What Is an Alderney Gambling Licence?
An Alderney gambling license is a eGambling permit issued by the AGCC, the independent and non-political regulator created by the States of Alderney in 2000. The Commission oversees every gambling transaction that touches Alderney-hosted servers, checks the internal control system (ICS) of each holder, and inspects connected gambling equipment before any site opens to the public.
Because Alderney is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey yet self-governing and outside of the Bailiwick of the UK, its rules sit outside British Gambling Act taxes while still benefiting from Channel Islands stability. That balance has made the island a preferred jurisdiction for more than 120 active licence holders.
Why Choose an Alderney Licence?
AGCC regulation suits firms wanting a fast sign-off and low overheads:
- Competitive tax: no corporate, capital gains taxes, gaming duties or VAT on Alderney profits.
- Clear fee structure tied to net gaming yield; pay only for the revenue band you occupy.
- Approval can take as little as 59 days for a temporary permit and four weeks for a full licence when all data is supplied at the time of application.
- The island’s fibre network and data centres give licencees resilient gaming platforms based in Alderney or in a pre-approved cloud zone.
- The regulator’s risk-based approach to regulation tailors controls to the scale and type of gambling activity, saving smaller firms from blanket rules.
Types of Licenses Offered in Alderney
The AGCC offers a comprehensive range of licensing options designed to accommodate different business models and operational requirements. Understanding these licence types helps operators select the most appropriate authorization for their specific gaming activities.
Category 1 eGambling Licence
B2C permit for casinos, poker rooms and lotteries; £17 500 entry year, then £35 000+ on an NGY banding that rises to £400 000 for the largest operators
Category 2 eGambling Licence
B2B supply of gambling services to Category 1 holders; £17 500 first year, £35 000 renewal, fixed regardless of volume
Core Services Associate Certificate (CSAC)
For third-party providers such as payment gateways and RNG testers – £5 000 deposit plus £10 000 annual charge; available to foreign companies licensed in another jurisdiction.
Temporary & Hosting Certificates
Event or venue-based permits valid 29 consecutive days or 59 total days in six months; £10 000 fee; ideal for operators already licensed in another jurisdiction
Requirements for Obtaining an Alderney Gaming License
AGCC checks the character and reputation of business owners, the reputation of business associates, and capital adequacy. Applicant suitability testing is undertaken through KYC, source-of-funds review and an internal control audit. Each prospective licensees must submit:
- Certified passports, bank references, and a clean police report (due diligence documents).
- A detailed business plan showing the number and type of gambling products.
- An ICS that covers all aspects of player management and outlines how each gambling activity can be approved internally.
- Proof that servers sit in Alderney or another AGCC-approved location.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
AGCC’s published roadmap keeps the application process transparent:
- Publish notice in the Alderney Gazette and form an Alderney company (local advisers assist with Alderney company formation).
- Pay a £17 500 investigation deposit (or £5 000 for certificates).
- Respond promptly to due diligence information requests; the regulator takes a risk-based stance but expects full disclosure.
- Meet the commissioners to discuss the portfolio of games and activities and technical setup.
- Once satisfied, the license will be issued and listed on the public register.
If documentation is complete and no complications arise, AGCC aims to grant the permit within 4–12 weeks.
Fees & Cost Breakdown
| Permit | Entry Year | Renewal | NGY Bands (Category 1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 Licence | £17 500 | £35 000–£400 000 | Band A <£0.5 m to Band G >£30 m |
| Category 2 Licence | £17 500 | £35 000 flat | – |
| CSAC | £5 000 deposit | £10 000 p.a. | – |
| Temporary Licence | £10 000 | n/a (29/59-day limit) | – |
Alderney offers a competitive tax regime and fee schedule: zero corporate levy on net gaming revenue and no capital gains taxes.
Approval Timeframe & Milestones
The licensing timeline depends on application completeness and complexity, with well-prepared applications typically processing within 3-4 months. The AGCC aims to complete initial assessments within 4 weeks if all necessary documentation is provided at the time of application and no complications arise.
| Stage | Indicative Days |
|---|---|
| AGCC receipt & deposit | 1–2 |
| Initial suitability check | 14 |
| Business reputation review | 14 |
| Technical & ICS audit | 14 |
| Commissioner decision | 7 |
| License can take as little as 28–59 days total if the file is complete |