So, what country to choose for getting a licence for gambling? It is a really important decision for your business because available markets depend on chosen jurisdiction. 

We have made a list of 5 most popular countries with loyal licensing programs. You can compare their conditions of getting a licence and running a business.

1. Malta 

Malta is one of the most popular and well-established jurisdictions for gaming businesses. It’s part of the European Union, so it offers strong regulatory oversight, a quite favourable system of taxes and, most useful, you can work for the European market.

Pros:

• B2C and B2B licence for online gambling.
• Known for players’ protection, fare rules  and strict regulation.
• Possibility to reduce some taxes to just 5%.
• Offers working for the European market.

Cons:

• Casinos and sportsbooks are strongly regulated.
• High cost of operations.

Conclusion: if you’re a well-established business which wants to develop and scale for the European market, Malta is the best choice for your casino.

2. Gibraltar

Gibraltar is another country which allows you to operate for the European market. Unlike Malte, taxes in Gibraltar are really low. But it also has a well-regulated environment.

Pros:

• Low taxes in comparison to other European jurisdictions: only 10% instead of 30-35%.
• Good reputation in Europe.
• The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority offers to players a high level of protection, so, regulations are still quite strict.

Cons:

• It is still possible to reach the European market, but after Brexit it is tougher.
• The License application process takes a lot of time.

Conclusion: if you’re looking for a country for casein with low taxes and possibility to work with European customers, Gibraltar is the best option.

3. Curacao

Another popular country for opening an online casino is Curacao. It is often picked by startups because of low costs and easy licensing process. 

Pros:

• Ine licence covers all gambling activities.
• Low entry barrier.
• Curacao provides a lighter regulation policy than Malta and Gibraltar do.
• Low taxes: 2% on your profit.

Cons:

• No access to major markets such as Europe.

Conclusion: if you’re looking for a country letting you to get a licence with a small budget, Curacao will be a great choice. Also, it suits startups because of low taxes.

4. Alderney

Another highly respected country for online casinos is Alderney. It is a part of the Channel Islands and has similar rules as Gibraltar but with a bit lower taxes.

Pros: 

• It is possible to get a licence for B2B and B2C businesses for all forms of online gambling.
• Highly respected for players’ protection.
• Has access to the EU market.
• Medium tax rates, but it depends on revenue.

Cons:

• Expensive and time-consuming licensing process.

Conclusion: so, Alderney combines the pros of Gibraltar and Curacao. It is the best for operators who are searching for low taxes and access to the EU market.

5.  Anjouan 

It is a new jurisdiction for getting your licence so entry barriers are quite low. It is gaining popularity for its straightforward process of licensing and favourable taxes policy. 

Pros:

• One of the easiest processes of getting a licence: it is really quck and cheap. Licence covers a lot of gambling activities such as casinos, sportsbooks, poker and lotteries.
• Minimal regulatory restrictions.
• High potential of growing and getting a reputation.
• Extremely low taxes

Cons: 

• Limited recognition in EU and UK markets because Anjouan does’t have a highly respected reputation yet.
• Some players could be deterred by lighter regulation

Conclusion: this is the best country for startups willing to create a got-to casino for low prices. Also, it is good for operators looking for high profit because of low taxes.

Each country has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, it is always possible to find the best country for your gambling business. 

If you already know in which country to open your business, it’s time to work on a platform. Book a demo on our website.