Isle of Man eGaming Licensing

The Isle of Man: A World-Leading eGaming Jurisdiction

Why Choose the Isle of Man for Your Gaming Licence?

The Isle of Man stands as a global powerhouse in iGaming regulation, offering a stable, business-friendly environment with a robust legal framework. As a British Crown Dependency, it operates independently from the UK, giving gaming businesses the freedom to thrive in a progressive, well-regulated jurisdiction.

Regulated by the Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) since 1962, the Isle of Man was among the first to oversee online gaming with the Online Gambling Regulation Act 2001. This pioneering approach ensures player protection, compliance, and industry growth, making an Isle of Man licence a gold standard for gaming operators worldwide.

Holding an Isle of Man gaming licence is a mark of trust and excellence. The GSC enforces stringent compliance measures, ensuring fair play, responsible gaming, and consumer protection—giving both players and businesses total confidence in the integrity of licence holders. Manavia guides you every step of the way, making licensing smooth, simple, and stress-free!

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The Isle of Man: A Pioneer in eGaming & Blockchain Innovation

The Isle of Man is a trailblazer in eGaming regulation, consistently staying ahead of technological advancements to support cutting-edge gaming and fintech businesses. Its forward-thinking approach has led to several world-first regulatory innovations, including:

Early Adoption of Digital Currency Regulation
In 2015, the Isle of Man became one of the first jurisdictions to regulate digital currency under Anti-Money Laundering and Crime Legislation.

Integration of Digital Assets
Since 2017, licensed operators can accept deposits and process withdrawals in digital currencies and other blockchain-based assets.

Blockchain-Based Lottery Licensing
The Isle of Man issued the world’s first blockchain lottery licence, setting a global regulatory benchmark.

Specialist Licensing for Blockchain & Token Platforms
A dedicated software suppliers’ licence, introduced in 2019, supports blockchain gaming and token-based platforms.

Through these groundbreaking initiatives, the Isle of Man continues to lead the way in iGaming, blockchain, and fintech regulation, offering businesses an agile, progressive, and well-regulated environment to scale with confidence.

Key Advantages of an Isle of Man eGaming Licence

 

One Licence Covers All Game Types
Simplify operations with a single gaming licence for multiple verticals.

All Currencies Supported
Accept traditional and digital currencies, providing flexibility for global markets.

Access to a Wide Range of Markets
Operate in key international jurisdictions with regulatory credibility.

Competitive Tax Structure
Enjoy favourable tax policies that support business growth and profitability.

Network Licence for Foreign Players
Expand your global reach with multi-jurisdictional player acceptance.

Financial Incentives for Licensees
Access government-backed support for qualifying gaming businesses.

Isle of Man eGaming Licences:
The Right Fit for Your Business

The Isle of Man is a globally recognised tier-one jurisdiction for online gaming, offering a range of licences under the Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC). These licences provide operators with a stable, reputable, and tax-efficient regulatory environment, ensuring access to major markets, banking, and payment solutions.

At Manavia, we specialise in guiding gaming businesses through the licensing process, ensuring they select the right licence to match their business model. Below is a detailed breakdown of each licence and how it could benefit your gaming operation.

Types of Licences in the Isle of Man:

Full Licence

The most comprehensive gambling licence available, the Full Licence covers a wide range of gaming activities, including sports betting, casino games, poker, lotteries, and pools. It also supports cutting-edge innovations, such as cryptocurrency-based gaming. This licence is ideal for operators seeking maximum flexibility, global reach, and a regulatory framework that fosters innovation.

The Full Licence can be regarded as the ‘standard’ licence. Holders of a Full Licence register their own players, maintain their player data, and are responsible for meeting anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) requirements. The Full Licence costs £36,750 per year, and licence holders may also permit other businesses to operate under them through a sub-licence or White Label arrangement.

Designed for operators already licensed in other jurisdictions, the Sub-Licence allows businesses to collaborate with existing Full Licence holders in the Isle of Man. This option provides a cost-effective and streamlined pathway to enter a world-class regulatory environment while benefiting from the infrastructure and expertise of an established licence holder.

Sub-licensees must enter into an agreement with a Full Licence holder to operate and can only offer games they have either developed in-house or games for which the Full Licence holder holds the rights. However, the Sub Licence fee is £5,250 per year. White Labels may be offered, and Sub-licensees retain their players' data – although they are responsible for their own AML and KYC compliance as if they were a Full Licence holder.

Incorporating all the benefits of a Full Licence, the Network Services Licence enables cooperation with operators licensed in other jurisdictions, allowing their players to access games without re-registration. This is particularly advantageous for poker networks, shared liquidity pools, and networked jackpot systems, ensuring seamless cross-border player integration.

A Network Licence operates in the same way as a Full Licence; however, Network Licence holders have additional B2B opportunities to enhance their options for sub-licensing and White Labelling. Network Licence holders can enter into agreements with operators in other jurisdictions, who become known as Network Partners once the agreements are established.

This allows the Network Licence holder to permit the Network Partner’s registered players to play their games without needing to re-register them. Additionally, the Network Licence holder has no AML or KYC responsibilities for these players, as this responsibility lies with the Network Partner. No fees are payable to the Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) for adding Network Partners, although the GSC must be satisfied with the Network Partner’s controls before they can be added. Network Partners are not required to pay any duties or fees to the GSC. Typically, a revenue-sharing agreement is in place between the Network Licence holder and the Network Partner. The Network Licence costs £52,500 per year.

Tailored for game developers and platform providers, this optional licence allows businesses to register their products with the Isle of Man’s Software Supplier Register. This ensures that other Isle of Man-licensed operators can integrate these products without additional testing. A token-based version is available for crypto-based solutions, making this licence essential for B2B providers seeking credibility, market access, and regulatory approval.

This licence is optional rather than mandatory; however, many software businesses opt to become licensed to demonstrate their adherence to the Isle of Man’s high standards, thereby providing reassurance to B2B partners such as operators, banks, payment processors, investors, shareholders, and others. Additionally, a licensed software supplier can have their products listed as approved on the GSC’s website, allowing any Isle of Man B2C operator to deploy these games on their site without needing to acquire RNG testing certificates, as the GSC will have already received them from the software supplier.

In addition to software developers, the licence is also applicable to other service providers within the gaming industry, such as aggregators, who may also benefit from the Isle of Man’s regulatory reputation, along with their B2B partners.

Some of the standard licence conditions do not apply to the Software Supplier Licence, such as those related to player registration, including server location, KYC, and AML, as no player data is held (if player data is held, a B2C licence is required). No gaming duty is owed, as no bets are placed; however, other requirements, such as having Directors based on the Island, still apply.

  • Standard fiat platforms/software - £36,750 per year
  • Token/blockchain-enabled platforms/software - £52,500 per year

For blockchain-enabled platforms, applicants must meet additional conditions not required for fiat platform applications:

  • Applicants must demonstrate their understanding of the technology
  • Tokens must be available and not still in development

A news blackout will be enforced throughout the application process to prevent attempts to inflate the value of tokens.

Under Isle of Man regulations, white label partners do not require a separate licence. Instead, they operate under a Full Licence holder who handles player registration and compliance. This model enables brands to launch their gaming platforms efficiently while leveraging the regulatory expertise of an established operator, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.

As White Labels are considered non-licensable, there are no licence fees or gaming duties payable. Additionally, since no player data is held, there are no AML or KYC responsibilities to manage. These obligations are typically handled by the licence holder offering the White Label.

Under a White Label arrangement, your business would market a website, while the services provided are processed by the licence holder, meaning all regulatory responsibility rests with the licence holder. A revenue-sharing agreement is usually in place between the operator and your business.

In some cases, and where previously agreed, an exit strategy may be established, allowing the White Label to retain the player data generated during their relationship with the licensed operator. White Labels can typically go live within 4 to 8 weeks, making them a good introduction to the sector.

Next Steps If you're interested in obtaining an Isle of Man gambling licence, our team of eGaming consultants and specialist gaming lawyers are here to guide you through every step.

Click here to speak with out experts

Why Choose Manavia?

At Manavia, we are experts in Isle of Man eGaming licensing. Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding your business, or developing cutting-edge gaming technology, we provide end-to-end support to ensure a seamless, compliant, and efficient licensing process.

Expert Guidance
Our team has deep industry knowledge and regulatory expertise.

Streamlined Process
We manage the entire application from start to finish.

Custom Solutions
We tailor licensing strategies to match your business goals.

Ongoing Compliance
We provide long-term regulatory and operational support.

The Isle of Man offers one of the most trusted and flexible gaming licences in the world—and with Manavia, you have the best team by your side.

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Post-License Support

 After securing your license, Manavia continues to support you with services designed to ensure your ongoing compliance and growth:

Frequent Compliance Checks
Regular assessments to keep your operation in line with evolving regulations.

License Renewal Assistance
Timely reminders and support throughout the license renewal process.

Operational Consultation
Expert advice to enhance your operational efficiency, increase profitability,
and maintain compliance with all relevant regulations.

How much does an eGaming license
from the Isle of Man cost?

The Isle of Man license types and prices

Description Fee
Application Fee £5,250
Full License The main license that covers B2C operation for all game types with a right to partner with sub-license holders and offer a White Label solution. £36,750 p.a.
Fee for each new partnership with a sub-licensee £5,250 p.a.
Sub-License Covers operation under an exclusive agreement with a full license holder where the sub-licensee is only allowed to offer the main licensee’s games. £5,250 p.a.
Network License Covers all aspects of the full license and allows network license holders to accept players from foreign operators without re-registering them. £52,500 p.a.

B2B Software Supplier License

  • Standard fiat platform suppliers
  • Token / blockchain-enabled platform suppliers

These licenses are not obligatory but are often chosen since they confirm compliance with the Isle of Man’s standards.

 £36,750 and £52,500 p.a.

*The fees for each type of license are due annually. The license is granted for a five-year period.

Your Key Requirements
for the Isle of Man Gaming License (2025)

Under the Online Gambling Regulations Act 2001 (OGRA), companies seeking a gambling licence in the Isle of Man must meet a set of stringent regulatory requirements. These ensure the jurisdiction maintains its reputation as a trusted and well-regulated iGaming hub.

To qualify for a licence, a company must:

Be incorporated in the Isle of Man

Appoint two Isle of Man resident directors

Designate a local compliance officer
Either a Designated Official (DO) or an Operations Manager must be a resident of the Isle of Man. This role can be fulfilled by one of the company’s directors or an independent professional from a local service provider like Manavia.

Pay an application fee of £5,250
and submit all required application forms.

Protect player funds at all times
B2C licensees must implement robust safeguarding measures.

Undergo independent certification
All games, random number generators (RNGs), and gambling systems must be tested and certified by an approved testing laboratory.

Meet Due Diligence requirements
Directors, Designated Officials, Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs), and any beneficial owner holding 5% or more of the company must undergo a rigorous due diligence process.

Additionally, the Isle of Man upholds strict regulatory standards to maintain its status as a responsible gaming jurisdiction. Licensees must:

Adhere to player protection policies and maintain financial safeguards.

Comply with Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Codes to ensure fair and responsible marketing.

Follow anti-money laundering (AML) policies to prevent financial crime.

Failure to comply with these obligations can result in the revocation of the licence by the Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) at any time during its five-year validity period.

With its world-class regulatory framework, the Isle of Man offers a secure, reputable, and business-friendly environment for iGaming operators looking to establish a global presence.

 

How to Apply for an eGaming Licence in the Isle of Man

To obtain a eGaming licence in the Isle of Man, applicants must demonstrate transparency, credibility, and regulatory compliance. The Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) conducts comprehensive legal and financial due diligence on all individuals and entities associated with the application. This includes assessing ownership structures, business models, contractual terms, game rules, internal system controls, technical compliance, and player registration protocols. The GSC may also request additional documentation during the review process.

Once submitted, applications typically take 10 to 12 weeks to process. However, incomplete or improperly prepared applications can lead to delays. Manavia guides you every step of the way, making licensing smooth, simple, and stress-free!

Holding an Isle of Man gaming licence is a mark of trust and excellence. The GSC enforces stringent compliance measures, ensuring fair play, responsible gaming, and consumer protection—giving both players and businesses total confidence in the integrity of licence holders. Manavia guides you every step of the way, making licensing smooth, simple, and stress-free!

Required Documentation
Applicants must submit the following documents in accordance with Isle of Man licensing laws:

      • Comprehensive business plan outlining operations and objectives
      • Detailed description of the games offered
      • Third-party RNG certification verifying fairness and randomness
      • Software description and Technical System Testing report
      • Target market analysis

The following documents must be no older than three months:

      • Criminal record clearance certificate
      • Copies of identification documents (passports or national IDs)
      • Bank references to verify financial stability
      • Recent utility bills as proof of address

Each authorised person associated with the licence application must provide the required documentation as outlined above.

With a structured application process, strong regulatory oversight, and a commitment to fair gaming, the Isle of Man remains one of the most respected and sought-after licensing jurisdictions for iGaming operators.

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How Manavia Can Support You in Securing an Isle of Man Gambling Licence

The application process for an Isle of Man eGaming Licence can be daunting, especially given the volume of documentation required. Even the smallest error or missing detail can result in the rejection of your application, costing you valuable time, money, and effort.

A rejected application can also lead to delays, with some applicants facing waiting periods of up to a year before being allowed to reapply. While a second attempt isn't always unsuccessful, it certainly tarnishes your credibility, which could be detrimental to your future prospects.

Given the complexities involved in the Isle of Man's licensing process, many operators opt to work with experienced professionals who can guide them through the process. By partnering with experts, you can save considerable time and reduce the risk of costly mistakes that could derail your chances of success.

Manavia, supported by the MannBenham Group, including MannBenham Advocates, a leading Isle of Man law firm , provides comprehensive eGaming consulting and legal advisory services to simplify your licensing journey. We take care of the paperwork and compliance requirements, allowing you to focus on more strategic aspects of your business, such as player acquisition and growth. While you prepare for your business launch, we ensure that your application is meticulously reviewed and ready for submission.

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Isle of Man Gambling Licence
Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the application process take?

Once your application is submitted with all necessary documentation and requirements met, the review process typically takes between 10 and 12 weeks. Ensuring your application is complete and well-prepared will help avoid any delays.

All gambling licences in the Isle of Man are valid for a period of five years, after which they must be renewed to maintain active status.

The type of licence you require will depend on your business model and objectives. A full licence enables you to operate directly with consumers (B2C). Alternatively, if you plan to work with licensees from other jurisdictions without the need for re-registration, a network licence might be more suitable. A sub-licence allows you to operate using a full licence holder’s technology and games, providing a flexible and cost-effective route to launch and scale your business before securing a full licence of your own.

All licences are subject to an application fee of £5,250, followed by the annual rates listed below:

  • Full Licence - £36,750 per annum
  • Sub Licence - £5,250 per annum (conditions apply)
  • Network Licence - £52,500 per annum
  • Software Supplier Licence - £36,750 per annum
  • Token/Blockchain based Software Supplier Licence - £52,500 per annum

  • Standard fiat platforms/software - £36,750 per year
  • Token/blockchain-enabled platforms/software - £52,500 per year

For blockchain-enabled platforms, applicants must meet additional conditions not required for fiat platform applications:

  • Applicants must demonstrate their understanding of the technology
  • Tokens must be available and not still in development

A news blackout will be enforced throughout the application process to prevent attempts to inflate the value of tokens.

Under Isle of Man regulations, white label partners do not require a separate licence. Instead, they operate under a Full Licence holder who handles player registration and compliance. This model enables brands to launch their gaming platforms efficiently while leveraging the regulatory expertise of an established operator, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.

As White Labels are considered non-licensable, there are no licence fees or gaming duties payable. Additionally, since no player data is held, there are no AML or KYC responsibilities to manage. These obligations are typically handled by the licence holder offering the White Label.

Under a White Label arrangement, your business would market a website, while the services provided are processed by the licence holder, meaning all regulatory responsibility rests with the licence holder. A revenue-sharing agreement is usually in place between the operator and your business.

In some cases, and where previously agreed, an exit strategy may be established, allowing the White Label to retain the player data generated during their relationship with the licensed operator. White Labels can typically go live within 4 to 8 weeks, making them a good introduction to the sector.

Next Steps If you're interested in obtaining an Isle of Man gambling licence, our team of eGaming consultants and specialist gaming lawyers are here to guide you through every step.

Click here to speak with out experts

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10-12 Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2LH | Email: info@manavia.im | Telephone: +44 (0)1624 639350

 

Have questions or need guidance?

Reach out to our friendly team today and let's discuss how we can support your vision.



Email:  info@manavia.im

Phone Number: +44 (0)1624 639350

Address: 10-12 Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2LH

 

Manavia Limited is a company registered in the Isle of Man  with Company number 88712C and is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority to provide Corporate and Trust Services.

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