Alderney Gambling License

Obtaining a gambling license in Alderney offers online gambling operators several advantages:

Flexible licensing options
Alderney offers various types of gambling licenses tailored to different forms of online gambling, including casinos, sports betting, poker, and others. This flexibility allows operators to choose the best option to suit their business model.

No income tax
There is no income tax in Alderney for companies holding a gambling license. This can be a significant financial advantage, allowing for a more efficient allocation of resources.

Professional support
The local regulator provides professional support throughout the licensing process. Operators can benefit from the expertise of the regulator for compliance and enforcement.

Strict regulation
The licensing process includes thorough criminal background checks, financial assessments, and regular compliance checks, ensuring a safe and fair environment for players.

Reputation and trust
Having this license improves the reputation and credibility of an online gambling operator.

International recognition
The Alderney gambling license is widely recognized internationally. Its recognition can be particularly beneficial for operators looking to expand their services globally, as it demonstrates a willingness to comply with regulatory requirements.

Technical standards
The license commits to strict technical standards, ensuring the fairness and safety of online gambling platforms. This includes requirements for random number generation, game integrity, and information security.

Player protection
Operators with a gambling license in Alderney are required to implement measures to protect players, such as age verification, responsible gambling tools, and secure payment methods. This concern for player welfare can attract and retain a more loyal audience.

Stability and security
Alderney has political stability and a well-established legal system, which contributes to overall safety and security for both operators and players.

The requirements for license applicants vary slightly depending on the type of license.

Requirements for obtaining a Category 1, 2 gambling license

• only a company registered in Alderney can obtain a Type 1 or Type 2 gambling license;
• it is mandatory to appoint an executive director responsible for compliance who will report to the AGCC on all compliance matters;
• the mandatory appointment of an AML/CFT officer (can be the same person as the executive director;
• placement and maintenance of gaming equipment in facilities approved by the AGCC;
• the initial deposit payable to the AGCC is £10,000 (approximately US$12,711);
• the license fee for the first year is £17,500 (approximately US$22,244);
• the licensee must notify the AGCC of the commencement of its operations before the actual commencement of operations.

Requirements for obtaining a temporary license

• the license may only be issued to a foreign company;
• the licensee must have a license or permit from some other jurisdiction allowing it to conduct gambling in a form equivalent to that which it intends to provide under the temporary gambling license;
• the licensee must notify the AGCC of the activation of the license no later than one hour after commencing its activities and of the termination of the use of the license no later than one hour after ceasing its activities;
• the licensee may use the license for no more than 29 days of continuous use or a total of 59 days in any 6 months;
• on the 30th day of continuous use or the 60th day of cumulative use in any six months, the licensee must apply for a full electronic gambling license within 42 days;
• the license fee is £10,000 (approximately $12,711).

Requirements for obtaining an Associate Basic Service Provider Certificate

• management staff should be authorized to provide gambling software or equipment;
• all gambling equipment must be independently tested;
• the initial deposit payable to the AGCC is £5,000 (approximately $6,355);
• the annual fee is £10,000 (about US$12,711).

Requirements for a Category 1 associate certificate

• the certificate can only be issued to an Alderney-based company holding a Category 1 and/or 2 electronic gambling license.
• the certificate is not available to individuals;
• the applicant must have a permanent representative or key individual resident in the Guernsey bailiwick;
• the applicant’s Chief Executive can only approve a resident representative if that representative resides or is registered in the Bailiwick and the Chief Executive is satisfied that the resident representative is competent;
• annual fee of £35,000 (approximately US$44,488).

Requirements for obtaining a Category 2 associate certificate

• the certificate can only be issued to an Alderney-based company holding a Category 1 and/or Category 2 electronic gambling license.
• the certificate is not available to individuals;
• an executive director must be appointed who is responsible for carrying out the duties of the compliance officer and is required to report to the AGCC on all compliance matters;
• an AML/CFT officer must be appointed who can also fulfill the role of compliance officer.
• the annual fee is £35,000 (approximately US$44,488).

Requirements for the key individual certificate

• application for the certificate must be made within 21 days of the key individual taking up their position;
• the applicant must provide documentation to demonstrate that he or she is financially sound and able to effectively perform the duties of the position;
• the initial deposit payable to AGCC is £10,000 (approximately US$12,711).

A gambling license in Alderney is granted by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC). This license ensures the regulation of online gambling and allows licensees to legally operate worldwide.

The AGCC issues different types of licenses for online casinos, bookmakers, poker rooms, and other forms of gambling entertainment, each offering different opportunities to its holders. Depending on the choice or need, the certificate or license may allow for customers or other businesses to operate. The process of obtaining a license involves thorough background checks covering the criminal and financial history of applicants.

Operators with a license are required to meet high standards in protecting players, preventing money laundering, and supporting responsible gambling. Technical standards include ensuring safety, fairness, and transparency on online gambling platforms.

The financial strength of applicants is also an important criterion. Operators must provide financial statements and evidence of sufficient funds to cover liabilities.

License holders are subject to regular audits and inspections by the AGCC to ensure that standards and regulations are adhered to. The Alderney gambling license is also globally recognized, which contributes to the confidence of the international community.

Operators are required to pay license fees, which fund the AGCC’s activities and ensure effective regulation and oversight. Fees can vary depending on the type of license and volume of operations and range from £10,000 to £35,000 per year (approximately $12,711 to $44,488).

Gambling licenses in Alderney are generally issued for 5 years. After this period, the operator can apply for a license renewal for the same period.

In terms of taxes, there is no direct income tax in Alderney for companies holding gambling licenses. This is one of the most significant advantages of this jurisdiction.

Alderney provides a variety of gaming license types to ensure that businesses with different models can provide gaming products and services that are safe, fair, and of high quality.

Category 1 (B2C) License
A Category 1 license grants the right to organize and prepare gambling operations, including registering and verifying players, establishing contractual relationships with them, and managing player funds.

Category 2 (B2B) license
A Category 2 license grants the right to conduct gambling operations, including the operational management of a gaming platform housed in an approved hosting center.

Depending on the intended activity, an organization can apply for one or both types of licenses.

Temporary license
Issued for a period of up to 6 months while a full license is being considered.

It allows to act as a licensee of electronic gambling of the first and/or second category for a limited time and only for specific purposes. The holder of a temporary license has all the rights and obligations of an electronic gambling licensee of the first or second category.

Various types of gaming certificates are provided in Alderney, targeting different aspects of online gambling. They ensure that operators comply with specific standards and regulations set by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC).

Some of the types of gambling certificates in Alderney are:

Major Service Provider Certificate
This certificate is issued to main service providers in the field of gambling. Holders of this certificate are authorized to provide specialized gambling software, including games, to licensed electronic gambling operators, Category 1 associate certificate holders, and Category 2 associate certificate holders, except for the sale of this software and related rights. With this certificate, customers may deposit funds for gambling operations conducted with Category 1 Associate Certificate holders.

Category 1 Associate Certificate
This certificate enables its holder to transact with clients to organize and prepare them to participate in gambling. Organization and preparation activities include registering and verifying clients, conducting financial transactions with clients, and managing their funds. This certificate is subject to the same general conditions as a Category 1 gambling license.

Category 2 Associate Certificate
This certificate is issued to a company to which a Category 1 electronic gambling licensee refers or facilitates the referral of customers. It allows a Category 2 employee to conduct gambling transactions with these customers or to enable them to interact with other players.

Permitted gambling transactions include betting, recording and posting the results of gambling transactions, and using the hardware and software systems through which these transactions are conducted.

Hosting Certificate
This certificate provides companies with the ability to host gambling equipment in Alderney. It can be obtained through an Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) approved physical premises provider in Guernsey. This is where the gaming equipment of licensees and associate certificate holders is stored. It is important to note that certificate holders are not required to pay annual fees for the use of this certificate.

Key Individual Certificate
A key individual is defined as a person who holds a management position that has significant influence over the licensee’s or certificate holder’s operations, or such person who has been identified either by the licensee itself or by the AGCC as a key individual who performs the functions of a key individual. A person who holds a key position but does not hold a key individual certificate may be subject to a fine.

The regulatory system in Alderney aims to create a safe, fair, and responsible online gambling environment, which contributes to the jurisdiction’s reputation as a respected and trusted hub for the industry.

The Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) oversees the gambling industry, including issuing licenses and enforcing regulations. With over 23 years of experience in regulating gambling, this body has demonstrated outstanding skills in promoting the industry while protecting the interests of all participants in the sector.

The only official source of legislation in Alderney is the Alderney Greffier. Three pieces of legislation underpin the Alderney legislation designed to regulate e-casino-related activities:

• The Gambling (Alderney) Act 1999;
• The Alderney Electronic Gambling Regulations, 2009;
• The Alderney Electronic Gambling Provisions, 2009.

The Alderney Electronic Gambling Regulations 2009 are some of the key pieces of legislation that set the standards for the various electronic gambling licenses and certificates in the jurisdiction. These regulations cover application procedures, criteria for issuing licenses, the process for modifying licenses, and the consequences of failing to comply with the regulations, including license suspension.

An additional important element in the regulation of gambling is the Alderney Electronic Gambling Regulations 2009. This document sets standards for licensing and certification processes, operational requirements for licensees and certificate holders, as well as general provisions regarding appeals, offenses, and denial of transactions. The regulation also contains AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism) rules for gambling businesses, which require the establishment of internal procedures, documentation of transactions, and assessment of all suspected business relationships.