Gaming Licences Compared: What You Actually Get for the Fee
Gaming licence fees can vary sharply from one jurisdiction to another. But the price tells only part of the story. Belgium and Curaçao follow very different regulatory models, and that affects market access, compliance requirements, and day-to-day operations. Here is what operators actually get for…
Gaming licence fees can vary sharply from one jurisdiction to another. But the price tells only part of the story. Belgium and Curaçao follow very different regulatory models, and that affects market access, compliance requirements, and day-to-day operations. Here is what operators actually get for their licence fee. Strategic importance of gaming licences The right licence determines whether an operator can legally enter a specific market. It also sets the rules for where the business can operate, which products it can offer, and how it can distribute them. Transparency and player protection are important parts of modern licensing rules. A licence from a recognised regulator also gives payment providers, software suppliers, and business partners more confidence in an operator. It shows that the company meets established regulatory standards and has taken its compliance obligations seriously. Strategic licensing decisions can also affect an operator’s position in the market. Strictly regulated jurisdictions may limit the number of competitors, while more open markets can make entry faster and easier. The licence therefore affects more than compliance. It can shape partnerships, market access, and the way an operator develops its business. For B2B suppliers, an operator’s licence also determines where their technology can be used and which regulatory requirements apply. Belgium’s licensing framework Belgium has one of Europe’s most tightly controlled gaming frameworks. Licence numbers are fixed by law, with 9 casino licences, 180 gaming arcade licences and 30 betting operator licences. Nearly all were already held as of October 2025. A B+ extension, such as the one used by Madison Casino on https://madisoncasino.be/, gives online access to an existing land-based licence. Quota system and online extensions Online permissions are available only as extensions of land-based licences. This creates several practical restrictions for operators: Limited access: New operators cannot simply apply for a new online licence, as digital authorisation is tied to an existing land-based licence. Land-based licence required: An operator needs a qualifying physical licence before it can seek online authorisation. Servers in Belgium: Gaming servers must be physically located in the country. Limited availability: With the statutory quotas almost fully allocated, operators have little room to enter the market through a new licence. Curaçao follows a different model. After the LOK, master licences were abolished on 1 January 2025. Since 1 January 2026, licence holders have also been required to maintain a physical presence in Curaçao. Financial obligations and compliance Annual fees in Belgium vary by licence type and, for Class A licences, by the number of machines. Operators should factor these costs into their budget before entering the market. Licence Type Annual Fee Additional Costs Class A (casinos) €25,398 €821 per machine Class A+ €12,698 N/A Class F1 (betting) €14,493 N/A Class B / B+ €12,698 N/A Class F1+ €14,493 N/A The Class A licence also comes with a fee of €821 per machine. For a casino with 200 machines, that adds €164,200 to the annual cost, on top of the €25,398 licence fee. Belgium therefore requires careful planning and ongoing compliance. Curaçao takes a different approach, with its own licensing requirements and costs. The two systems suit different types of operators. Belgium offers a tightly regulated market, while Curaçao provides a different balance of regulation and flexibility. The best option depends on the markets the operator plans to target.