How long does it take to get a gaming license? Our article gives you all the answers. We have prepared a detailed guide explaining the time frames for obtaining a license in various jurisdictions. In addition, we will describe factors that may affect the timeline.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Gaming License?
The licensing procedure takes 4 weeks to 8 months, depending on the jurisdiction. For instance, some jurisdictions like Nevis or Curaçao issue licenses faster (from 4 to 6 weeks), while others (like the UK, Gibraltar, or Malta) require up to 7-8 months due to stricter requirements.
What Is a Gaming License and Who Needs It?
A gaming license is an official permit that enables a company to provide online gambling services legally within a specific jurisdiction. A business may obtain two license types: B2B and B2C. Here is an explanation:
Who needs a gambling license? Check out the list of those businesses that cannot operate without the official permit :
Business owners should apply for the license to an approved regulatory body that issues it for a set term (usually one year). Additionally, they should renew their official permits regularly. License holders must meet ongoing compliance standards defined by local gambling laws and industry regulations.
Gaming License Processing Times by Jurisdiction
Now, we are ready to give you detailed information about how long a gaming license takes, describing some top-rated jurisdictions. Keep in mind that if you want to obtain a special permit faster, you can use our professional help. Thanks to our expertise and reliable partnerships with local partners in various jurisdictions, we can reduce the waiting time for license issuance.
United Kingdom
How long does it take to get a gaming license in the UK? You need to wait from 4 to 16 weeks to obtain the UK Gambling Commission permit for your legal activity. If you plan to provide only casino services, the procedure will take less time than obtaining a license for multiple gambling services.
Malta
Malta is one of the strictest jurisdictions, so if you’re applying for a license from the Malta Gaming Authority, you should be ready to wait longer. The process can take from 4 weeks to 6 months. The MGA representatives carefully review each application, so the timeline depends on how complex your case is. To make things go more smoothly, prepare thoroughly and have all your documents ready before you submit your application.
Curaçao
Want to receive a license faster? The Curaçao Gaming Control Board is a good call. Due to the fast approval process, this regulator is top-notch among gambling business owners. The procedure takes around 2 months, after which you can obtain the permit and start your activity.
India
In India, you need to be ready for a waiting period of 3 to 6 months. Keep in mind that how long it takes to get a gaming license in India depends on the chosen state, as each region has its own regulatory authority governing gambling operations. As a result, the process’s exact duration may differ from region to region.
Canada
To receive a gambling license from the AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis), you need to wait approximately 6 weeks. Sometimes, the process may take longer, and business owners have to send additional requests to the regulator representatives.
Kahnawake
Our clients frequently ask about how long it takes to get a gambling license from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. In most cases, the licensing process in this jurisdiction takes between 4 and 8 weeks. Still, you should prepare all the required documents and meet all regulatory requirements in advance.
Timescales May Be Affected by the Following
It is not always possible to accurately predict how long it takes to get a gambling license, since a lot of factors influence the timeframe. Continue reading to know which factors to consider.
Application Quality and Completeness
It’s essential to approach your gambling license application carefully. Even minor errors or omissions can lead to significant delays. Ensure your application meets all the regulator’s requirements – some jurisdictions may require you to register a company or have a local representative, for example. The more complete and accurate your submission is, the quicker and easier the review will go, with fewer chances of follow-up questions and delays.
Corporate Structure Complexity
The assessment period may be extended if your company has multiple owners or shareholders. Delays in license issuance may also occur if your company plans to offer multiple services. For example, online casinos typically receive approval faster than websites that combine gambling and sports betting services.
Background of Applicants
One of the key factors that can influence how long it takes to get a gaming license is the speed of checking the background of the company owners and shareholders. Make sure to include all documents that prove you have no criminal record.
It’s also critical to check that your ID is valid and to provide proof of your current address. Keep in mind that if you don’t show financial stability, like with bank statements or other papers, the review process could take longer.
Jurisdiction Workload
You may experience delays in processing your license applications beyond the standard timeframe during public holidays. Additionally, regulatory staff may not process all applications in time if the jurisdiction is in high demand.
Type and Scope of License
The type and scope of services also play a significant role in determining how long it takes to get a gambling license. For example, licenses issued exclusively for casino operations are typically processed faster than those covering multiple types of gambling activities. Even if your platform includes RNG-based games and live dealer options, the licensing procedure will likely take longer.
In addition, regulatory authorities may extend the review period if your business intends to operate across multiple jurisdictions. The broader and more complex your business model is, the more time-consuming the licensing process will likely be.
Tips to Speed Up the Licensing Process
Having a huge experience in the legal industry, we know several pro tips on how to speed up the process of obtaining a license. Here, we have listed some of them:
- Prepare proof of your financial stability in advance. We recommend our clients gather financial statements, business plans, and bank account statements from the past three months.
- Go through double-check of all application materials to ensure the completeness and accuracy of all documents. Pay more attention to your employee’s documents without hiding any information.
- Use experienced legal or compliance consultants like Legal Pilot to speed up the process of obtaining a gambling license. Our specialists have huge expertise in this area, solid partnerships that will help you to receive a license as soon as possible.
Additionally, we recommend reviewing the technical requirements on your website. Your online platform should include information about RNG certificates, KYC, and AML methods.
Moreover, you need to check that your website has an “About Us” section, which provides information about responsible gambling tools (like deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, etc.). If you include all these details, the regulator’s commission will give you a positive response faster.
How Can Legal Pilot Help You Get a Gaming License Quickly?
In this article, we’ve explored how long it takes to get a gaming license, and now you understand that the process may take anywhere from 4 to 32 weeks. However, you can significantly reduce these timeframes by preparing all required documentation in advance and fully understanding the legal requirements of the chosen regulator.
Another time-saving option is to use legal help with valuable partnerships and expertise in gambling licensing. With over three years of experience in the iGaming sector and a proven track record of securing licenses for more than 100 clients, the Legal Pilot team is ready to help you receive the necessary permit in the shortest possible time. You can receive a gaming license within 3 to 6 weeks to enter the market and begin operations much sooner. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation to learn more about the possible terms and the best gambling jurisdictions.
