Jackpot Startup: Unveiling the True Cost of Launching an Online Casino
💸 Licensing and Regulatory Investments
Securing a reputable gaming license represents the first—and often most critical—financial commitment for any aspiring online casino operator. Costs vary dramatically by jurisdiction, reflecting differences in regulatory stringency, market prestige, and ongoing compliance requirements. For example, a license from Curacao’s eGaming authority can start at around $20,000 in application fees with minimal capital requirements, while premium jurisdictions such as Malta or the UK demand application fees upward of €2,000–€3,000 plus minimum share capital of €50,000 or more. Annual renewal and supervision fees further add to the regulatory budget, and rigorous anti-money-laundering (AML) and responsible-gaming protocols may necessitate additional investments in KYC software and staff training.