Hello, community! Working with modern iGaming is profitable, but extremely risky. Especially if you run traffic to a GEO where you personally live. In this case, violating casino advertising laws may result in penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.
We’ve already covered what penalties affiliates may face for promoting casinos in a separate article. We recommend checking it out. Meanwhile, let’s talk about the types of licenses that exist in iGaming, what they affect, and how to work with them properly. Let’s dive in!
What does a casino or bookmaker license affect?
A license is an official permit that allows a casino to legally provide services: accept players’ funds, withdraw money, and operate within a specific country. A platform must meet a long list of requirements to receive the desired status — a licensed operator.
The main purpose of a license is to protect the rights of all participants in the process:
- The platforms themselves (the casinos).
- The players.
- And even those who promote the casinos.
Almost every country has its own rules on how casinos must operate. In some places they are completely banned, while in others — one step away from a ban.
You must know what license a platform has before sending traffic to it. In some cases, promoting a casino with a questionable or absent license may lead to serious consequences. But we’ve already covered that.
What licenses are valid in Ukraine?
The gambling industry in Ukraine is also regulated. Previously, online gambling was overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL). However, it was later liquidated, and replaced by Playcity under the Ministry of Digital Transformation.
The Ukrainian license regulates many operational aspects of casinos:
- Sets limits: on gameplay and deposit amounts. This change appeared recently due to the petition submitted by Oleksandr Petrychenko, posthumously Hero of Ukraine.
- Regulates player age. In Ukraine, only individuals aged 21+ can officially play. Otherwise they cannot pass verification and therefore cannot access platform features.
- Regulates advertising — including what channels may promote casinos. Several influencers have already been fined millions of hryvnias for promoting casinos in Instagram Stories.
Casinos must also meet basic requirements to receive a license. This includes payment systems: currently, Ukrainian casinos accept only UAH and only via bank cards. No crypto or e-wallets.
Offshore casino licenses
The Ukrainian KRAIL license is an example of a national license. Most countries issue their own equivalents. But there are also offshore licenses, which casinos obtain to expand into more markets.
The most popular offshore licenses are Curaçao and Anjouan. They are issued for 1 year, obtained very quickly, and that’s why they are so widespread. But they also have drawbacks, mainly for players — for example, account restrictions if a user belongs to “restricted countries”.
Other islands and small jurisdictions also issue offshore gambling licenses. Their defining trait is a questionable level of regulation. In many cases, it resembles purchasing a license rather than earning it through compliance. As a result, players often face problems with such casinos.
Licenses from British “hubs”
This category of licenses is more reputable — both among players and banks processing transactions. These are issued by certain British Overseas Territories.
However, casinos licensed under GSC, AGCC or Gibraltar are far fewer compared to Curaçao. And the reasons are simple:
- Higher costs and fees.
- Stricter requirements and stronger regulatory control.
Still, such casinos enjoy greater trust and are safer to promote in many European countries — which is a benefit for us as affiliates.
Canadian quasi-offshore licenses
Canada also has independent economic zones that issue online casino licenses. The goal is simple — generate revenue, especially on the international market.
For example, the Tobique license (the most common in this category) clearly states: casinos may accept players from certain countries who have reached the required age. Restricted territories include the USA, UK, and several others.
These licenses are fast to obtain and cheaper than Curaçao. They cover casinos, betting, lotteries, and more.
Malta license
Last but not least — the Maltese license. It is valid across EU countries, and to obtain it, a casino must have its own office in Malta. Obviously, many such offices are purely nominal — after all, this is a grey niche. But that’s not the point.
The Malta license offers strong protection to both operators and players. It has a high level of trust, and such casinos can generally be promoted within the EU.
Conclusion
Still, you must consider each country’s local advertising laws, not just the license terms. Sometimes they contradict each other — and the law always prevails. So when choosing an offer to promote in a specific GEO, always rely on the legal framework first.
As for the licenses themselves, they help determine the general level of casino reliability. This ensures safer work and allows you to promote semi-white offers in this grey vertical. Working with completely trash products is a questionable idea, even for a very greedy affiliate.
Have you ever looked into these licenses, or do you not work with iGaming at all? Share your experience in our Telegram community — only fresh insights, relevant news, and useful recommendations!
With respect, Your Geek!