If you're searching for information on which countries have the infrastructure in place and can legally host online gambling sites, then you've come to the right place. We will give you as much information as we possibly can. Here we have listed the top 10 popular gambling jurisdictions in the World.

Malta

Malta began issuing online gambling licenses in 2000; however it was not until 2004 that they revamped their Remote Gambling Regulations to begin offering 4 different classes of licenses to Operators. In 2005 the Malta Remote Gaming Council (MRGC) was elected and in 2007, Malta was selected for the UK's "White List". Citizens of Malta cannot place wagers with the Operators licensed there.

• Number of sites: 335



• Annual licensing fee: $1,000 (Maltese dollars)



• Gaming Types: Licenses are issued to Operators offering online casino games, games of chance, and games that use a random number generator; to those offering online sports and to betting operators; to advertisers and promotion companies operating in Malta; and to companies that host and manage remote gaming operations but who are not Operators.



• Website: http://www.lga.org.mt/







• Email: info@lga.org.mt



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Netherlands Antilles

The Governor of the NA is responsible for issuing gaming licenses. Sub-licenses may also be issued. Taxes of up to 2% may be instituted on the license holders. Due diligence usually takes up to 6 weeks and, if there are no objections, the prospective licens holder is grnated a provisional license.

• Number of sites: 274



• Annual licensing fee: ANG$60,000 deposit, ANG$10,000 per month license fee for 2 years, due diligence fees of US$2,000 - US$4,000.



• Gaming Types: Online Casino, Online Poker, Bingo, Lottery

Kahnawake Gaming Commission

In July 1999 the Commission enacted its regulations concerning Interactive Gaming to ensure that Operators are legitimate, games are fair, and Players get paid out their winnings. Operators may be required to host a client that provides interactive gambling and the gaming commission also awards secondary client provider authorization licenses. Key-person licenses are also required for each individual with a major role in the operation. All license types have accompanying fees.

• Number of sites: 254



• Annual licensing fee: CAD$5,000 (non-refundable) gaming license, CAD$15,000 deposit, CAD$10,000 license fee for first year, CAD$10,000 for client provider authorization licenses, CAD$15,000 for a secondary client provider authorization, and $2,500 for a key-person license.



• Gaming Types: Online Casino, Poker, and Sportsbetting



• Website: http://www.kahnawake.com/gamingcommission





• Email: kgc@mck.ca



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Gibraltar

Since 1998 Gibraltar has been issuing online gaming licenses and currently 222 gambling sites hold a Gibraltar license. They accept Sportsbooks, Online Casinos, and Betting Exchanges and have a 1% tax rate on gross revenue on betting exchanges and internet casinos, with a cap of £425,000.

• Number of sites: 222



• Annual licensing fee: £2,000 (no start up licensing fees)
  
  
• Gaming Types: Casino, Betting Exchanges, and Sportsbook
  
  
• Website: http://www.gra.gi/








• Email: gambling@gra.gi



• Monarch Gaming Recommended Site: EuroGrand Casino

Costa Rica

Although Costa Rica does not have a specific or regulated online gambling legislation, it is still a very popular gaming jurisdiction; mainly because there is no due diligence that is conducted on key persons and there is no tax. Instead the government of Costa Rica issues a data processing license. In 2007, the government made an attempt at taxing Sportsbooks and electronic betting companies based on the number of paid employees beginning with 10 employees and a fee of 10 Million colons.

• Number of sites: 217



• Annual licensing fee: Dependent on employees



• Website: http://www.meic.go.cr/



• Email: gambling@gra.gi

United Kingdom

Online casino, internet Poker, Sportsbetting, and Race bettinga are all acceptable forms of legalized online gambling in the United Kingdom since the Gambling Commission began awarding licenses in September of 2007.

• Number of sites: 99



• Annual licensing fees: Online gaming is taxed at a rate of 15%



• Gaming Types: Casino, Poker, Sportsbetting, Race Betting



• Website: http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/



• Email: info@gamblingcommission.gov.uk

Antigua and Barbuda

Two types of licenses are awarded to licensees - an Interactive Gaming license, which covers casino and poker games and an Interactive Wagering license which covers Sportsbetting. The Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) handles all licensing and regulation for gambling Operators in Antigua and Barbuda. The country is probably best known for its dispute with United States regarding their Internet gambling policies, which Antigua argued violated the General Agreement on Trade Services (GATS). In 2004, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled in favour of Antigua regarding this matter and the United States were given a year to comply with GATS. In 2007 the US were still not compliant and Antigua won the WTO ruling and a $3.4 Billion claim.

• Number of sites: 73



• English Supported: Yes



• License fee: US$75,000 and US$50,000



• Gaming Types: Casino, Poker, Sportsbetting



• Website: http://www.antiguagaming.gov.ag



• Email: director@antiguagaming.gov.ag



• Monarch Gaming Recommended Site: Bingo Fun

Alderney

Founded in May 2000 The Alderney Gambling Commission initially allowed licensees to accept bets from players world-wide. Amendments were made to the license in 2005 to make proivisions for multiple gaming types such as Casino, Poker, Sportsbook, and Lottery. In May 2008 regulations were put in place to ensure that license holders comply with the laws, which regulating advertising in the destination market. In 2009 alone, a total of 44 licenses have been issued by the Commission.

• Number of sites: 68



• License fee: £70,000



• Gaming Types: Casino, Poker. Sportsbook, Lottery



• Website: www.gamblingcontrol.org



• Email: info@alderneygambling.com



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Italy

Fixed betting and pari-mutuel sports online betting are legal in Italy and licenses are granted for them. Licenses are also granted for skill gaming and person-to-person betting. The Italian market is being sought after for online gambling licensing opportunities and is expected to increase by 64% by the year 2010.

• Number of sites: 57



• Website: www.aams.it

Panama

Master licenses are issued to Operators and are valid for up to 7 years in the gambling jurisdiction of Panama. Master license holders may grant sub-licenses which are subject to a fee. Internet gambling companies may operate tax-free when they accept foreign wagers.

• Number of sites: 41



• License fee: US$40,000 for 7-year license and $20,000 annual license fee



• Gaming Types: Electronic games of chance and wagering activities



• Website: www.mef.gob.pa



• Email: prensa@mef.gob.pa

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