🎰 How Long Does It Take to Get a Gaming License?

📄 Regulatory Standards & Official Requirements

Securing a gaming license entails adherence to specific regulatory standards and submission of comprehensive documentation. Common requirements across jurisdictions include:

Entity Formation: Establishing a registered company in the jurisdiction or an acceptable legal entity under its legal system.

Documentation: Providing a detailed business plan, financial projections, proof of funds, ownership structure, CVs of key personnel, background checks, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies, and a responsible gaming framework.

Technical Compliance: Ensuring platform security, Random Number Generator (RNG) certification, software audits, server location, and payment gateway arrangements.

Fit-and-Proper Assessments: Evaluating all individuals with significant influence or control, including shareholders and directors.

Fee Payments: Settling application fees, due diligence fees, licensing and renewal fees, and possibly annual compliance contributions or supervision fees.

Ongoing Reporting Obligations: Complying with periodic financial and accounting audits, player funds protection, AML/KYC reports, and notifying the regulator of significant changes (e.g., ownership, structure, software).

The exact regulatory regime, costs, and standards vary depending on whether the license is for Business-to-Consumer (B2C) or Business-to-Business (B2B) operations, the type of games offered, acceptance of high-risk payment methods (e.g., cryptocurrency), and the regulator’s reputation and oversight.

🌍 Comparative Analysis of Licensing Timelines

In Malta, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) typically requires 4 to 6 months from submission to approval when all documentation is complete. The process involves entity registration, business plan review, compliance audits, probity checks, and system audits. Delays often occur if information is missing or if the technical platform does not meet regulatory standards.

In the United Kingdom, the UK Gambling Commission generally processes applications in approximately 16 weeks for operating licenses once the application is complete. Applicants must pass personal license checks, financial and identity verifications, and comply with the License Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). Delays occur if supplementary information is requested or technical systems require adjustment.

Emerging jurisdictions such as Anjouan are marketed as faster alternatives. Providers report that licenses can sometimes be obtained in a couple of months, particularly when all documents are complete and technical requirements are satisfied. While these timelines are not officially guaranteed by the Anjouan authorities, the process is generally less complex, and documentation requirements are fewer. However, applicants should be aware that regulatory recognition and market acceptance may be limited compared to Tier-1 jurisdictions. Through NUR Legal, you can achieve the Anjouan license in only 2 months if you have all the paperwork ready.

🧾 Evidence and Applicability: Real-World Examples

In practice, UKGC licenses often take at least four months from submission to grant, assuming all documentation is complete and personnel pass background checks. Missing or incomplete information can extend this timeline.

For Malta, from initial engagement to a “go live” stage, it can take 5 to 7 months, factoring in company setup, banking and technical infrastructure, and system audits.

In Anjouan, industry reports indicate that a license can be obtained in as 2-3 months in favourable cases, particularly for combined B2C and B2B operations. However, delays may occur if documentation is incomplete or the application is complex. However, we can help you get the license as fast as 2 months if all the paperwork is ready from your side.

📆 Analysis: Factors Influencing Licensing Timelines

Several factors contribute to variations in license issuance times:

Completeness of Documentation – Missing or inconsistent documents lead to back-and-forth with the regulator.

Complexity of Ownership & Structure - Multiple layers of ownership or hard-to-verify beneficial owners can extend timelines.

Regulator’s Workload & Efficiency - Resource constraints and internal procedures may slow processing.

Technical Compliance - Audit of software, RNG certification, server location, and cybersecurity must meet regulatory standards.

Type of Jurisdiction & Regulatory Standard - Highly regulated jurisdictions (e.g., Malta, UK) generally require more steps, while emerging jurisdictions may have fewer procedural hurdles.

Applicant’s Responsiveness - Timely provision of supplementary information can reduce delays.

Legal & Financial Infrastructure - Access to banking, payment processing, and local representation affects setup speed.

Minimising delays involves ensuring all key agreements, technical certifications, financial statements, and KYC/AML documents are ready; engaging experienced legal counsel; using local agents where required; and responding promptly to regulator requests.

🏁 Conclusion

While the allure of the gaming industry is undeniable, obtaining a license is a complex process requiring careful planning and adherence to regulatory standards. Timelines vary significantly across jurisdictions, influenced by regulatory frameworks, documentation completeness, and applicant preparedness. Established jurisdictions like the UK and Malta offer greater legitimacy but often require more time, while emerging jurisdictions like Anjouan may expedite the process under certain conditions.

If you’re considering launching a gaming operation and need expert assistance in navigating the licensing process, NUR Legal can guide you through the complexities, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Contact us to assess your readiness and determine the best path forward for your licensing needs.

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