Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
Gambling Jurisdictions: Licensing & Regulation Guide
As more countries regulate online gambling within their jurisdictions, it has become essential for online casinos and game providers to hold valid licences in the markets they operate in. Gambling licences help ensure player protection, fair play, responsible gambling standards, and secure payments.
Below, you’ll find an overview of the most important gambling jurisdictions and regulators in the iGaming industry.
-
-
Australian Capital Territory Gambling and Racing Commission
-
The Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation
-
Government of South Australia Office of Consumer and Business Services
-
Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation
-
Government of Western Australia Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor
-
British Columbia Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch
-
Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division of Nova Scotia
What Are Gambling Jurisdictions?
Gambling jurisdictions are countries or territories where online gambling operators can be legally licensed and regulated. These jurisdictions set the legal framework and compliance standards that govern online casinos, sportsbooks, and game providers operating under their licence.
In most cases, a licensing authority will require operators to meet strict rules around:
- Fair gaming and RNG testing
- Player protection and responsible gambling
- Anti-money laundering (AML) compliance
- Data security and payment safety
- Advertising and transparency requirements
Notable Gambling Jurisdictions
- Malta (MGA): The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is one of the most respected regulators in online gambling, known for strong compliance standards and a solid reputation across Europe.
- United Kingdom (UKGC): The UK Gambling Commission is among the strictest regulators globally, with a strong focus on responsible gambling, player protection, and fair play.
- Isle of Man: Regulated by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, this jurisdiction is known for robust oversight and a well-established licensing model for international operators.
- Gibraltar (GRA): The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority licences many large betting companies, historically supported by a favourable tax environment and established regulation.
- Curaçao: Curaçao licences are common among international online casinos due to accessibility and speed of setup. However, players and industry experts often view its standards as less strict compared to regulators like the MGA or UKGC.
- Alderney (AGCC): The Alderney Gambling Control Commission is recognised for strong player protection measures and fair gaming oversight.
- Kahnawake (Canada): The Kahnawake Gaming Commission has issued online gambling licences since 1999, making it one of the longest-running regulators in the industry.
- Antigua and Barbuda: The Directorate of Offshore Gaming provides licences for online gambling operators and has been active in the iGaming space for many years.
- Costa Rica: Costa Rica has historically been a popular base for gaming businesses, though its regulatory framework is generally considered less strict than major European jurisdictions.
- New Jersey (USA): One of the leading regulated US markets, overseen by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), covering legal online casinos and sports betting within the state.
Tip: When choosing an online casino, always check which jurisdiction licences the operator—this can impact player protections, dispute resolution options, and how strictly the casino must follow compliance rules.
