Compare jurisdictions
Curaçao, Malta or the UK: which licence fits your operation?
A side-by-side view of the three jurisdictions we advise on in depth — licence types, fees, timelines and what each regulator expects of you.
At a glance
| Topic | Curaçao | Malta | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) | Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) | UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) |
| Legal framework | Landsverordening Openbare Kansspelen (LOK), in force since 24 December 2024 | Gaming Act 2018 and the MGA's gaming regulations | Gambling Act 2005 and the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) |
| Licence structure | B2C (operator) and B2B (supplier/platform) licences | B2C licence in four types, and a B2B critical gaming supply licence | An operating licence per activity (remote casino, betting, bingo and so on), plus personal licences for key individuals |
| Indicative timeline | Several months from a complete file to decision | 4 to 8 months from application, excluding preparation | Around 16 weeks from a complete application, longer if the Commission asks for more |
| Regulator fees | Set by the CGA by licence type and revenue — confirmed for your structure in scoping | €5,000 application fee; minimum annual fees of €5,000–€25,000 depending on licence type | Set by the UKGC by licence type and gross gambling yield — confirmed for your structure in scoping |
| Local presence | Real local presence required under the LOK; the specifics depend on licence type | A Malta-registered company with genuine substance on the island | Accountable key individuals with personal licences; management and decision-making must be demonstrable |
| Best suited to | Operators entering under the new LOK regime with a clear local-presence plan | Established, EU-facing operators and suppliers that want a mature, well-regarded licence | Operators targeting the British market and ready for a demanding conduct and enforcement regime |
Indicative and for orientation. Figures change; we confirm the current position for your structure in the scoping call.
Choosing is a business decision as much as a legal one
Start from your market, not the cheapest licence
Where your players are, which payment providers you need and what your banks will accept usually decide the jurisdiction. The cheapest licence is rarely the cheapest outcome if it limits where you can operate.
Read the full picture for each jurisdiction
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario
Ontario
Ontario opened a regulated online gambling market on 4 April 2022. Operators are registered by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and work under an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario, which conducts and manages the market. It is a market licence for operators that want a place in Canada's largest provincial market and can meet its standards.
Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC)
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man licenses online gambling under the Online Gambling Regulation Act 2001 through the Gambling Supervision Commission. It pairs an established, supervised regime with a favourable tax position and a clear licensing path for operators, platform providers and software suppliers that run their operations from the island.
Gibraltar Gambling Division
Gibraltar
Gibraltar has licensed online gambling for more than two decades. It combines a respected licence and a small, experienced regulator with a framework that serves both B2C operators and B2B suppliers under one Act. It suits operators that want recognition and a practical, English-language process, and it asks for genuine presence in Gibraltar.
Common questions when comparing
Not sure which one fits?
A short call is usually enough to narrow three options down to one.