Best countries to launch your iGaming business in 2026
- Setup costs, licensing process, and taxes to expect in each country
- Top emerging and established markets in online gambling
- How licenses open doors for player trust and local partnerships
- Common mistakes that online gaming operators make in setting up their business model
Understanding these essentials will help you future-proof your growth in the online casino industry.
What’s involved in launching an iGaming business
Launching an iGaming business consists of a series of strategic decisions in licensing, market entry, and business model. These fundamental questions are the typical starting point for online gambling operators:
| Question to ask before launching | How to answer |
| What type of iGaming product should we launch? | Casino games are faster to launch, while sports betting requires data expertise. You can go hybrid to attract more players, but it could cost more. |
| Are we operating B2C or B2B? | B2C model needs strong marketing and brand trust, while B2B requires extensive connections in the right country. |
| What does our online gambling license actually allow us to do? | Check if a single license allows you to both offer games and process payments, or if you need to secure separate licenses. |
| What are the popular games in our target market? | Define what is iGaming in your target market, especially popular gambling activities. |
Securing the right gaming license is just the start. Marketing your brand to different industry players is another challenge.
Remember, the most successful gaming operators focused on designing their market strategy before choosing the right jurisdiction. It’s the most cost-effective method for aspiring gaming companies.
Key factors when choosing a country for your iGaming business
The best country to launch an iGaming platform depends on how you plan to acquire players. Do you plan on entering a highly trusted regulatory environment that requires higher startup costs and license fees? Or do you see yourself as a pioneer in a new market with less player reach?
It’s a massive balancing act, we know. But that’s the reality of starting an online gaming business. There are many things to weigh in on, including these aspects:
| Key factor in planning your iGaming business | Why it is important |
| Regulatory framework and licensing requirements | Strict regulation and legal framework help with player trust and partnerships. |
| Market size and player demand | Bigger markets bring more players, but you’re likely to face more competition. |
| Marketing and advertising restrictions | Some countries might not allow iGaming affiliate marketing and several ad formats. |
| Taxation and operational costs | Established markets might require higher gaming tax and annual fees. |
| Payment methods and banking access | Convenient banking access and payment processing might vary in different countries. |
| Language and localization requirements | Ability to localize your content helps your iGaming brand become the preferred choice. |
Best countries to launch your iGaming business
The right location for your new iGaming business depends on factors that are unique in every jurisdiction.
Malta
Known as Europe’s iGaming hub, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the official regulator for Malta’s gaming sector. Getting an MGA license could be your passport to other markets, as it can be used to operate in the following countries:
- European markets (like Finland, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Norway, and other Nordic countries)
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Latin America (Brazil or Mexico)
Along with the ability to operate in multiple markets, getting an MGA license has its pros and cons:
| Pros of an MGA license | Cons of an MGA license |
| Strong industry trust and widely respected by players, banks, and sponsors. | Higher licensing fees and running costs. |
| Works well when targeting many EU countries. | Background checks and technical reviews might take longer. |
| Provides clear rules for SEO content and affiliate promotions. | Strict policies on corporate income tax and compliance contributions. |
| Accepted by many global and local payment providers. | Still cannot replace local licenses in other markets. |
United Kingdom
Operated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), getting a license here allows iGaming operators to target the following markets:
- UK markets (including England, Scotland, and Wales)
- Northern Ireland
It might not cover a wide range of international markets, but securing a UKGC license is highly respected. Take a look at these pros and cons:
| Pros of a UKGC license | Cons of a UKGC license |
| Access to one of the world’s richest online gambling markets. | High licensing, compliance, and revenue tax costs. |
| Easiest access to UK-based banks and payment systems. | Market is already crowded with established operators. |
| Provides built-in tools for player protection. | Long approval process and strict year-long audits. |
| Stronger player lifetime value than other jurisdictions. | Focuses only on UK-based players |
Curacao
Even with the launch of a stricter LOK (National Ordinance on Games of Chance) system, Curacao’s appeal still lies in its fast and affordable licensing approach. For online gaming startups, Curacao’s recent reforms balance speed with improved standards.
A Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) license works best in unregulated or grey markets. These markets could include:
- Canada
- Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Chile, or Argentina)
- Some Asian markets (India, Japan, Thailand, or New Zealand)
Curacao might be a low-cost option for online gaming companies, but it is steadily improving. Here are its pros and cons:
| Pros of a Curacao license | Cons of a Curacao license |
| Quick setup and launch. | Low user trust level than Malta or UK licenses. |
| Low application fee and tax rate. | Blocked in big regulated markets like the US and the UK. |
| Unified license for online casinos, sports betting, and poker. | Some banks reject Curacao-licensed operators. |
| Good support for crypto-based payment options. | Still affordable, but costs have doubled since the new stricter system. |
Estonia
Estonia is a popular choice for iGaming founders who want a digital-first setup. With the country’s e-Residency program, operators can start and manage their business entirely online.
Typically, an Estonian license allows you to target players in the following countries:
- Estonia
- Most EU countries (Germany, Finland, Ireland, Austria, Poland)
- Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark)
- Eastern Europe (Latvia and Lithuania)
- Parts of Asian and African markets
Estonia has an EU membership, so it could be a perfect jurisdiction for those targeting European markets.
| Pros of an Estonian license | Cons of an Estonian license |
| EU-based license providing solid support for operators targeting European audiences. | Small market size in the home country (Estonia). |
| Tax advantages include a low percentage on gross gaming yield. | Limited support outside of Europe. |
| Option for digital-only management significantly saves resources. | Strict player protection rules. |
| Relatively quicker license approvals than Malta or UK licenses. | Slightly lower player trust than Malta or UK licenses. |
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man (IOM) license is a favorite among B2B iGaming software suppliers and Tier-1 operators. Unlike other offshore options, an IOM license is white-listed in the UK and by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This means that you face less scrutiny from authorities that regulate online gaming.
Moreover, the Isle of Man license is widely accepted in these markets:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Europe (Ireland, Finland, or Germany)
- Nordics (Sweden, Norway, or Denmark)
- Latin America (Brazil or Mexico)
- Japan
An Isle of Man license is designed for serious iGaming operators, something that comes with advantages and disadvantages.
| Pros of an Isle of Man license | Cons of an Isle of Man license |
| Top-notch reputation with massive player trust. | Strict rules require the presence of local directors in the IOM. |
| 0% corporate tax rate | Online gambling license comes with steep annual fees. |
| Provides access to world-class banks. | Long approval process of 3-5 months. |
| Unified license for all games, including blockchain and cryptocurrency. | High license fees might not be suitable for iGaming startups. |
United States (State-Level)
The US’s state-by-state iGaming regulation offers long-term revenue, but it comes with legal complexities. Some states offer lenient rules, while others completely block online gambling.
For example, this guide on where sports betting is legal in the US lists varying policies from different states. You might have to work with reputable iGaming SEO services to know the right strategic approach in entering the US market.
An online gaming license in the US offers pros and cons that you should think about:
| Pros of a US state-level license | Cons of a US state-level license |
| Unmatched player lifetime value. | Extreme application costs and annual fees. |
| Strong business protection from the US law and major banks. | Separate license for each state. |
| Success in the US makes it easier to access other global markets. | High corporate tax rate. |
| Opportunity to partner with major US sports leagues, including the NBA and NFL. | Many states require partnership with local land-based casinos. |
Emerging iGaming markets worth considering
Emerging iGaming markets offer growth opportunities before the space becomes crowded with competitors. For early movers, there’s still time for you to be a pioneer in these markets.
If you plan on securing an online gambling license in an emerging region, here are the key countries to watch:
| Emerging region | Key countries to watch |
| Latin America | Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile |
| Africa | Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana |
| Asia-Pacific | Philippines, India, Thailand |
How market choice impacts iGaming marketing strategy
Your iGaming market choice could dictate how you attract and retain players. Why? Take a look at these real-life scenarios:
- In wealthy markets with high income levels, you can spend more on ads because each player is worth more.
- In emerging regions, you might have to adjust your tech for players who don’t have reliable internet connections.
Picking a country with a strong reputation in iGaming will also influence your overall marketing strategy, especially in these areas:
- SEO and domain strategy: Google uses trust signals, like a renowned gambling license or a “.com” domain, in ranking websites. Partnering with trusted PR link building services can also help you secure important backlinks and brand mentions from iGaming-related platforms.
- Paid media limitations by country: You cannot run the same Facebook or Google ads in every country. Some countries also block gambling ads during certain times of the day, usually from morning to early evening.
- Affiliate ecosystem differences: Some markets have high affiliate turnouts, including social media influencers in various games. For example, fantasy sports affiliates tend to be strong in US markets.
- Localization and content strategy: Through localized iGaming content, you can better connect with your target audience. You must integrate their cultural nuances and local customs into every content you roll out.
Common mistakes when choosing an iGaming jurisdiction
It’s not just about choosing the wrong market to launch your gaming business. You might have picked the right location, but launched without a proper growth plan.
It’s worth noting to avoid the following mistakes in choosing an iGaming market:
- Choosing based only on cost: Licenses are not created equal. Cheap license fees often mean low player and bank trust.
- Ignoring marketing restrictions: Some countries block paid ads and affiliates, while others penalize platforms that don’t follow responsible gambling messaging.
- Underestimating payment complexity: Delays in deposits and payouts can lead to low player trust and negative word-of-mouth marketing.
- Misreading market maturity: Average player spend and game preferences vary per market. Conduct thorough market research before launching your iGaming business.
How Fortis Media helps iGaming brands launch in the right markets
Successful iGaming brands trust experienced digital marketing agencies like Fortis Media to future-proof their strategies. Our data expertise and industry knowledge help us design the most sustainable marketing approach for iGaming platforms.
This marketing approach is based on practices that we’ve proven to be effective for iGaming growth:
- Study search trends, competition, and player intent that are unique in each market.
- Identify marketing strategies that work locally, like influencer marketing for mature markets or educational content for new markets.
- Create content that strictly follows both local and global gambling policies.
- Design a realistic framework for future expansion to other markets.
Contact us today to get a free, detailed proposal for your iGaming platform.
FAQs
Which countries offer the most tax-efficient iGaming licenses for startups in 2026?
For iGaming startups, Curacao and Anjouan remain the most tax-efficient, offering near-zero gaming tax and low corporate rates. Estonia is a top European choice, allowing you to reinvest profits tax-free until distribution. Panama also offers complete tax exemptions for operators targeting only international players.
What are the fastest countries to get a gambling license for a new online casino?
Tobique and Anjouan iGaming licenses are currently the fastest, with processing times as short as 1 to 3 weeks. Kahnawake and Curacao licenses typically take 4 to 8 weeks. These jurisdictions are ideal for iGaming founders who need to go live quickly.
What are the benefits of choosing an iGaming jurisdiction with a strong reputation?
A strong reputation, like that of the Isle of Man or Malta, makes it significantly easier to secure Tier-1 banking and global payment processors. It also improves your SEO, as search engines and players trust “white-listed” licenses more, leading to lower player acquisition costs over time.
How do local regulations affect which country is best to launch an iGaming business?
Local iGaming regulations influence marketing access, payment options, and player acquisition channels. Some countries limit paid ads or bonuses, while others have more lenient advertising rules. The best launch countries balance clear rules, realistic standards, and a strong reputation that supports brand trust and sustainable growth.
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