What Is an iGaming License?
Synonyms:
| Chinese Terminology | English Terminology | Usage Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| iGaming（原詞） | iGaming | Industry-standard term referring to all forms of interactive online gambling activities. |
| 線上博弈 | Online Gaming | Most common Chinese translation, especially used in media and regulations in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. |
| 線上博彩 | Online Gambling | Emphasizes the “gambling” aspect; commonly used in legal texts and risk assessments. |
| 網絡博弈 / 網絡博彩 | Internet Gaming / Gambling | Similar to Online Gaming; often seen in early literature. |
| 電子博彩 / 電子博弈 | e-Gambling / e-Gaming | Highlights the digital platform/technology aspect; emphasizes non-physical format. |
| 遠端博弈 | Remote Gaming | Frequently used in European regulations (e.g., MGA), referring to gambling activities conducted via the internet. |
| 線上賭場系統 | Online Casino System | Focuses on modular platforms such as Live Casino or table game systems. |
| 數位博彩娛樂 / 數位博弈 | Digital Gambling / Gaming | More entertainment-oriented term, common in branding and non-technical documents. |
| 虛擬博弈 | Virtual Gaming | Often associated with virtual sports, simulated lottery, and related content. |
| 線上娛樂平台 | Online Entertainment Platform | Common expression in marketing and branding to “soften” the gambling implication. |
| 博彩科技產業 | iGaming Industry / Gambling Tech | Used in industry reports and investor presentations to describe the full industry chain. |
iGaming License refers to a permit that authorizes a company to legally operate online gambling services. The "i" stands for "Internet," meaning "internet-based gambling." iGaming is the internationally recognized term for the online gambling industry. iGaming licenses are commonly used in Europe and North America and are an exclusive term within the iGaming industry, covering online sports betting, slots, live dealer games, virtual sports, and other digital gambling content.
Features and Description：
Specifically designed for online platforms
Unlike land-based casino licenses, iGaming licenses focus on remote system compliance, platform security, and user fund regulation.Primarily found in European and international markets
Countries and regions such as Malta (MGA), Gibraltar, and Alderney are among the world's leading jurisdictions for issuing iGaming licenses.Applicable to both B2C and B2B models
Licenses are granted to both user-facing online operators (B2C) and service providers such as game developers, payment processors, and data system suppliers (B2B).
Major Countries and Regulatory Authorities for iGaming Licenses (As of 2025)
| Country / Region | Region | Regulatory Agency | Description / Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Europe | UK Gambling Commission（UKGC） | Comprehensive regulation emphasizing AML and player protection. Covers sports betting, live casino, slots, and more. |
| Malta | Europe | Malta Gaming Authority（MGA） | One of the most trusted iGaming licenses worldwide. Supports both B2B and B2C models; strictly regulated and covers various online gambling types. |
| Gibraltar | Europe | Gibraltar Gambling Division | Low tax rates and strict regulations make it a top choice for large-scale iGaming operators in Europe. |
| Germany | Europe | Regulated by individual federal states (under ISTG) | Since 2021, the new Interstate Treaty on Gambling allows online casinos and sports betting, though with significant restrictions. |
| Spain | Europe | Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego（DGOJ） | National-level regulator offering legal iGaming licenses, with high standards on advertising and responsible gambling. |
| Netherlands | Europe | Kansspelautoriteit（KSA） | Online gambling market opened in 2021, with strict standards for data reporting and compliance. |
| United States | North America | Regulated by individual states (e.g., NJDGE, PGCB, MGCB) | No federal license; each state issues licenses independently. States like New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania have fully legalized iGaming. |
| Canada | North America | Regulated by provinces (e.g., AGCO / iGaming Ontario) | Ontario has led legalization efforts and emerged as a global iGaming hotspot. |
| Brazil | South America | National Secretariat of Gaming | iGaming regulations officially implemented and licenses issued starting in 2025. |
| Argentina | South America | Regulated by individual provinces | Buenos Aires Province took the lead in legalization; other regions are gradually following. |
| Philippines | Asia | PAGCOR（POGO / PIGO） | A major licensing country in Asia, supporting both offshore (POGO was abolished in 2024) and local (PIGO) operational models. |
| India | Asia | Regulated at the state level | Some states, such as Sikkim, have legalized iGaming. No centralized national regulatory framework yet. |
| Curacao | Caribbean | Curaçao Gaming Authority（CGA） | Licensing system reformed in 2023—master license model removed in favor of stricter compliance and transparency. |
| South Africa | Africa | National Gambling Board（NGB） | Legalization of online casinos is underway, with the iGaming market expected to open soon. |