by Alex Thomas | The Gamble Times, updated 22nd of May, 2025.
Let’s talk about a wild idea that a lot of gambling fans have flirted with: starting your own online casino.
I get it, the thrill of running your own platform, watching players sign up, big wins, bonus promos flying around… It sounds like the ultimate high-stakes hustle. And it can be, but only if you know exactly what you’re doing.
Here’s our take on how to start an online casino in 2025.
TL;DR: Thinking of starting an online casino?
It’s risky, expensive, and full of legal hoops — but also insanely exciting if you play it right. You’ll need a license (non-negotiable), solid software, a killer game library, payment options that work globally, and a plan to build trust. This guide walks you through the essentials, with no sugarcoating.
First, Let’s Be Real: It’s Not “Easy Money”
If you think launching an online casino is like setting up a Shopify store, stop now.
Running a successful online casino business is a serious operation. We’re talking:
- Six-figure startup costs
- Heavily regulated markets
- Relentless customer demands
- Insane competition
Still interested? Good — now let’s get into the real work.
Step 1: Get a Legit Casino License
No license = no casino. Full stop.
Why licensing matters:
- Player trust: People check this. No license, no players.
- Payment providers: Won’t touch you without a license.
- Game access: Providers only work with licensed casinos.
- SEO visibility: Google ranks licensed sites higher.
What Does a Casino License Cost in 2025?
Getting licensed isn’t cheap, and it shouldn’t be. Here’s a breakdown by jurisdiction:
Curacao eGaming
- Initial setup: €4,000–€12,000
- Annual renewal: €5,000–€10,000
- Time to license: 2–6 weeks
- Top facilitators:
Alex’s take: Stick to trusted master license holders like Curaçao Gaming Authority. There are shady outfits out there. avoid shortcuts.
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- Application fee: €5,000 (non-refundable)
- License cost: €25,000–€35,000/year
- Compliance costs: €15,000+ annually (audits, reports)
- Setup time: 4–6 months
Top-tier license, especially if you’re targeting Europe. But yeah, not cheap.
Anjouan (Comoros)
- Initial package: $20,000–$30,000 (often all-inclusive)
- Annual renewal: Around $15,000
- Setup time: 4–8 weeks
- Popular agencies:
Growing fast in 2025. Still new, but increasingly recognized. Cheaper than Malta, more structured than Curacao.
Step 2: Use a Casino Platform That Won’t Let You Down
This is your tech backbone. And no, building one from scratch is not smart unless you’ve got millions and a dev team on standby.
Your options:
White-Label Casinos
These are plug-and-play setups under someone else’s license.
- Setup fee: €15,000–€40,000
- Monthly fee: €5,000–€15,000
- Revenue share: 10%–40%
Best for: Testing the waters with a fast launch, minimal risk.
Note: You’ll have limited control over bonus structures, branding, and backend features.
Turnkey Solutions
You operate under your own license, with more control over branding, KYC, games, and promos.
- Upfront cost: €40,000–€100,000+
- Ongoing costs: Varies based on features and maintenance
- More flexible, scalable, and customizable
Top platform providers:
- SoftSwiss – Bitcoin-ready, big game portfolio
- EveryMatrix – Great tools, premium support
- Upgaming – Strong in gamification and UI
- BetConstruct – Established, multi-channel integrations
Alex’s advice: If you’re in it for the long game, turnkey is better. White-labels are great to test an idea, but can limit growth.
Step 3: Get the Right Game Providers
A casino with no good games is like a bar with no beer.
Make sure you integrate top-tier content from:
- Pragmatic Play
- Play’n GO
- NetEnt
- Evolution (for live dealers)
- Betsoft – Great for free spins and promos (check my Casinostars NDB Mini game)
Also look for:
- Crash games
- Jackpot slots
- Provably fair crypto games (if you’re going crypto)
Step 4: Add Payment Options People Trust
No one wants to gamble at a casino that makes it hard to cash out.
You’ll need to support:
- Cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, MuchBetter)
- Crypto (BTC, ETH, USDT — essential for many 2025 brands)
- Bank transfers (especially for VIPs)
Don’t forget: You’ll need full KYC and AML checks to stay compliant. These aren’t optional.
Step 5: Design and UX — Make It Clean, Fast, and Fun
Bad UI kills conversions. Even worse, it kills trust.
What players want:
- Modern design (clean layout, not 2008-style clutter)
- Lightning-fast performance
- Mobile-first experience
- 24/7 support via live chat
- Clear bonus terms — don’t hide them
Example to learn from? Art Casino — slick, fast, and mobile-friendly.
Step 6: Build a Brand That Isn’t Generic
People remember vibes, not just features. Your brand needs personality.
How to stand out:
- Pick a name that doesn’t sound like “Super Vegas 365 Casino.”
- Nail your tone and voice — talk to players like humans
- Offer bonuses that players understand
- Write helpful content (like this guide)
- Get on review sites (we’re happy to look at your brand when it’s ready)
Step 7: Get Real Players
Once you’re live, your next battle is getting eyes and clicks.
Smart traffic tactics:
- SEO – Start a blog, optimize landing pages, and get backlinks
- Affiliate marketing – Partner with trusted gambling sites
- Streamers/influencers – Big in 2025, especially for crash games
- Ad networks – Only go paid if you understand ad restrictions
Want examples of casinos growing through smart SEO? Check allStarz and CryptoLeo for how it’s done.
Final Thoughts: Should You Really Do This?
I’ll be honest, starting an online casino is not for the faint-hearted.
It’s high-risk, high-reward. But if you’re detail-obsessed, compliance-ready, and willing to treat it like a serious business? It could be the most exciting thing you’ve ever done.
Just don’t wing it. Invest in solid licensing, real tech, and player trust from day one.
Need Help Reviewing Platforms?
I’ve reviewed dozens of brands and platforms. Want inspiration or examples? Start here:
Questions? Hit me up. I love talking to people doing cool things in this space.
— Alex
