How Much Does It Cost to Start an Online Casino in 2025?

The online gaming industry is booming — and 2025 looks set to be another record-breaking year for digital casinos. With player participation rising and global regulations becoming clearer, more entrepreneurs are exploring the question: how much does it actually cost to start an online casino?

The truth is, there’s no single number. Your online casino startup cost depends on several key factors — from jurisdiction and licensing to software, payment systems, and marketing. Whether you plan to build a custom platform or use a white-label solution, understanding the breakdown of these costs is essential before making your first investment.

Understanding Online Casino Startup Costs in 2025

Starting an online casino involves more than just creating a website — it’s about building a compliant, secure, and engaging gaming ecosystem. Costs are often divided into four main areas: licensing, software development, website infrastructure, and operations.

A report from the Oasis Gaming Research & Review Journal highlights that startup expenses have increased over the past five years, mainly due to stricter regulations and higher technology expectations from players. Operators today are expected to provide seamless experiences across devices, multiple payment options, and high-quality game integrations.

Choosing between building from scratch or partnering with a white-label provider also makes a significant difference. Building a fully custom platform can cost between USD 500,000 and 1 million, while a white-label solution might start as low as USD 50,000 – 150,000.
(We’ll explore this comparison later in the article.)

Ultimately, understanding where your money goes — and how each investment supports growth — is the first step toward a successful casino launch.

A. Licensing Fees and Jurisdiction Costs

Obtaining a gaming license is often the largest and most critical expense for new casino operators. Without one, your platform can’t legally process bets, partner with payment providers, or advertise in most regions.

The total cost varies depending on the licensing authority and the reputation you want your brand to hold. For example:

• Curaçao remains the most affordable option, with licenses costing between USD 20,000 – 40,000 annually.
• Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) offers a more reputable but expensive license — setup fees and due diligence can push total costs to USD 100,000 – 200,000.
• Isle of Man and Gibraltar provide credibility for European operations but demand strict financial compliance and higher annual maintenance fees.

A Macquarie University Comparative Report notes that jurisdictions with tighter oversight may attract better player trust and partnerships, even if initial costs are higher. On average, licensing can account for up to 20 percent of your total startup budget.

Licensing also involves legal consulting, KYC setup, and responsible-gambling compliance — elements that add hidden costs many startups underestimate.

For entrepreneurs new to the industry, starting in a cost-efficient region such as Curaçao or the Caribbean is a strategic choice. You can later migrate to a higher-tier jurisdiction once your platform scales and establishes credibility.

B. Software Development and Platform Setup

The next major investment in your online casino startup cost is the software — the core that powers your platform. It defines not only the games you offer but also your site’s performance, security, and scalability.

There are two main paths to building your casino software:

Custom Development

This route gives you full control over functionality, UI, and game integration. However, it’s expensive and time-consuming. Developing a custom casino software solution can cost between USD 300,000 and 700,000, depending on your tech stack and number of integrated providers.

White-Label Solution

This option is more affordable and faster to launch. A white-label casino offers a pre-built backend with customizable branding, licensing, and payment systems. Setup costs generally range from USD 50,000 to 150,000.

According to Taylor & Francis – Business Models in Internet Gambling, most new iGaming operators now prefer white-label partnerships to reduce upfront risk and access existing provider networks.

Still, the key is choosing a partner that provides scalability. Many new operators fail due to rigid systems that can’t adapt as traffic or market demands grow. To avoid this, plan your infrastructure and feature roadmap early — a point emphasized in “Why Most iGaming Startups Fail Within 12 Months and How to Survive“.

You can also explore our comprehensive guide on “How to Start an Online Casino” for a step-by-step breakdown of the software and integration process.

C. Marketing, Payment Systems, and Operational Expenses

Even the best casino platform won’t thrive without strong marketing and reliable payment systems. These two elements often account for 30–40% of total startup costs in the first year.

Marketing Costs

Promoting a casino requires multi-channel strategies — SEO, paid ads, affiliate networks, and influencer collaborations.

• SEO and content marketing can cost USD 5,000 – 15,000 monthly, depending on your target regions.
• Paid ads and affiliate partnerships may range between USD 10,000 – 30,000 monthly, especially during initial brand launches.

Many operators also invest in affiliate programs to drive performance-based acquisition. Campaigns like these require careful planning to prevent fraud and ensure accurate tracking.

Payment Systems

Building trust requires secure, convenient, and fast payment options. Payment gateway integration fees vary depending on supported currencies and countries. Expect to allocate USD 10,000 – 25,000 for setup and compliance.

Each transaction also includes processing fees (usually 2–4%), which can add up as volume grows. For multi-region casinos, partnerships with local PSPs (payment service providers) are essential to accommodate preferred payment methods.

Operational costs like staffing, customer support, hosting, and server maintenance can easily reach USD 100,000 annually.

A 2023 analysis from the UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal highlights that iGaming operators who budget higher for long-term marketing and retention outperform those who focus solely on acquisition.

For more insight into cross-platform growth, see “How to Start a Sportsbook Business“, which shares overlapping cost strategies between sportsbook and casino operations.

D. Regional Cost Variations

Where you launch your online casino significantly affects your startup costs. Regulatory conditions, internet infrastructure, and local taxation all influence total expenses.

Here’s a brief overview of regional differences based on popular iGaming markets:

• India — Rapidly growing market with moderate regulation. Startup costs range around USD 150,000 – 400,000, depending on licensing and payment localization.
  → How to Start an Online Casino in India
• Uganda & Tanzania — Strong demand and developing gaming laws make these regions ideal for early entrants. Lower labor and hosting costs keep total startup capital between USD 100,000 – 250,000.
  → How to Start an Online Casino in Uganda
  → How to Start an Online Casino in Tanzania with GamingSoft
• Kenya & Nigeria — Highly competitive but high potential markets. Licensing and fintech integration can raise costs to USD 250,000 – 600,000, especially if you plan to scale quickly.
  → How to Start an Online Casino in Kenya
  → How to Start an Online Casino in Nigeria

Each market presents different entry barriers. Operators should evaluate their audience demographics and regulatory environment before committing large budgets. The key takeaway: don’t just follow trends — plan your launch where your resources can deliver sustainable ROI.

White Label vs. Building from Scratch: Which Is Better for Your Budget?

When planning your online casino startup cost, one of the biggest decisions is whether to build your platform from scratch or use a white-label solution. Both models have benefits — but they differ in risk, flexibility, and time-to-market.

Building Online Casino from Scratch

Creating your own system gives you total control over branding, features, and scalability. You can design a unique user interface and integrate custom payment options. However, this route demands heavy upfront investment and technical expertise. Development alone may cost between USD 400,000 – 800,000, not including licensing and marketing.

Online Casino White Label Solution

A white-label setup provides a pre-built platform complete with licensing, backend, and integrated games. You only need to customize branding and design. Costs range between USD 50,000 – 150,000, and you can launch in weeks instead of months.

A ProQuest dissertation on casino startup models highlights that more than 70% of new iGaming ventures now rely on white-label providers to minimize time, cost, and compliance risk.

If your priority is speed and lower capital exposure, the white-label route is your best choice. Once your casino is profitable, you can gradually transition to a custom-built system with greater flexibility.

Save Time and Cost with GamingSoft’s White Label Solutions

Launching an online casino doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. GamingSoft offers complete White Label Solution and GS Intelligent B2B White Label systems that combine scalability, security, and compliance — all under one roof.

With GamingSoft, you can:

• Launch your casino in weeks instead of months.
• Access pre-approved licenses and multiple payment gateways.
• Integrate over 200 game providers seamlessly.
• Reduce operational and maintenance costs by up to 70%.

Whether you’re a first-time operator or an experienced investor, GamingSoft’s ecosystem gives you the foundation to succeed in competitive markets.

Conclusion

Starting an online casino in 2025 requires careful financial planning and smart resource allocation. Depending on your chosen jurisdiction and business model, the total startup cost can range from USD 200,000 to over 1 million.

A successful launch depends on balancing compliance, technology, and marketing investment — and partnering with the right provider can significantly reduce risk. By leveraging proven white-label solutions, you can focus less on technical complexity and more on building a profitable, player-centric brand.

If you’re ready to enter the iGaming market with confidence, GamingSoft’s white-label platforms give you everything you need to start strong and scale fast.

Frequently Asked Question About Online Casino Startup Cost