How to Start an Online Casino in 2026

The iGaming industry keeps expanding rapidly, and 2026 will be another record year. Global online gambling revenue is projected to exceed $150 billion, making it the perfect time to explore how to start an online casino and turn it into a profitable venture.

Before you start an online casino business, study your target audience, competition, and — most importantly — the legal landscape. Licensing is the first step to legitimacy and sustainability.

In 2026, the most popular licensing hubs are Curacao, Malta, Isle of Man , and the rising star Anjouan . The Anjouan license (Comoros Union) has become one of the fastest-growing iGaming jurisdictions due to its low cost, flexible compliance, and quick setup — ideal for startups.

SoftGamings provides full support for Curacao and Anjouan licensing, handling incorporation, documentation, and ongoing compliance management.

A clear, data-backed business plan is essential to ensure growth and attract investors or banking partners. It should include your target market analysis, financial projections, licensing details, and marketing approach.

At its core, your online casino business plan should describe how you’ll acquire and retain players profitably. SoftGamings consultants help new operators design business models tailored to their regions, saving time and minimizing early-stage risks.

The platform is your operational backbone. It manages games, payments, players, and reporting — everything that keeps your casino running smoothly.

SoftGamings’ Turnkey Casino Solution offers a fully managed platform, including 16,000+ games, integrated payments, CRM tools, and 24/7 technical support, helping you launch within weeks instead of months.

Licensing is what turns your project into a legal operation.

SoftGamings’ legal team handles the full process from paperwork to approval, ensuring your casino operates under the right jurisdiction.

After obtaining your license, it’s time to fill your casino with engaging content. Offer a balanced mix of slot games, live casino, poker, and sportsbook options. Combine them with smooth payment methods — from credit cards and e-wallets to crypto.

Bonus systems like welcome offers and loyalty programs are key to early traction. SoftGamings’ unified API allows you to manage games, payments, and promotions all from one backend.

Once the platform is ready, go live and start acquiring players. A strong marketing strategy — SEO, affiliate programs, and targeted campaigns — will help you stand out. With built-in CRM and analytics tools, SoftGamings makes it easy to track engagement and retention.

Your casino launch is just the beginning. Monitor KPIs such as player retention, lifetime value, and conversion rates to guide growth. Expand into new regions, integrate more game providers, and adjust your marketing to fit local audiences.

Understanding how to start an online casino in 2026 means combining smart planning, licensing, and technology. Partnering with SoftGamings gives you everything you need — from a turnkey platform and 16,000+ games to licensing in Curacao or Anjouan, compliance support, and ongoing growth consulting.

Get your free consultation today and start your journey toward a successful online casino business.

Q1: How much does it cost to start an online casino?

The cost depends on your jurisdiction and scale. A small startup with a Curacao or Anjouan license can begin from $20,000–$50,000, while premium EU licenses require higher budgets.

Q2: Which license is best for a new online casino in 2026?

Curacao and Anjouan are the top choices for startups due to fast processing, low fees, and wide acceptance by providers and payment systems.

Q3: How long does it take to launch an online casino?

With a turnkey solution like SoftGamings’, you can go live in as little as 4–8 weeks, including platform setup, licensing, and game integration.

Q4: What games should I include in my casino?

Start with popular slot titles, live dealer games, and classic table games, then expand into sportsbook, virtual sports, and bingo to diversify revenue streams.