What is a Gambling License?
Synonyms:
| Chinese Terminology | English Terminolog | Applicable Scenarios and Descriptions |
|---|---|---|
| 博彩牌照 | Gambling License | The most formal and standardized term, commonly used in legal documents or compliance clauses. |
| 博弈执照 | Gaming License | Refers broadly to all types of gaming (not limited to gambling), including card games and esports betting; commonly seen in Chinese-language media or Taiwan-based content. |
| 赌博许可证 | Gambling Permit | More legal or administrative in tone; frequently appears in government documents, license announcements, or regulatory texts. |
| 线上赌博牌照 | Online Gambling License | Specifically refers to licenses for online gambling platforms, used to distinguish from physical casino licenses. |
| 网络博弈许可证 | Remote Gaming License | A common term used by European regulators (e.g., MGA, UKGC), indicating remote online operation authorization. |
| 赌场执照 | Casino License | Usually refers to licenses for land-based casinos or live gaming venues; in some cases, also used for online live casino operations. |
| 博彩运营许可证 | Gambling Operating License | Often used in legal frameworks, B2C platform compliance statements, or white-label partnership agreements. |
| 合法赌博授权 | Authorized Gambling License | More casual in tone; typically found on brand homepages, trust certification pages, or promotional materials. |
| 赌牌 | Gambling License / Casino License | "Gaming license" (or "betting license") is an industry slang abbreviation used by insiders; more concise and informal. |
| iGaming牌照 | iGaming License | Commonly used in Europe and North America, “iGaming industry” is a specialized term for the online gambling sector, covering sports betting, slots, live casino, virtual sports, and other digital gambling content. It typically emphasizes regulatory compliance for digital platforms. |
A gambling license is a legal operating permit issued by government regulatory authorities in various countries or regions, authorizing companies to engage in gambling-related businesses, including sports betting, live casino, lottery, slot machines, poker, and more. For platforms, holding a valid license is the foundation for compliant operations; for players, a license is a key indicator of whether a platform is safe, trustworthy, and fair.
Types of Gambling Licenses: Online vs. Land-Based
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Online Gambling License | Applies to internet-based platforms such as websites or mobile apps. Covers sports betting, electronic gaming, live casino, etc. |
| Land-Based Gambling License | Applies to physical venues such as casinos, betting shops, racetracks, etc. Must comply with local laws, taxation, staffing, and operational regulations. |
⚠ Note: Most online gambling platforms are required to obtain a license specifically for online services; having a land-based license alone does not authorize online operations.
Common Types of Online Gambling Licenses
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| B2C Operating License | Authorizes platforms to offer gambling services directly to end users. |
| B2B Supplier License | For third-party service providers such as game developers, payment systems, and data companies. |
| Remote Gambling License | Covers online interactive games such as live casino services. |
| Sports Betting License | Authorizes online sports wagering. |
| Cryptocurrency Gambling License | Allows betting with virtual currencies in specific jurisdictions (e.g., Isle of Man). |
Major Online Gambling Licensing Authorities Worldwide (By Region)
The following are commonly recognized online gambling regulators around the world. Most of these licenses allow operators to serve global markets or designated regional jurisdictions.
Europe
| Country/Region | Regulatory Authority | Features and Description |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) | Known for strict regulation and high transparency; ensures operators comply with high standards of consumer protection and anti-money laundering laws. |
| Malta | Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) | Renowned for its liberal approach and international recognition; a preferred regulator for many global online gambling operators. |
| Sweden | Swedish Gambling Authority | Emphasizes strong consumer protection and responsible gambling practices to ensure a fair and transparent market. |
| Germany | Regional Regulatory Authorities | Germany's gambling market is regulated by individual federal states; the legal framework is complex and strict, recently unified in part through the Interstate Treaty on Gambling. |
| Spain | Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) | Oversees and licenses online gambling operations within Spain, ensuring compliance with national laws. |
| Italy | Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) | Regulates gambling in Italy, issues licenses, and supervises operators to ensure compliance. |
| Netherlands | Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, KSA) | Regulates the Dutch gambling market, ensuring operators comply with national legislation and protect consumer rights. |
| Belgium | Belgian Gaming Commission | Operates a closed licensing system with strict market controls and a limited number of licenses to ensure operator quality and reputation. |
| Austria | Federal Ministry of Finance | Regulates Austria’s gambling activities, primarily through state monopoly; online gambling is limited. |
| Ireland | Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland | A newly established body aimed at consolidating regulation of all gambling activities in Ireland, both online and offline. |
Asia
| Country/Region | Regulatory Authority | Features and Description |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines | Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) | Regulates and licenses gambling activities in the Philippines, including both online and land-based operations. |
| Macau | Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) | Regulates the gaming industry in Macau, mainly focused on land-based casinos; online gambling is heavily restricted. |
| Singapore | Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) | Oversees casino operations in Singapore; online gambling is limited and permitted only through a few regulated platforms. |
| India | Regulated by individual state governments | Gambling laws vary by state; some states permit online gambling, but there is no unified national regulatory authority. |
| Taiwan | Ministry of Finance | Only public lotteries and sports betting are allowed; online gambling is illegal and lacks a dedicated regulatory body. |
| Japan | Consumer Affairs Agency | Primarily regulates certain forms of gambling such as lotteries and horse racing; online gambling is highly restricted. |
| Korea | Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism | Regulates gambling activities in South Korea; online gambling is generally prohibited. |
| Hongkong | Hong Kong Jockey Club | Holds a monopoly on horse racing and football betting; online gambling is only allowed via its official platform. |
Americas
| Country/Region | Regulatory Authority | Features and Description |
|---|---|---|
| United States | State Gaming Commissions (e.g., New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement) | There is no federal-level gambling regulator in the U.S.; each state independently determines and regulates its own online gambling activities. |
| Canada | Provincial Gaming Commissions (e.g., Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) | Similar to the U.S., gambling regulation is handled at the provincial level, with online gambling laws varying by province. |
| Mexico | Secretariat of the Interior (SEGOB) | Oversees gambling activities in Mexico; online gambling operates in a legal gray area with limited regulatory clarity. |
| Brazil | National Secretariat of Gaming | Brazil is in the process of legalizing gambling and is expected to establish a dedicated regulatory body to oversee both online and land-based gambling. |
Africa
| Country/Region | Regulatory Authority | Features and Description |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | National Gambling Board (NGB) | Regulates both online and land-based gambling in South Africa, with relatively well-developed legislation. |
| Kenya | Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) | Oversees Kenya’s gambling industry; online gambling is very popular locally, with the board responsible for licensing and monitoring operators. |
| Nigeria | National Lottery Regulatory Commission | Regulates gambling and lottery activities in Nigeria; the online gambling market is rapidly growing. |
Oceania
| Country/Region | Regulatory Authority | Features and Description |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) | Regulates online gambling activities in Australia; allows sports betting and horse racing, but prohibits online casino games. |
| New Zealand | Department of Internal Affairs | Online gambling is only available through government-authorized platforms; private operators are prohibited. |
Gambling licenses are not limited to just a few regions—over 50 jurisdictions worldwide have established legal frameworks for issuing online or land-based gambling licenses. However, laws, tax structures, types of licensed services, and market openness vary significantly by location. Details by region:
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Europe: Well-established legal systems with mature licensing frameworks (e.g., Malta MGA, UK UKGC);
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Asia: Most countries do not permit online gambling, with a few exceptions such as the Philippines and certain states in India;
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Americas: In the U.S., online gambling is regulated at the state level, with varying laws; in Canada, provinces are driving legalization efforts;
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Africa: Mobile gambling is growing rapidly, while regulatory systems are still being developed and improved;
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Oceania: Specific types of gambling are permitted, typically operated through government-authorized platforms.
Gambling License ≠ Global Passport html
Even if a platform holds a valid international gambling license, it does not mean it can legally operate in all countries or regions. This is due to the following reasons:
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Gambling laws vary by country, and some explicitly ban online gambling;
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Most platforms include “prohibited jurisdictions” in their user agreements or registration terms;
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If a platform offers services without authorization in certain countries or regions, it may face website blocking or legal liability.
Gambling Licenses and White Label iGaming Partnerships
Many small to mid-sized platforms choose to partner with already licensed major providers through a “White Label” model to quickly launch gambling services—such as with FS Gaming.
Key features of white label partnerships:
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✅ No need to apply for a gambling license independently, saving significant time and costs;
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✅ Compliance, payment systems, and security infrastructure are provided by the parent platform;
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✅ Sub-brands focus on front-end marketing, user acquisition, and brand building.
This model is especially suitable for startups with limited capital or those looking to enter the market quickly, and has become a widely adopted strategy in the global gambling industry.