How Much Does a Gambling License Cost? Complete Price Guide 2024
The cost of a gambling license varies significantly depending on the jurisdiction and type of gambling activities you plan to operate. I'll break down the key factors and typical costs you need to consider.
For a basic online gambling license, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15,000 to $500,000+ for the initial licensing fee. Here's a detailed breakdown by popular jurisdictions:
Popular Gambling License Jurisdictions and Costs:
Curacao: $15,000 - $20,000 initial fee, plus $4,000 annual maintenance Malta: €25,000 initial fee, plus €10,000 annual fee UK: £2,640 - £57,304 depending on annual revenue Isle of Man: £35,000 initial fee, plus £35,000 annual fee Kahnawake: CAD $40,000 initial fee, plus CAD $15,000 annual fee
Additional costs you need to consider:
Application fees: $1,000 - $5,000 License renewal fees: Usually 50-100% of initial license cost Compliance and audit fees: $5,000 - $15,000 annually Corporate structure setup: $10,000 - $20,000 Server hosting requirements: $5,000 - $10,000 annually
The most affordable option is typically a Curacao license, making it popular for startups. However, more prestigious jurisdictions like the UK and Malta offer better reputation and access to regulated markets but come with higher costs.
Factors Affecting License Costs:
Type of gambling activities (sports betting, casino, poker) Geographic regions you plan to operate in Expected annual revenue Number of games or betting options offered Company structure and ownership
Remember that these costs are just for licensing. You'll also need:
Gaming software: $10,000 - $100,000+ Payment processing setup: $5,000 - $15,000 Legal compliance systems: $10,000 - $25,000 Marketing and customer support infrastructure
I recommend budgeting at least $50,000 for a basic setup with a Curacao license, or $250,000+ for a more prestigious jurisdiction like Malta or the UK. These costs can increase significantly based on your specific business needs and chosen jurisdiction.
The licensing process typically takes 2-6 months, depending on the jurisdiction and completeness of your application. Many jurisdictions also require proof of sufficient capital reserves, which can range from $100,000 to $1 million or more.
For the most accurate pricing, contact the gambling authority in your chosen jurisdiction directly, as fees can change annually and may vary based on your specific business model.