Gambling Certificate: Licenses and Certification Explained
Types of Gambling Certificates
In iGaming, a gambling certificate is the official proof that a regulator has licensed a company to offer or supply gambling or that an accredited lab has certified its games and systems. The same phrase also names counselor training credentials in problem gambling treatment, a separate field this article does not cover.
Without one, an operator cannot legally take players, and payment processors and app stores will refuse the business.
| Certificate | Who needs it | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| B2C operating license | Casino and sportsbook operators | Offering real-money gaming to players |
| B2B supplier license | Platform, game and payment providers | Supplying critical gambling services to licensed operators |
| Key person license | Directors, compliance officers, key staff | Personal approval of people who control the business |
| Game and RNG certification | Every game and platform | Lab testing of fairness, payout, and security before launch |
Scope differs by regulator. A Curaçao B2C license covers casinos, sportsbooks, and poker together, while Malta approves each game type separately.
Online Gambling Certification Costs and Timelines
| Jurisdiction | Cost | License duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curaçao | €4,592 application; €47,450 annual B2C fees | Indefinite, subject to compliance, suspension or revocation | No universal CGA processing time confirmed |
| Malta | €5,000 application; €25,000 annual B2C fee plus revenue-based compliance contribution | Depends on the applicable MGA authorization | Varies with due diligence and technical review |
| Brazil | R$30 million authorization fee, covering up to three brands | Verify separately before stating 5 years | Up to 150 days under the general review regime |
| United Kingdom | Fees banded by GGY, with new bands from October 1, 2026 | Ongoing subject to licence conditions and annual fees | Varies by license type and application complexity |
Regulators can also take a license away. Curaçao’s regulator described its powers in a public statement.
“The GCB has the authority to grant, amend, suspend temporarily, revoke, or deny licences”
— Curaçao Gaming Control Board, statement reported by iGaming Business
A license is the operator’s own obligation, and each regulator sets different terms. BSW does not handle licensing. It supplies the custom platform and certified game content that an application references.
FAQ
How do I get a gambling license?
Pick a jurisdiction, set up a qualifying company, and submit an application with ownership, financial and technical documents. The regulator then investigates owners and tests the platform before approval.
What do you need a gambling license for?
Any real-money casino, betting, lottery or bingo product offered to the public needs one. Many regulators also license suppliers and key employees.
What license do you need to run a casino?
An online casino needs a B2C gaming license covering casino games. A land-based venue also needs a premises license from the state or local authority.
Where is the easiest place to get a gambling license?
Curaçao is the most common fast-entry option, but it only covers markets without their own regulation. Brazil and U.S. states require a local license.
What are the requirements for a gambling license?
Expect a locally incorporated company, background checks on owners, proof of funds, anti-money-laundering and player-protection procedures, and lab-certified games.
How much does a gambling license cost?
Government fees start around €52,000 in the first year in Curaçao and reach R$30 million in Brazil, before legal and audit costs.
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