Achieve a global eGaming footprint with Affinity: a guide to multi-jurisdictional eGaming licensing
As a regulated multi-jurisdictional corporate service provider, we have been assisting egaming operators with licensing and corporate structuring in the Isle of Man and Malta since 2013, earning Affinity the reputation as an industry leader in the gaming sector.
To complement our corporate services, Affinity Nav brings you expert in-house compliance solutions, dedicated assistance with the licensing process and a vast network of relationships with banks and other ancillary services.
Affinity Nav launched in 2023 as an independent brand under Affinity Group, offering expert compliance solutions for clients navigating the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.
In addition to our core offerings in licensing and compliance, our team stay on the pulse with the regulatory developments shaping the industry to navigate our clients in the ever-evolving egaming landscape. Our expertise spans across the globe and we can now facilitate egaming licenses across a variety of jurisdictions, including Anjouan, Tobique, East Timor and many more.
When setting up an egaming business, choosing the right jurisdiction is critical. The regulatory environment, tax incentives, infrastructure, access to talent, and target market demographics are all important factors to consider.
Take a look at the jurisdictions we can assist with below and learn about why they are the most popular in the current egaming market.
eGaming in the Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is a Tier-1 jurisdiction with a gold standard licensing regime, regulated by the renowned Gambling Supervision Commission. As a global gaming hub, its home to industry giants, and its robust regulation offers 100% player protection. The Island is recognised for its superior banking infrastructure, financial services and host of ancillary services. With 0% corporate tax rate, 0% capital gains tax and gaming duty between 0.1 and 1.5%, the jurisdiction offers operators some compelling benefits. There is a straightforward licence application process and quick licence turnaround, as soon as three months from submission.
eGaming in Malta
Malta is a prestigious gaming hub in Europe regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority and was the first jurisdiction to regulate egaming in the EU in 2004. Its robust regulatory environment has attracted a host of operators and has formed its diverse network ancillary services. Licence fees for an initial application are €5,000, and annual fees start at €25,000 depending on profits. An effective tax rate of 5% is levied on profits. Malta is deemed the second lowest tax burden across the EU, a prime low-VAT solution for consideration.
eGaming in Curaçao
Curaçao, an island in the Caribbean under the jurisdiction of the Dutch crown, allows businesses to apply for one gaming licence that covers all games of chance. The country established some of the world’s first online gaming regulations in 1996, and its eGaming sector is regulated by Curaçao eGaming. As of 2024, Curacao’s new licensing regime may impact time to licence. Licence fees have gone up to 120,000 ANG (€61,700) via the Curacao Gaming Commission Board (GCB) but levies 0% tax on gross gaming revenue.
eGaming in Anjouan
Located in the Indian ocean is a small island named Anjouan which have been issuing gaming licences since 2005. In recent years the jurisdiction has gained popularity, attracting many operators due to its low costs and fast application process. Licence costs are around €17,000 and the licence can be obtained within a matter of weeks. In addition to this, the jurisdiction boasts 0% gaming tax and 0% income tax.
eGaming in Tobique
Tobique, a region known for its strategic positioning and robust regulatory framework, offers a competitive fiscal environment with 0% corporate tax and income tax. The jurisdiction has a supportive environment for technological infrastructure, and low egaming licensing fees competitively priced at $18,000.
eGaming in East Timor
An emerging gaming jurisdiction on the landscape is East Timor, a sovereign nation located in Southeast Asia. With the establishment of the Virtual Gaming Association (VGA) in 2023, the regulation is set to be modelled on Malta and Isle of Man rules, with plans to issue both B2C and B2B licences. The industry is eagerly awaiting to hear the details of the regulatory framework which is aiming to be fully implemented at the start of 2025.
eGaming in Kahnawake
Situated on the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada, Kahnawake has a growing reputation with its gaming licence a solid choice for both startups and established operators. Licensing in Kahnawake is typically around $25,000, with an annual fee of $20,000 plus permit and maintenance fees. While the Kahnawake gaming licence enjoys a favourable tax environment and provides broad market access, operators must still be wary and adhere to the local laws of target markets.
eGaming in Vanuatu
Another jurisdiction seeking to entice gaming operators is Vanuatu. Known as the world’s first jurisdiction to offer online gaming licences, the Island has unveiled a new licensing regime to compete in the thriving global market. With a competitive annual licence fee of €10,000, the newly established Vanuatu Gaming Authority (VGA) who regulates the sector, is planning on processing the entire application online. They have also announced a fast licence turnaround time of several weeks.
eGaming in Ontario
The largest province in Canada, Ontario, introduced egaming regulation in 2022 as the first province in Canada to regulate the sector. The iGaming Ontario (iGO) subsidiary, alongside the Government of Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, manages the sector and facilitates the egaming licences. There are several types of licences available, covering the casino, sports and lottery market segments. Ontario offers operators access to a regulated market with high standards and a safe gaming environment, providing enhanced credibility. There are also financial incentives in place, with various tax credits on offer for Operators. The regulator has implemented a tiered licence fee structure to capture a wider market share, with fees depending on the number of sites.
eGaming in Brazil
In 2023 Brazil introduced regulation on fixed-odds betting amid the growing popularity of games of chance in the jurisdiction and growing need to create a safer gaming environment. Regulated by the National Gaming and Betting Secretariat and Brazil Ministry of Finance, igaming operators currently in Brazil and operators looking to target the jurisdiction to facilitate sports betting or online casino activities must apply for the licence to operate in the sector. The licence fee costs BR$30 million (US$6.1 million) and is valid for 5 years. As a hugely popular egaming jurisdiction for many years, Brazil holds a competitive sports landscape and the jurisdictions step in creating a regulated environment has not slowed down the demand.
eGaming in Alderney
Alderney, an island jurisdiction located in the English Channel and a British Crown dependency, established its online gaming regulations in 2000. Regulated by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, who provides licences and audits with the sector, the jurisdiction is recognised for its advanced tech-infrastructure, preferential taxation of 0% and low licence fees of £17,500.
eGaming in Gibraltar
Gibraltar has been a recognised egaming jurisdiction for many years, having regulated the sector back in 2005. In addition to its reputation, the Island offers many compelling fiscal benefits, with an exemption from VAT and capital gains tax. Online casinos also face a nominal 0.15% tax on gross profits and taxes on fixed odds betting are capped annually.
eGaming in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda are two islands located in the West Indies with the longest-established regulatory environment for online gaming firms. The jurisdiction offers financial benefits, such as tax exemption for local companies. The regulator, the Antigua Gaming Authority, issues licences for sports betting sites at $75,000, while online casinos have to pay $100,000.
eGaming in Costa Rica
Costa Rica, a Central American nation, does not have any regulations to manage how online gaming firms operate but allows offshore businesses that run gambling, casino, or betting operations from the country. Licence fees are not applicable, and earnings from abroad are not taxed.
Speak with our team about your eGaming strategy
If there is a specific jurisdiction that you are interested in discussing, our team would be delighted to speak with you and can share further information. Over the years we have assisted a range of eGaming clients from growing start ups to global brands with their licensing across the globe.
Contact Us
Whether you know your road-map inside out or still have questions that need to be answered, we can provide you with the right support and guidance to get you where you want to be. Contact our Chief Commercial Officer, Gary Harrison, (gary@affinityco.com) for a one-to-one chat on how you can meet your business goals.