is the hand signal for surrender in blackjack? The hand signal for surrender in blackjack is drawing a horizontal line behind the bet on the table using an index finger. What is the hand signal for double in blackjack? In blackjack, the casino signal to double down is to place an additional bet next to your original bet and then point to your cards. This indicates to the dealer that you want to double your original bet and receive one additional card.

Have you ever wondered why some gamblers seem to have a knack for beating the odds? The secret may lie in understanding a crucial principle of probability theory—the law of large numbers, sometimes abbreviated as LLN. This law dictates that the actual outcomes increasingly align with expected probabilities as the number of trials increases. The LLN is not just academic; it's a practical tool for improving your gambling strategies. In this article, we'll see how LLN shapes sports betting and gambling decisions. What Is the Law of Large Numbers? The law of large numbers was first conceptualized by the Swiss mathematician Jacob Bernoulli in the 17th century. It demystifies the behavior of outcomes in repeated, independent experiments, illustrating that as the number of trials increases, the average of the results approaches the expected value. Consider the act of flipping a coin, which has two potential outcomes—heads or tails. Theoretically, each outcome has a 50% chance of occurring. If you flip the coin 10 times, the outcome might not be an exact 50-50 split. However, as you increase the number of flips to 1,000, the proportion of heads to tails will draw nearer to the anticipated 50% for each. LLN exists in two forms—strong and weak. The strong law suggests that, given an infinite number of trials, the results' average almost certainly converges to the expected value. In contrast, the weak law implies that for many trials, there's a high probability that the average of the results will be close to the expected value. In gambling, the law of large numbers plays a critical role. It explains why casinos always have an edge in the long run. For example, in a game with a slightly skewed probability in favor of the house, the more the game is played, the closer the average winnings of the casino will be to this expected edge, confirming the adage, "The house always wins." The Law of Large Numbers in Roulette and Slot Machines In the classic game of roulette and slot machines, LLN plays a crucial role in determining the outcomes over an extended period. For instance, there are 37 pockets in European roulette, and the probability of the ball landing on red or black is 48.65%. Over a short series of spins, the results can deviate significantly from this percentage. However, as the number of spins increases, the actual outcomes will align more closely with the theoretical probability. Similarly, in slot machines, each spin is an independent event governed by a random number generator (RNG). Despite common misconceptions, these machines do not get "hot" or "cold." The longer the session, the more likely RTP will approximate the machine's programmed payout rate. How Does the Law of Large Numbers Work in Sports Betting? In sports betting, employing the law of large numbers for analyzing vast data sets, such as past performance records and statistics, can aid in formulating more educated predictions about game or event outcomes. For instance, if a basketball team maintains a 60% win rate over a season, LLN might suggest a similar rate moving forward under comparable conditions. Yet, it's essential to recognize that LLN doesn't assure a definite outcome, as unpredictable events can still influence results. Bettors are advised to integrate LLN as a component of a broader array of analytical tools and betting strategies. The intrigue with LLN in sports betting lies in its application to scenarios where statistical probability isn't the sole influencing factor. Paradoxically, the more challenging it becomes to predict an outcome, the more tempting it is to lean on LLN.  The law of large numbers in sports betting strategy is exemplified in the Martingale system, where the theory posits that the probability of winning increases with each consecutive loss. This concept has given rise to the "progressive draw strategy" in sports betting, particularly popular in national team competitions like the FIFA World Cup. The strategy involves backing draws in consecutive matches and doubling the stake after each loss. It operates on the premise that it's highly improbable for a tournament to conclude without a single draw. However, this approach can be fraught with risk. For instance, in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the first draw occurred only in the 13th match. Had a bettor started with a 10-unit stake and followed this strategy, they would have had to place a staggering 40,960 units by the 13th game, accumulating a loss of 40,950 units before this point. Common LLN Misconceptions in Gambling Gambling myths and misconceptions often cloud players' judgment, leading to irrational betting decisions. Gambler's and hot hand fallacy are two of the most common fallacies rooted in these misconceptions. Both stem from a misinterpretation of the law of large numbers and the independence of each event in games of chance. The Gambler's Fallacy One of the most striking examples of the gambler's fallacy occurred in 1913 at a Monte Carlo casino. On this fateful day, the roulette wheel landed on black 26 times in a row. After the 15th black, players convinced that a red was due started betting heavily on it. As the black outcomes continued, more and more people bet on red, falling prey to the belief that past outcomes influence future events. This belief, however, defies the principle that each spin of the roulette wheel is an independent event. The phenomenon became known as the Monte Carlo fallacy, underscoring that in games of chance, each round is entirely separate from the last. The Hot Hand Fallacy Similar to the gambler's fallacy, the hot hand fallacy is the belief that a streak (like consecutive scores in basketball or repeated appearances of a number in roulette) will continue. This fallacy overlooks the randomness inherent in each independent event, assuming that a short-term pattern will persist. In reality, each game or round offers a fresh start, with previous outcomes holding no sway over future ones. Tips for Using the Law of Large Numbers in Gambling Incorporating the law of large numbers (LLN) into gambling practices requires a blend of statistical understanding and disciplined decision-making. Here are some practical tips: Understand sample size significance: In gambling, this means not expecting short-term play to reflect the statistical probabilities immediately. For example, slot machines with a 95% RTP might not pay out 95% in your first 100 spins, but it's more likely to approach that percentage after 1,000 spins.  Bankroll management: Allocate your funds. LLN suggests that outcomes will average over time, but this requires a bankroll that can withstand the variance in the short term. Avoid pattern overreliance: While LLN helps in understanding long-term probabilities, avoid the fallacy that patterns in past outcomes can predict future events. Each spin, roll, or hand is independent in most casino games. Probability-based decision-making: Make rational decisions and bets based on statistical probabilities rather than hunches or superstitions. For instance, in blackjack, use a basic strategy derived from the probabilities of different outcomes. LLN as Your Ace in the Hole The law of large numbers teaches us that outcomes will average over time, but each event is independent. Embracing this concept helps you make more informed decisions, manage your bankroll effectively, and avoid common fallacies and pattern overreliance. Let the knowledge of LLN be your guide, not your guarantee, as you continue to learn and practice responsible gambling.

If an operator of an online casino or sportsbook wants to do everything legally and “by the book,” then they must get licensed. Licensing allows casinos to operate legally and under regulation from a regulatory body of the jurisdiction they are registered. While regulations place many burdens on operators, in the end, the benefits of being legal and legitimate far outweigh both the costs and the legal limitations imposed. In this comprehensive guide on online casino licenses, we will go over the whys and hows of getting licenses. And also, take a look at some of the most popular gambling license jurisdictions to help you make your decision. What Are Online Casino Licenses? Simply put, an online gambling license is a legal document conferring the right onto a company to operate a gambling business in a given territory. Just as land-based casinos must be regulated, so do their online counterparts. In order for an operator to offer games of chance, such as video slots, table games, or sports betting, legally, they must have a license that covers the territories they want to offer the games. Getting one, however, is usually no easy feat. Not only do they cost money (depending on the jurisdiction, the licensing costs may represent a significant barrier to entry into the market), but they also create an obligation for the company to follow regulations. The exact nature of the regulations depends on the given jurisdiction. Some, like Curacao, are known for being less stringent. While for instance, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission is considered especially tough. What’s important to note is that the early days of unlicensed and “wild west” online gambling are largely over. More and more countries want to bring this form of gambling into the legal mainstream and have begun to crack down on anyone who operates illegally. Therefore, those who do so are not only risking steep fines but even potential jail time. In general, the role of the licensing authority is to make sure that all gambling, including online, is above board and safe for the consumers. Those who want to open an online casino must have a license. The hard part of this decision is actually figuring out where to pursue getting a license. Many different jurisdictions offer them, and all of them have their own pros and cons. But, with this guide in hand, you will be able to figure out most of these questions and know what to expect as you set out on the journey to get your budding online iGaming empire up, and running, and, most importantly — legal. Where And Why Should Casinos Get Licensed? When considering online casino licenses (and operators definitely should), there are a lot of things to take into account. But the most important thing to remember is that players today expect an online casino to be operating under laws and regulations. Most of the sites that review casinos make a note of the jurisdiction. Players are sensitive to this info, as they do not want to deposit their money into a venue that could be deemed unsafe. And as the events in the iGaming industry in 2021 show, more and more countries are moving to regulate all forms of online gambling. This means that to be a viable option for players today, operators must be licensed. And that is just on the perception side of things. The main reason why operators pursue gambling licenses is to protect themselves from legal liabilities and to be able to operate normally as a business. That last part is extremely important. These days, players expect to be able to deposit and withdraw money using many different payment providers and to be able to take a punt on a large catalog of games. And here’s the thing. You won’t be able to offer many payment options and many games if you’re not a licensed online casino. It’s simple. Respectable companies want to work with other respectable companies. Your fly-by-night operation simply won’t attract such game providers as NetEnt or Microgaming, sorry. In order to be able to collaborate with the best providers, whether it’s in payment, games, or the casino platform itself, you will need to be licensed and operating legally. Some who do not do so run pirated software on their sites, but this opens additional legal liability as those companies can sue for copyright and intellectual rights infringement. Since we settled the question of why it’s time to address the where of it all. We will go over the different jurisdictions in-depth a bit later in this guide, but for now, let us say this choice primarily depends on where your company is based and which market you want to go after. While all jurisdictions have their own rules and requirements, there are things they have in common in broad strokes. What is called “fit and proper persons” will have to occupy ownership and senior positions, there are tests for this. The random number generators (RNGs) in the software will have to be regularly tested and validated. Some may even ask you to publish a full RTP (return to player) list for each and every game you offer. Some clientele may be barred from playing with you, and you may need to establish limits on deposits. These are just some of the requirements, and this is by no means an exhaustive list. When considering where to get licensed, it is very important to go through the full legal requirement list. Agencies exist to help companies through this process due to the volume of work involved. How Online Casinos Apply for Gaming Licenses? Each licensing authority will have its own process of application. But there are some things that they have in common and that prospective casino operators can expect as parts of the process no matter where they apply. In general, you can expect to pay various fees (one-time and/or yearly, more on those later in this guide), deal with a considerable load of paperwork, and also wait. For a couple of months at least. Common requirements include things like background checks, business plans, proof of funds, and software and compliance checks. Depending on the jurisdiction, it may be necessary to also incorporate in the jurisdiction and to house servers in the same location too. A lot of the time, the authorities also enforce standards on platform providers so it can increase the chances of a successful application to cooperate with providers who are already licensed and reputable. Speaking frankly, getting licensed is no cakewalk. There are many checks, demands, and requirements. Criminal records will be checked, as well as passports, bank references, information on target markets, and measures to prevent minors from gambling... Anti-money laundering and know-your-customer procedures are other big parts of what is asked from prospective iGaming operators. To keep track of all of this and to avoid wasting time and funds, many companies seeking online gaming licenses employ the services of legal firms and consultancies that specialize in this area of corporate law. Note also that gambling authorities do not operate in a vacuum. They are able and willing to use inquiries with other national and international regulatory bodies to fully check your probity and get the necessary info about your background and history. Therefore, it could be argued that the best way to get through the licensing process is to be as forthcoming and transparent as possible. This goes even for those who do have blemishes in their history, as the investigation will most likely uncover them. As to how to actually begin the process, applications can be made through a licensing agent or independently. Sometimes, it will even be possible to apply online. What all online casinos or sports betting sites need to know is that while most will be operating in many countries, the legislation of the country where it is registered will always take precedence over any international laws. That is yet another thing to keep in mind. A number of gambling jurisdictions exist now, and most casinos tend to choose one of the most popular ones, such as Malta, Curacao, or Gibraltar. The choice of jurisdiction is possibly the most important step in the process, as it will dictate the rest of it. How Do Online Casinos Choose an Online Gambling License? Out of so many different options, how do companies seeking to operate online iGaming sites decide where to incorporate and which license to seek? To answer this question, companies need to think about their needs and business possibilities. This is what will guide the decision. Any type of gambling will require a license, and businesses have to get one before they go live. Before they set out on the difficult and demanding trek of licensing, online casinos take into account the requirements each jurisdiction imposes, the costs associated with the fees, and the taxation policy. Many choose to speed this process up by hiring outside help, such as lawyers. Different jurisdictions also have different reputations. Some are seen as more lenient, while some are seen as very heavy on the rules and limitations. As an example, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission has recently decided they will start regulating how fast a single round in a video slot game can be. In Sweden, the regulatory body decided to ban the offering of bonuses. There are quite a lot of factors to consider when choosing a license, and it’s of the highest importance to get it right. The Overview Of The Most Popular Gambling License Jurisdictions In this section of our guide, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular and most commonly selected online gambling jurisdictions. Each of these has its own pros and cons, opening certain opportunities while closing some others. They also vary in requirements and the costs associated, so those looking to get their online casino up and running need to have a good hard think about what might work best for their specific needs. Malta Gambling Authority Malta has for many years been the iGaming hub of Europe. That’s for a good reason, as their license is considered very reputable and offers access to the lucrative European market. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the body that carries out the licensing process and confers the license to an operator. They are also the ones issuing regulations and checking compliance. MGA offers four classes of licenses. The first type gives the right to organize games of chance where the result is determined by an RNG. This is the license that you want if your online casino offers video slots and table games. The other licenses offer the ability to organize games based on event outcomes (i.e., sports betting), poker, and fantasy sports. In 2018, the body streamlined some of the taxation systems, removed the need for current holders to apply for separate licenses, and waived the monthly compliance contribution for the first 12 months of the casino’s operation. Getting licensed in Malta, however, is a long process. Prospective operators go through at least five stages which include several compliance audits. It takes 3 to 4 weeks for the application to be considered, followed by a temporary license of six months. After that, based on extensive checks, a five-year license is given. The process is definitely involved: a fit and proper check, a business planning check to ensure the viability of the business plan, a financial reserves check, and a system review. But with so many licensed?online casinos and sports betting sites choosing this license, it’s clear that it is worth it. It gives access to the European market and players place a high trust in it. United Kingdom Gambling Commission Then there is the UKGC. This is the regulating body that oversees gambling in the United Kingdom and offers a host of different licenses based on what a company is doing. These include five types of remote betting ones (as an example, accepting sports betting on real events and on virtual events requires the possession of two different licenses) as well as a range of intermediately and industry licenses. This is one of the drawbacks of the United Kingdom Gambling Commission license, as operators who later want to branch out into other aspects of iGaming will need to apply for a separate license for each. In addition, the UKGC has some of the longest approval processes, which can last up to 16 weeks, and in recent years, the regulatory body has begun tightening the leash on what operators in the country are allowed to do. So, why get licensed by the UKGC at all? The UK is one of the largest contributors to the international gambling industry, generating a gross gambling yield of ￡2 billion between October 2011 and September 2012. There’s your answer. Before 2014, the UK had a more relaxed attitude to remote gambling, and operators from so-called “whitelisted territories” (such as Malta and Gibraltar) were able to both accept bets from Britons and to advertise in the country. Since 2014, changes in regulation mean that anyone wanting to access the UK market and advertise in it must be licensed by the UKGC. So, despite UK regulations being onerous with a trend of increasing regulatory pressure, online casinos still get licensed here due to the lucrativeness of the UK iGaming market. Cura?ao Cura?ao is a small island in the Caribbean with a large presence in the online iGaming industry. This is in large part due to the ease and low costs of gaining a license. How it works is that there are master licenses and sub-licenses. New operators apply for a sub-license at one of the four master license holders (they have been fixed since 1996). Master licenses are renewed every five years, and sublicenses are valid for as long as the master licenses are. The main advantage of this system is that online casinos need only one license for the entire iGaming vertical. This is in contrast to jurisdictions like the UK, where separate licenses need to be obtained to offer different kinds of gambling. Where the Cura?ao license really shines is in how cheap it is. While each of the four master license holders has its own rules and fees, it is in the neighborhood of $5,000 annually. There is a one-time application fee (around $2,000) and a couple of other smaller ones. In addition, Curacao has a 0% corporate income tax and a 2% net gains tax. Getting a Cura?ao license is fast and takes as little as six weeks. There are a couple of significant drawbacks, however. Casinos licensed in Curacao cannot accept players from the USA, France, the Netherlands, and Curacao itself. Overall, however, due to its simplicity and quickness, Curacao is an excellent choice for many first-time operators. Of course, such operators can always choose to be licensed somewhere else later. Gibraltar Gibraltar is another of those jurisdictions that is very attractive due to low taxes — just 1% of revenue and capped at ￡425,000. Quite possibly, Gibraltar is the most exclusive jurisdiction there is. Online casino owners need to prove financial solvency, provide a business plan and be ready to perform all transactions solely through banks based in Gibraltar. This jurisdiction also has some of the most stringent regulations and is the golden standard of trustworthiness and reliability. The license fee is paid in one lump sum of ￡100,000. But that’s far from the only thing you’d need to pony up to get a license here. Gibraltar is selective, preferring to give licenses only to already established operators that already hold reliable licenses. As it states on the regulator’s website, the authority only considers “blue chip companies with a proven track record in gambling.” And perhaps the most important thing written on that same website — “Licenses are generally difficult to obtain.” So, there you go. This is an option for established operators who want to pay fewer taxes. If you’re someone looking to get started, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Sweden’s Spelinspektionen For a long time, gambling in the country was a state monopoly. But recent changes have seen the market open up. Spelinspektionen is the regulatory body that decides who gets a license and who does not. Sweden, being a new market, is also quite stringent. The focus of the Swedish regulators is player protection and the reduction of gambling addiction. It is also a very reactive body. In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Sweden took temporary responsible gambling measures such as a SEK 5,000 limit on deposits (around 488 ) and a bonus limit of SEK 100 (less than 10). Spelinspektionen may be seen as a very restrictive jurisdiction, but it also represents an opportunity for iGaming companies as the market gets liberalized. How Much Do Online Casino Licenses Cost? This is a tricky question as different jurisdictions charge differently for applications and may have other additional fees. Another important thing to consider is the tax rate. Prices can be quite cheap, such as in the case of Curacao. Or alternatively, expensive, such as in Gibraltar. Of course, Gibraltar offsets this high upfront license cost with a very favorable corporate gains tax rate. In Malta, which remains the most popular way to get into the European iGaming market, the application fee is €5,000, and the annual license fee is fixed at €25,000. New tax rules since 2018 will see online casinos with the B2C Type 1 license (that’s the one that lets you offer video slots) pay annual taxes on a progressive scale: of 1.25% if the profits do not exceed €3 million and 1% for profits up to €4.5 million and so on. If a casino makes up to €10 million, it will only pay 0.55% in taxes. So for those companies that are very successful, Malta is clearly an excellent choice. In general, depending on the jurisdiction, the fees will be different. So anyone looking to get one of these licenses will have to weigh the costs. In Sweden, for instance, casinos can expect to end up with licensing costs of between €229,950 and €257,450 based on the number of founders (this total includes things such as local servers and management fees). FAQ on Online Casino Licenses What is an Offshore Casino License? An offshore gaming license simply means that the provider works remotely from their home country, but their operation takes place without locally imposed restrictions. A very large number of online casinos today have these types of gaming licenses that enable them to work from one country while serving gamblers in many different territories where their license is accepted. Why Should I Get a Gambling License For My Casino? As online iGaming has become more and more widespread, governments have started regulating it. At the same time, players want to play at casinos that are fair and legitimate. Therefore, getting a license is essential to being able to be a proper player in the iGaming market. Not to mention that payment processors, banks, and software suppliers will only work with regulated casinos. This essentially means that operating properly as an online iGaming venue is not possible without a license from a competent gaming authority. How Do I Obtain a Gambling License? The first step in obtaining an online casino license is figuring out which markets your casino wants to serve. After that, you will look into what jurisdictions can give you a license that will enable you to do business. There will probably be more than one, so things like license fees, tax rates, and more will factor into your decision. Given the complexity of this task, many prospective casino owners seek out help from legal firms to complete this process.