Launching a betting company—whether a sportsbook, casino, or full iGaming platform—requires strategic planning, strong technology partners, and clear financial investment. The global betting industry continues to grow, but operators must allocate capital wisely to ensure compliance, product stability, and long-term profitability.
This guide outlines the major cost components and provides realistic budget benchmarks for starting an online betting business.
License Costs
One of the first major expenses is obtaining a gaming license. Costs vary widely depending on jurisdiction, compliance level, and business model.
Common Licensing Options
- Curacao: USD 20,000–35,000 annually
- Anjouan: USD 15,000–25,000 annually
- Malta (MGA): USD 50,000–200,000+ annually
- Isle of Man: USD 40,000–75,000+ annually
- Philippines (PAGCOR / CEZA): License fees + revenue share model
Tier-one licenses require higher compliance, local presence, and ongoing audits.
Technology & Platform Costs
Your core platform is the backbone of your betting business. Costs depend on the model you choose.
Option A: White Label Solution (Fastest & Most Cost-Efficient)
Cost Range
- Setup: USD 25,000–50,000
- Monthly fees: USD 5,000–20,000
- Revenue share: Typically 10–25%
This is the ideal option for startups or operators entering new regions quickly.
Option B: Turnkey Solution (Full Ownership, Higher Cost)
A turnkey system gives you deeper control, brand ownership, and flexibility.
Cost Range
- Setup: USD 80,000–250,000
- Custom development: USD 20,000–200,000+
- Monthly maintenance: USD 10,000–30,000
Suitable for operators aiming to scale rapidly with unique features.
Option C: Building a Platform Completely In-House
This requires a full software development team:
- Back-end engineers
- Front-end developers
- DevOps
- UI/UX designers
- QA testers
- Product managers
- Risk & trading team
Game Content & Aggregation Fees
To offer casino games and slots, you need integration with game providers or an aggregator.
Aggregator Model
- Integration fees: USD 5,000–20,000
- Monthly minimum guarantees: USD 2,000–10,000 (varies by provider)
- Revenue share: Typically 10–18%
Game provider deals vary based on volume and market.
Payment Processing and Banking Setup
You need reliable systems for player deposits and withdrawals.
Typical Costs
- Payment integration: USD 5,000–25,000
- Rolling reserves: 5–10%
- Processing fees: 2–7% per transaction
Risk level, region, and payment methods (cards, wallets, crypto) influence overall cost.
Marketing and Player Acquisition
Marketing is often the largest ongoing expense.
Starting Budget
- Basic marketing: USD 20,000–50,000 monthly
- Aggressive growth marketing: USD 100,000–500,000 monthly
Channels include:
- Affiliates
- Influencers
- PPC & display ads
- Social media
- Bonuses and cashback
- Sponsorships
Marketing ROI increases significantly with optimized CRM and retention tools.
Staffing & Operational Costs
Your operational structure depends on your business goals.
Minimum Operational Team
- Customer support
- Fraud & risk
- Content and marketing
- CRM
- Compliance
- VIP management
Monthly Cost
USD 15,000–50,000 for a small team
USD 100,000+ for larger regional operations
Total Estimated Capital Required
Here is a realistic breakdown based on business models:
Entry-Level Startup (White Label)
USD 60,000 – 150,000 to launch
USD 20,000 – 40,000 monthly operations
Mid-Tier Operator (Turnkey)
USD 250,000 – 500,000 to launch
USD 40,000 – 100,000 monthly operations
Large-Scale Operator (In-House Platform)
USD 1,000,000 – 3,000,000+ to launch
USD 100,000 – 300,000+ monthly operations
Conclusion
Starting a betting company requires careful budgeting across licensing, technology, game content, payments, marketing, and operations. The required capital varies significantly depending on your business model and growth ambitions.
For operators seeking stability, speed, and lower upfront investment, Gamingsoft’s White Label and API aggregation solutions provide a reliable foundation to enter global markets with competitive advantages. Whether you aim to build a sports betting site, a casino platform, or a full multi-vertical operation, partnering with an established technology provider reduces risk and accelerates time-to-market.
About GamingsoftGamingsoft is a leading provider of online casino solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of services, including a white-label solution, API integration, payment solutions, game development, and more, to iGaming operators worldwide. With over years of experience, Gamingsoft has earned a reputation for delivering innovative and reliable solutions, helping clients succeed in the competitive iGaming industry.
