Alderney Gambling License – A Comprehensive Guide On How To Get Alderney License In 2025

Gambling is legal and regulated in Alderney, a British Crown dependency. The jurisdiction’s gambling industry is governed by a robust legal framework under the administration of the Alderney Gambling Control Commission. 

Obtaining an Alderney Gambling license also grants operators access to several international markets where gambling is legal, due to the good reputation of this license offshore. For operators looking to embark on a casino software development project in Alderney, this article is a perfect point of reference.

• The Alderney Gambling license is a prestigious license that allows operators to offer online gambling services in Alderney and other jurisdictions. 
• The AGCC issues Category 1 (B2C) licenses for gambling operators managing player accounts and Category 2 (B2B) licenses for software providers. Foreign-based companies can obtain an Associate Certificate in any of these categories. 
• The Alderney licensing process takes approximately 4 weeks and requires company registration, due diligence checks, and compliance verification. Applicants pay a £10,000 application fee, and first-year licensing fees start at £17,500 for local companies and £35,000 for foreign-based businesses.
• The Alderney eGambling license provides strong international credibility, no gaming tax, and zero corporate tax. 

Understanding the Alderney Gaming License

The Alderney gaming license is one of the top gambling licenses recognized across many jurisdictions all over the world. The jurisdiction offers the highest standards in gambling regulations with robust measures for anti-money laundering, responsible gambling, and player protection. This creates a conducive environment for gambling businesses to thrive while also contributing to its global credibility. The Alderney license application process is transparent, fair, and relatively affordable compared to many other jurisdictions.

What Is an Alderney Online Gambling License?

An Alderney online gambling license is a permit issued to gambling businesses by the government of the British Channel Island of Alderney. The licensing and regulatory process is managed by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission. Alderney allows license holders to organize all types of gambling activities, provide gambling games, and conduct various aspects of player management in Alderney and other jurisdictions where the license is accepted. 

History and Overview of Alderney Gaming License

The first law to regulate gambling in Alderney was enacted in 1999. Also known as the Gambling Law, this legislation facilitated the creation of the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, which was established officially in May 2000. 

The original goal of this organization was to manage telephone betting activities in Alderney. However, in 2001, the jurisdiction started focusing on eGambling and this became the core focus of the AGCC. Alderney does not have any brick-and-mortar casinos, but the AGCC issues licenses for various kinds of online gaming platforms. 

As a British Crown dependency, Alderney received permission from the UK to manage eGambling activities in 2007 after the enactment of the UK’s Gambling Act of 2005. This made Alderney one of the first non-EEA jurisdictions to receive permission to issue licenses for eGambling activities. 

In the past, operators with an Alderney eGambling license were allowed to provide their gambling services to players and businesses in the UK gambling market without a separate UKGC license. However, this changed in 2014 with the enactment of the Gambling Act of 2014 which eliminated the whitelist that included Alderney. Alderney remains a first-tier regulatory jurisdiction with licenses issued to over 70 businesses so far. 

Key Functions and Powers of the Alderney Gambling Control Commission

The Alderney Gambling Control Commission is one of the leading regulatory bodies in the iGaming industry. The commission is in charge of regulating online gaming and gambling in this jurisdiction. 

The AGCC’s primary mission is to maintain the integrity of all electronic gambling activities regulated by the Commission. This regulatory and supervisory role is carried out in line with the highest international standards. Some of the functions and power of this commission include: 

• Overseeing the licensing and regulation of all online and land-based gambling activities in Alderney.
• Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from harm or exploitation by gambling operators.
• Investigating the character and financial status of license applicants and holders.
• Monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements, investigating breaches, and taking regulatory actions where required.
• Investigating civil or criminal proceedings against individuals or entities that commit gambling-related offenses.  

Types of Alderney Gambling Licenses

The AGCC issues B2C (category 1) and B2B (category 2) licenses or associate certificates. Local companies based in Alderney are issued licenses by the AGCC while foreign-based companies get an associate certificate. Note that holders of either of these permit types have the same rights and abilities under the law, the only difference being where they’re incorporated.

Category 1 License/Associate Certificate

This is a B2C certificate that permits license holders to organize all types of gambling activities in Alderney. This gambling license also enables them to carry out all aspects of player management from fund management to KYC verification. A Category 1 license is typically issued to gaming platform operators. 

Category 2 License/Associate Certificate 

This is a type of B2B license that permits the license holders to carry out all aspects of a gambling transaction, including providing games and betting activities to other license holders. This license is primarily obtained by gambling software providers.

Core Services Associate Certificate (CSAC)

A Core Services Associated Certificate is issued to operators who want to provide third-party services such as gambling software, player fund deposit, company management, and other related services to an Alderney eGambling license holder. 

The AGCC also issues a temporary gambling license for operators with a license from other recognized jurisdictions. This license allows them to organize gambling activities for a limited period of 29 consecutive days. The temporary license is perfect for companies registered in other jurisdictions that may want to test what the licensing jurisdiction offers before they register fully. Hosting service providers can also apply for a hosting certificate in this jurisdiction.

Benefits of the Alderney Gambling License

• Robust regulatory framework 
• Competitive tax regime
• International credibility 
• Not restricted by location

Robust Regulatory Framework

The Alderney Gambling Commission follows strict and transparent regulatory laws to create a safe and secure environment for gambling businesses. This protects the integrity of the industry and enhances the reputation of Alderney as a first-tier gambling regulatory jurisdiction. 

Competitive Tax Regime 

Getting an Alderney eGambling license is cost-effective. In addition to affordable licenses and a straightforward fee structure, the government of Alderney does not charge companies registered in the country any gaming tax, corporate tax, or VAT. There are also no capital gains taxes applied, reducing the financial cost of running a gambling business in the jurisdiction.  

International Credibility

Thanks to the jurisdiction’s robust regulatory framework, an Alderney license is considered a symbol of credibility. It is recognized by players and other operators in the international community. Players and businesses are more likely to patronize your business if you have an Alderney eGambling license. 

Not Restricted by Location

A business with its gambling platform located outside Alderney can still apply for this license. Alderney licensees remain unaffected by the location and enjoy the same rights as businesses that carry out their gambling transactions in Alderney.

Licensing Requirements

The first step in learning how to secure a gambling license in Alderney is to learn about the licensing requirements. These are the most important requirements that applicants are required to meet.  

• The company has to be registered in Alderney or any other recognized jurisdiction. 
• The company is required to appoint responsible persons. This includes an executive director and an anti-money laundering official. These individuals will meet with the AGCC during the licensing process and will monitor compliance with regulatory requirements after the license is approved. 
• The gaming equipment must be operated in AGCC-approved facilities and must meet all safety standards. 
• The applicant must be able to pay the initial investigation deposit to begin the application and the first annual fee once the application is approved. 

Application and Timelines

The AGCC offers a seamless application process with one of the quickest timelines in the industry. While the entire application process happens in multiple stages, it can be completed in as little as four weeks if the applicant meets all the requirements and provides all the required documentation during the investigation process.  

The major milestones of the application process include submitting an application form, meeting with the AGCC representatives, due diligence, and final application approval. Note that the AGCC will still need to evaluate and approve the operator’s gambling equipment and gaming systems after the initial application approval.         

Alderney Gaming License Application Process Step-by-Step

As an operator investigating how to start an online gambling website with your sight set on the Alderney license, you should know that the commission in charge of licensing has a robust regulatory framework with stringent guidelines for the licensing process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the Alderney gaming license application process, whether you’re applying for a full or temporary gambling license.

1. Company Registration 

The first step of the application process is to register the company either in Alderney or an international jurisdiction. An Alderney registered company gets a license while foreign companies are issued an Associate Certificate. You also need to open a bank account either locally or in any other jurisdiction.

2. Preparation of the Required Documents and Policies

Before proceeding with your application, you need to prepare all the documents required for your application. This includes personal documents for the business directors like their resumes, proof of address, bank references, and so on. You also need to create detailed policy documents about your anti-money laundering procedure and develop a sound business plan. 

3. Filling Out the Application Form and Paying the Fees

With all your documents in order, you can proceed to fill out the application form and pay the investigation deposit, which is £10,000. 

4. Investigation/Due Diligence 

The AGCC will carry out a thorough investigation to determine the applicant’s suitability for the license. This involves assessing the character, business reputation, company structure, business model, policy, and financial position of the applicant. 

5. Meeting with the Representatives 

As part of the applicant suitability testing phase, the AGCC will set up a meeting with the applicant’s resident representatives or resident agent to obtain more information about the business plan, potential business partners, corporate entities, and other details of the eGambling operation. 

6. Approval 

If the gambling business meets all the requirements, the AGCC grants the license upon the payment of the full license fee. However, the gambling business cannot commence full operation until an audit of the gambling equipment, and internal control systems has been carried out. Once this is done, the application will be fully approved and business operation may commence.

Costs and Taxes Overview

The Alderney license fees are very competitive and relatively affordable compared to other licensing jurisdictions. The Alderney gaming license application fees cost £10,000. After the license is approved, the license holder pays a first-year introductory flat fee of £17,500 (for a B2C or B2B license) and £35,000 (for the B2C or B2B associate certificate as a foreign-based company). 

For subsequent years, the annual fee is a minimum of £35,000 per annum (for the B2C or B2B license). The actual amount to be paid is calculated based on the Net Gaming Yield. Similarly, Associate certificate holders pay an annual fee of £50,000 per annum. Note that the cost of a Core Services Associate Certificate in Alderney is £10,000 annually. 

Alderney does not charge licensed service providers gaming duties or VA. There’s also a zero tax rate on company profit and no capital gain taxes as well. This jurisdiction has no hidden charges or additional costs beyond the annual fees to be paid by the operator. 

Payment Solutions and Corporate Structure

Banking and payment processing is a fundamental part of any iGaming operation. Fortunately, the AGCC does not impose any restriction on banking on payment service providers that a gambling business can work with. License holders are allowed to open a bank account with reputable institutions anywhere in the world. 

Alderney eGambling license and certificate holders are required to appoint key individuals to managerial positions. Such key persons must obtain a key individual certificate from the commission. They will carry out essential functions relating to operational management, compliance, and response to due diligence information requests, and they will report to the AGCC as required by law. 

Jurisdictional Restrictions

As an internationally recognized license, a gambling license in Alderney allows operators to conduct online gambling activities across several jurisdictions. However, it doesn’t automatically grant access to every market. License holders must ensure they comply with the specific gambling regulations of each jurisdiction, which may require them to get a local license to operate.

For example, the UK requires operators targeting its market to hold a UK Gambling Commission license even if they have an Alderney license. AGCC license holders may also have to restrict their services to certain jurisdictions such as countries on the FATF blacklist due to a high risk of financial crimes. 

Remote Gambling in Alderney

The AGCC issues licenses for remote gaming in Alderney. This refers to gambling carried out over the internet via a remote link. Gaming businesses that carry out gambling-related transactions remotely from a server in Alderney, Guernsey, or any other hosting center approved by the AGCC are required to apply for a license. The license covers all games of chance or skills that are played for money, including casino games, sports betting, bingo, and so on. For more information about iGaming development and how to get started with remote gambling, read our guide on how to start a casino app. 

Regulatory Framework and Compliance

To operate a gambling business in Alderney, operators are expected to comply with a stringent set of legal obligations and compliance requirements. This is necessary to maintain the jurisdiction’s reputation and protect the interest of players. Some of the regulatory responsibilities of operators are highlighted below.

• Key individuals managing the gaming operation must demonstrate high standards of integrity and competence.
• Operators must adhere to the regulatory requirements laid out in the Alderney Gaming Act and other relevant legislation and comply with the guidelines of the AGCC. 
• Gambling operators must implement robust anti-money laundering (AML) procedures to prevent financial crime. This includes verifying player identities, monitoring transactions, and reporting suspicious activity.
• Operators must provide tools and resources built into their gaming system to help players manage their gambling habits and ensure responsible gambling. 
• Gaming equipment must meet strict technical standards to ensure fairness, security, and reliability.
• Operators must maintain adequate financial reserves to cover player balances and operational expenses.

Ongoing Maintenance and Compliance

Licenses and certificates granted by the AGCC are valid for an indefinite period. However, license holders are required to pay an annual license fee which is calculated based on their Net Gaming Yield. Operators must also continue to comply with all the regulatory requirements to maintain their licenses. 

Within a year of the live activation of the gambling platform (and every year after), the commission will visit the license holder’s operational center and audit their system to ensure compliance with the relevant conditions of the license including the status of approved games and the operator’s internal control systems. 

The operator must ensure that its operation is in line with what has been previously approved by the AGCC. Transparent financial reporting and record-keeping are also essential to maintaining the license. The AGCC will invite the reporting officers of the license holder and other stakeholders to annual training events on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. The commission also conducts regular audits to ensure regulatory compliance and ensure the financial integrity of gambling companies.

Why Choose the Alderney Gaming License?

The Alderney Gambling license is one of the most prestigious licenses in the industry. The jurisdiction operates a respected licensing regime guided by global best practices, years of practical iGaming industry experience, and a robust regulatory framework.

This license also makes sense from a financial perspective with 0% gaming duty, no corporation tax, and 0% VAT. All of these benefits, plus a relatively friendly application process with a single license for all game verticals make choosing Alderney a great idea. However, if you’d like to find out more about other gambling licenses, check out our articles on:

• Curacao gaming license
• Tobique gaming license
• Anjouan gaming license
• Malta gaming license
• Isle of Man gambling license
• Kahnawake gaming license
• Gibraltar gaming licence
• UK gaming license

Key Considerations for License Applicants

As an operator learning how to start an online casino business and navigate the Alderney gambling licensing process, you should know that the jurisdiction upholds high compliance and regulatory standards. 

Although an application for an eGambling license can be approved fairly quickly, your chances of getting approval mainly depend on you submitting all the required documents in line with the AGCC’s guidelines. 

The commission requires operators to demonstrate that they’re capable of running a viable operation. To navigate the complexities of the Alderney licensing process, it’s best to work with experienced legal and compliance professionals. 

Conclusion

Applying for a gaming license, especially from a reputable jurisdiction like Alderney, is a complicated process. However, if you pass this rigorous process and get a license, your business earns a valuable seal of approval that grants you access to several international markets. 

You can get help with your casino software development needs and learn more about the process of obtaining a valid iGaming license by hiring us. Contact us today to get started.