Countries That Offer a Gaming License
Several countries all over the world have properly legalized and regulated the online gaming industry, a fact that qualifies them to issue gambling licenses. Commonly referred to as gambling jurisdictions, these countries issue licenses to gambling companies so that the can operate gambling businesses worldwide from their jurisdictions. In exchange for this service, the gambling jurisdictions not only charge a fee, but also require gambling companies to pay taxes.
Gambling jurisdictions widely differ. Some of them are very strict, constantly monitor licensees, and demand that gambling companies maintain high industry standards with regard to customer care, fair play, responsible gambling, security, and other issues. If players visit an online sportsbook, casino, bingo site, or poker site and check the bottom of the homepage, they will find the logo of the gambling jurisdiction that licensed its parent company.
A list of the most well-known gambling jurisdictions are Gibraltar, Costa Rica, Antigua and Barbuda, Malta, Curacao, Isle of Man, Israel, UK, and Kahnawake in Canada.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda, two islands in East Caribbean, were among the first countries to start issued gaming licenses in 1994. The Division of Gaming of the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) in these islands handles all the procedures related to the licensing of gambling companies. The regulatory body issues interactive wagering licenses for online bookmakers and interactive gaming licenses for online poker sites and online casinos. Antigua and Barbuda have issued licenses to the largest number of online gambling sites in the world.
Kahnawake
Kahnawake, located in Quebec in Canada, is a territory belonging to the Native Indians. The regulatory body that issues gaming licenses to online gambling companies is the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC). Launched in 1996, the KGC regulates and controls gambling activities operating from Kahnawake. KGC licensees have to adhere to the strictest standards of fair play and responsible gaming. KCG charges an initial fee of CAD15,000 and an annual fee of CAD10,000.
Curacao
Curacao in Netherlands Antilles licenses online poker sites, online bookmakers, and online casinos. Online gambling companies can either get a sub-license from a licensee or apply to the Department of Justice, which requires gambling companies to renew licenses their licenses once every two years.
Gibraltar
All online gambling companies licensed in Gilbratar come under the ambit of the Gambling Ordinance of 2005. The Government of Gibraltar issues licenses for all remote gaming services, including online betting and telephone betting.
The Government of Gibraltar is very careful about issuing licenses and licenses only those companies that are reputable and have ample experience in the online gambling industry. Online gaming sites that have received a license from Gibraltar are, therefore, considered as among the best.
Malta
Malta issues four different types of licenses—Class 1 license for online gaming, Class 2 license for online wagering, class 3 license for operating gaming businesses from Malta, and Class 4 license for managing and hosting gambling businesses. Online gambling companies with a license from Malta must renew their licenses once every five years.
