Gaming licensing

Why a gaming licence matters for payments

For online casinos, sportsbooks, lotteries and skill games, the licence is not only a legal requirement — it is what acquirers, PSPs and banks ask for first. Without a recognised licence most iGaming payment providers will not onboard you. This subsection lists law firms and licensing consultants that obtain and maintain gaming licences.

Commonly used jurisdictions

• Curaçao: reformed licensing regime under a new regulator; a frequent entry point for international operators.
• Anjouan: often marketed as a low-cost option; check how your target PSPs and markets treat it.
• Malta (MGA): a tier-one European licence with higher substance and capital requirements.
• Isle of Man, Gibraltar: established regimes with strong reputations and higher costs.
• Kahnawake: long-standing licensing body in Canada.
• National licences: many countries — such as the UK, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, the Philippines — require a local licence to target their players.

Costs, timelines and requirements change; treat any "cheapest gaming licence" claim as a starting point for comparison, not a decision.

What to compare

• Total cost: application fee, annual fees, gaming tax, local staff and office.
• Time to licence and whether you can operate during review.
• Markets you can legally target and blocked countries.
• Acceptance by payment providers and acquiring banks.
• Technical requirements: certified RNG, game providers, responsible-gambling tools.

Beyond the licence

Operators also need company formation, a business account, AML policies (compliance outsourcing) and a cashier connected to suitable PSPs. Related merchant hubs: betting, lottery, gaming.

By country

Browse consultants by jurisdiction: Curaçao, Malta, Isle of Man, Mexico, Philippines. Not legal advice — post a request to receive proposals.