EU Gambling License Cost Estimator
Estimate the costs of obtaining gambling licenses across European Union jurisdictions. Compare application fees, capital requirements, annual taxes, and total market entry costs for operators considering EU expansion.
⚠ Important Notice
This calculator provides estimates for research and planning purposes only. Actual licensing costs vary based on application specifics, regulatory changes, and exchange rates. License fees and requirements are subject to change. Always consult official regulatory sources and qualified legal counsel before making licensing decisions.
Estimate Licensing Costs
Select a country and gambling products to estimate licensing costs and market entry requirements.
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Compare licensing costs across multiple EU jurisdictions to identify the most cost-effective markets for your operation.
Multi-Country Comparison
This comparison shows estimated costs for obtaining a full online gambling license (sports betting + casino where permitted) in each jurisdiction.
Estimate when your licensing investment breaks even based on projected revenue and tax obligations.
Understanding EU Gambling License Costs
Entering a regulated EU gambling market requires significant upfront investment. License costs vary dramatically across jurisdictions, from relatively affordable markets like Malta to expensive markets like Italy. Understanding these costs is essential for strategic market entry planning.
According to European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) industry reports, market entry costs including licensing fees, legal compliance, and technical requirements can range from under €100,000 in some jurisdictions to over €10 million in others.
Components of License Costs
Gambling license costs typically include several components:
- Application Fee: One-time fee paid when submitting a license application. Non-refundable regardless of outcome.
- License Fee: The primary cost of obtaining the license, often paid upon approval.
- Annual Renewal Fee: Ongoing costs to maintain the license.
- Capital Requirements: Minimum capital that must be held to demonstrate financial stability.
- Compliance Costs: Technical systems, responsible gambling tools, AML infrastructure.
- Gaming Tax: Ongoing tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR) or turnover.
License Fee Structures by Country
EU countries use different approaches to license fees:
High-Cost Markets
- Italy: €7 million for a 9-year online gambling license (2026 regime) plus 3% annual net revenue tax
- Greece: €3-4 million license fee plus 35% GGR tax
- Portugal: €500,000+ application fees plus 15-30% GGR tax
The Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) operates one of Europe's most expensive licensing regimes, designed to limit market participants while maximizing government revenue. In contrast, Malta's tiered licensing system through the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) offers more accessible entry points.
Tax Considerations
Beyond license fees, ongoing tax obligations significantly impact profitability:
- GGR Tax: Most common approach, taxing the difference between wagers and payouts. Rates range from 5% (Malta) to 35% (Greece).
- Turnover Tax: Some jurisdictions tax total betting turnover regardless of outcome. Germany uses 5.3% turnover tax for sports betting.
- Product-Specific Rates: Many countries apply different rates to different products (sports betting vs. casino vs. poker).
Our EU Gambling Tax Calculator provides detailed tax calculations across jurisdictions.
Capital Requirements
Regulators require operators to maintain minimum capital reserves to protect player funds and ensure operational stability. According to International Comparative Legal Guides, requirements range from:
- Malta: €40,000 - €100,000 depending on license type
- UK: Variable based on revenue tier
- Germany: €5 million for sports betting licenses
- Netherlands: €500,000 minimum
Strategic Considerations for Market Entry
Direct Licensing vs. B2B Partnership
Operators have two primary market entry strategies:
Direct Licensing: Obtaining your own license provides full control but requires significant investment in fees, compliance infrastructure, and local presence requirements. Best for operators planning long-term commitment to a market.
B2B Partnership: Partnering with an existing license holder (white-label or platform provider) reduces upfront costs but shares revenue and limits operational control. Better for testing markets before full commitment.
Processing Times
License application processing varies significantly:
Established process with clear requirements
Newer regime with stricter due diligence
Complex federal/state coordination
Next tender expected 2026-2026
Related Resources
For more information on EU gambling regulations and market entry:
Related Tools & Guides
- Regulation Comparison Tool - Compare regulatory frameworks across EU countries
- Gambling Tax Calculator - Calculate ongoing tax obligations
- EU Gambling Laws Explained - Why there's no single EU license
- Affiliate Marketing Rules - Advertising and promotion restrictions
- Payment Blocking and AML - Transaction compliance requirements
- Country Index - Detailed regulatory profiles for each EU country
⚠ Legal Disclaimer
This tool provides estimates for general research and planning purposes only. License costs, requirements, and regulations change frequently. The figures presented are approximations based on publicly available information and should not be relied upon for business decisions. Always consult official regulatory sources such as national gambling authorities and engage qualified legal counsel before pursuing any gambling license application.
Last Updated: December 2025