iGaming Compliance Checklist for New Market Entry

Apply for an operating licence with the named regulator (UKGC, MGA, GGL, KSA, ADM, ANJ, NJDGE, etc). Each regulator has a published licence-application form; suitability and integrity assessments require operator-entity ownership disclosure, source-of-funds proof, key-person background checks, and a technical-platform certification (third-party RNG and game-fairness certification from an accredited testing lab - GLI, eCOGRA, or BMM). Application timelines range from 12 weeks (Curacao CGCB direct) to 32+ weeks (UK Gambling Commission). Budget licence-application fees range from low thousands to mid-six-figures depending on jurisdiction.

Customer due diligence (CDD) on every player at signup - identity verification, sanctions screening, PEP screening, address verification. Enhanced due diligence (EDD) on higher-risk customers (high deposit volume, jurisdictional risk, source-of-funds concerns). Transaction monitoring across deposits, withdrawals, and play patterns; suspicious-activity reporting to the local FIU. Per-jurisdiction record-keeping retention typically 5+ years. AML / KYC overhead is a material opex line for any regulated operator.

Deposit limits, loss limits, wagering limits per session and per period. Time-out functionality and self-exclusion. Reality-check pop-ups at configurable intervals. Player-protection messaging in line with the regulator's published guidelines. Affordability checks (UK in particular). Sign-posting to GamCare / GamStop / equivalent local helpline. Required to be functional on day one of operation, not deferred.

Each regulated market has its own advertising rules. UK follows the CAP Code and ASA enforcement; Italy's Dignity Decree bans most gambling advertising; the Netherlands prohibits advertising to under-25s. Affiliate marketing introduces additional liability for the operator's choice of affiliate partner. Sponsorship rules vary widely. Always check the current rules - the rules change.