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Obtaining a bookmaker's license
Obtaining a bookmaker's license abroad automatically expands the scope of your business’s influence.
Law&Trust International facilitates the swift processing of bookmaker licenses in Africa, Asia, America, and Europe.
These jurisdictions impose strict requirements on applicants, which will help elevate your business to a new level in terms of reputation.
Our legal experts assist in selecting the right jurisdiction and handle all documentation procedures, including translation, certification and submission.
Once you contact us and complete the application form, all that remains is to await the gambling commission’s decision.
We are confident in a positive outcome, as we guarantee the correct preparation of all necessary documents.
Why is a bookmaker's license needed?
A bookmaker's licence is an official permit issued by a government or regulatory authority that allows a company to legally accept bets on sports and other events. It is essential for legitimising your operations. Without such authorisation, your business would be considered illegal, which may result in fines, website blocks, or even criminal liability.
Holding a licence earns you clients’ trust. Licensed bookmakers undergo regular inspections, which ensures fair payouts and the protection of players’ personal data. And, for sure, clients will choose certified companies to minimise the risk of being scammed..
Licensed companies may advertise third party products such as, banks and payment systems. Other advantages include the ability to operate in international markets. For example, in countries like the United Kingdom and Malta, a licence permits companies to accept bets globally.
Who is required to have a bookmaker's license?
Any company acting as an intermediary between clients in placing bets, making wagers, or resolving disputes must hold a valid license. Most often such activities are carried out on the Internet, where a large number of fraudsters operate.
Displaying the license number on your website, along with a screenshot of the actual document, reassures users that their funds are being properly processed and that they will receive their winnings if they succeed.
If the betting company operates from a physical location rather than purely online, obtaining a bookmaker’s license can also help establish its credibility among competitors and support expansion into the interactive gambling markets of other countries.
Bookmaker's license: Requirements
The following are some of the key requirements:
Company registration. Founders and beneficiaries must also undergo a background check to confirm their reliability. Have authorized capital, the amount of which depends on the chosen jurisdiction.
Proof of financial solvency.
Own certified software.
Support for problem gamblers, including partnerships with organizations such as Gambling Therapy.
Absence of any previous violations (if the founders have had their licenses revoked, the chances of getting one are reduced).
The process of obtaining a Bookmaker’s Licence
We offer gaming licenses from Malta, Curaçao, Alderney, Kahnawake, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Therefore, we are unable to publish any unified list of documentation, as each jurisdiction has its own set of regulations.
Below are examples of licensing conditions in different countries. However, specific requirements should be confirmed with a lawyer. You do not need to visit our office in person—consultations are available online or by phone.
- Curaçao. The country does not distinguish between types of gambling—casinos, bookmakers, and slot games all fall under the same license category. There are no strict requirements regarding software, the company itself, or staff, however, a minimum package of documents is required to obtain a bookmaker's license. The tax rate is 2% of annual revenue, and the cost of the license is significantly lower than in many other jurisdictions. The local authorities aim to issue licenses quickly, which benefits applicants.
- Costa Rica. Known for its stability, absence of taxation and currency control. A license can be obtained with minimal documentation and without a thorough audit of the gaming company.
- Isle of Man. Licensors who were the first to issue offshore permits. All types of gambling activities can be registered here. The cost of a licence starts at $50,000, with the final price depending on the application type and the company’s structure. If a company’s annual revenue does not exceed £20 million, the applicable tax rate is 1.5%.
Our services for obtaining a Bookmaker’s Licence
Law&Trust International provides professional assistance in obtaining a bookmaker’s license across various jurisdictions. We offer full legal support — from selecting the optimal country for registration to launching your business within a fully legal framework.
FAQ
What to do if the regulator has requested access to the software source code?
In the EU and UK, this is a standard requirement to verify the integrity of algorithms (RNG, odds calculation). It is possible to provide access through remote auditing or hand over the code to a trusted auditor (e.g. eCOGRA, iTech Labs). In offshore (Curaçao) sometimes a declaration from the developer is sufficient.
Is it possible to work with cryptocurrencies under a bookmaker’s license?
Yes, but with certain restrictions. For example, Malta, Gibraltar and Estonia allow crypto payments, but require enhanced AML compliance. Curaçao also permits crypto, although banks may refuse to service such businesses.
What is the minimum traffic required for license approval?
Regulators generally do not impose formal traffic requirements. However, for example in Malta (MGA), you may be asked to provide a business plan with estimate turnover. In Curaçao, licenses are
What are the bets on?
Bets can be placed on the following types of events:
- Sports events:
Football, hockey, basketball (match score, total, handicaps, etc.)
Tennis, boxing, MMA (winner, number of rounds, etc.)
Motorsports, cycling (race winner, podium finishes)
Esports (results of tournaments on Dota 2, CS:GO, and more) - Political and economic events:
Elections (winner, percentage of votes)
Currency rates, stock indices (market fluctuations)
Economic decisions (central bank interest rate changes) - Entertainment and celebrity events:
Awards (who will win Oscars, Grammys)
Reality shows (show winner)
Celebrity news (e.g., weddings, divorces) - Virtual sports and non-sporting events:
Virtual matches (simulated football, horse racing)
Weather conditions (temperature, precipitation)
Lotteries and TV games (bets on random events)
