It’s impossible not to notice the rapid evolution of online gambling: casinos with thousands of titles and juicy bonuses await users on every corner. The sector continues expanding in 2024, with multiple new companies entering the market. Running iGaming businesses in the UK requires compliance with numerous standards, and even though the country boasts one of the best-developed industries, there are still plenty of opportunities beyond British borders. What are the best opportunities potential market entrants can enjoy, and which jurisdictions should they consider?
Top Destinations to Launch an iGaming Business
Gambling legislation is developing globally, and every country where this risky entertainment is not restricted implies a set of requirements for companies. However, British operators now face multiple restrictions and limitations, so leading the business in the country is often challenging. Instead, casinos located outside the UK like on CasinoGap have incredible opportunities and flexible regulations, allowing them to cover more markets and increase user engagement in different regions.
Malta: Top European iGaming Centre
Online gambling is widespread in Europe, and most countries have flexible regulations allowing the operation of offshore gaming sites. Malta Gaming Authority is a common choice here, as the regulator is known as reputable and transparent. Acquiring its licence is considerably easy for iGaming companies. Malta offers flexible certification conditions with a €5,000 starting fee.
The regulatory environment is suitable for most businesses: the country has strict transparency, fairness, and consumer protection standards. On the other hand, it doesn’t imply additional limitations like the UK Gambling Commissions, providing operators and players with more freedom. Taxes are higher than those in Curaçao, as MGA licensees must pay 5% of their profits. On the other hand, the availability of certification from the most reputable regulator in Europe significantly boosts the online casino’s reputation and enhances user trust.
Curaçao: Haven for Innovative iGaming Companies
A small island in the Caribbean has become an important gambling hub in the last few years. Curaçao Gaming Authority is one of the most popular regulatory bodies globally, issuing licences and supervising the fair operations of online casinos and betting sites. Compliance with global gambling standards, including adherence to safer gaming practices and fairness towards customers, is required to apply for Curaçao eGaming certification.
The country’s licence is accepted globally and is relatively cheap: businesses pay around $22,000, which is among the lowest prices across all jurisdictions. Moreover, many opt for Curaçao due to its taxation conditions. Operators must only pay 2% of their revenue, and this is a fantastic opportunity to save funds and grow profits in the long run. However, Curaçao licensees may face particular challenges. Even though this authority is accepted globally, its certification standards are considered weak compared to the UKGC, so casinos may have worse reputations than their competitors.
Alderney: A Gambling Hub Between the UK and France
This little island is officially under the control of the British Crown but has independent legislation, allowing it to control the gambling sector. Alderney Gambling Control Commission is a lucrative choice for iGaming companies since operators pay zero taxes when leading the business in the jurisdiction. Every company desiring to acquire this certification must pay £17,500 as an entrance fee and the annual renewal charge that depends on the online casino’s profits.
Platforms licensed by this regulatory authority are accepted globally and trusted among customers, so gambling businesses should consider this option. However, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission is less prestigious than other supervising bodies like MGA or UKGC.
Kahnawake, the Canadian Gambling Paradise
Located in Quebec, Kahnawake is a town known to be one of the first to accept the online gambling industry and implement appropriate regulations. The company applying for certification should lead the business transparently and provide secure and reliable conditions for its customers. Every potential licensee is thoroughly tested and must pay a $25,000 fee. The business is supervised during the entire period of working under the control of the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and the authority takes into account all the aspects, including the number of player complaints, when deciding whether to renew the licence for the following year.
Another benefit operators get is the lack of fees: they don’t have to pay a part of their profits to the regulatory body and the government, which is why it’s among the common choices in the gambling sector. Despite numerous advantages, Kahnawake has a unique legal status, so casinos licensed by this authority are accepted in a limited number of countries. Moreover, users reported complicated dispute resolution, especially if they gamble outside Canada.
Final Thoughts
Acquiring a licence that confirms the legality and reliability of the iGaming business is essential to every online casino. Platforms without certifications from responsible authorities are usually not in demand among customers and are prohibited in most jurisdictions. Luckily, the UK is not the only gambling hub globally since businesses can take advantage of even better conditions in Malta, Curaçao, Kahnawake, and Alderney. New gaming companies should thoroughly compare the available options and pick the best jurisdiction to ensure their businesses’ transparency and compliance with global standards.
