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Step-by-Step Guide

How to Launch an
Online Casino.

A complete step-by-step guide to planning, building and launching a fully-owned online casino, from concept to go-live in as little as 4 to 6 weeks.

Last updated: February 2026

Launching an online casino involves multiple interconnected decisions, from choosing a licensing jurisdiction and platform provider to integrating game studios, payment processors and compliance tools. For first-time operators, the process can seem complex, but with the right partner and a clear plan, it is entirely manageable and can be completed in as little as 4 to 6 weeks.

This guide walks through every step of the launch process, whether you are an entrepreneur entering the iGaming industry for the first time, an existing operator expanding into new markets, or an investor evaluating the operational requirements of an online casino business. Each step includes practical guidance on what is involved and how dot.iGaming supports operators through the process.

dot.iGaming has been guiding operators through this process since 2016, with more than 34 active casino brands launched on the platform. Every solution is delivered as a fully-owned turnkey platform with no revenue share, giving operators complete control over their business from day one.

The Process

8 Steps to Launching Your Casino

01

Step 1.Define Your Casino Concept

Start by choosing your casino type. Will you operate a classic real-money casino, a crypto casino, a sweepstake platform for the US market, or a combined casino and sportsbook? This decision shapes everything that follows, including your target audience, licensing requirements, supported currencies and payment methods. Define your target markets, languages and brand identity at this stage so that all subsequent decisions align with a clear business plan.

02

Step 2.Choose Your Jurisdiction and Obtain a Gambling Licence

Select a licensing jurisdiction that matches your target markets and business model. Popular options include the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) for European operations, Curaçao for global reach with a streamlined application process, the Isle of Man for premium credibility, and Gibraltar for established operators. Each jurisdiction has different requirements, timelines and costs. dot.iGaming provides licence application assistance through specialist legal partners who manage the full process from documentation to regulatory approval.

03

Step 3.Select Your Casino Platform Provider

Choose between a turnkey casino solution, a white label arrangement or custom development. A turnkey platform like dot.iGaming gives you full ownership of the technology, player data and brand with no revenue share, and can be launched in 4 to 6 weeks. White label solutions are faster but come with ongoing revenue share costs and limited control. Custom development offers maximum flexibility but requires 6 to 18 months and significantly higher investment. For most operators, a turnkey solution offers the best balance of speed, ownership and cost.

04

Step 4.Integrate Game Providers

Connect your platform with game studios to offer players a compelling selection of slots, table games, live dealer games and instant win titles. dot.iGaming provides access to over 6,000 games from more than 100 leading providers including Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Microgaming, Hacksaw Gaming and many others through a single aggregated integration. New providers can typically be added within one week after launch.

05

Step 5.Set Up Payment Providers

Integrate payment methods that match the preferences of your target market. This typically includes credit and debit cards, e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller, bank transfers, prepaid solutions and, depending on your model, cryptocurrencies. dot.iGaming supports 150+ payment methods through multiple payment service providers (PSPs) and handles the technical integration through the Payment Cube. Crypto casinos can operate with blockchain payments exclusively, eliminating the need for traditional banking infrastructure.

06

Step 6.Configure KYC and AML Compliance

Implement identity verification (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) procedures as required by your licensing jurisdiction. This includes document verification, proof of address checks, source of funds procedures and ongoing transaction monitoring. These tools are built into the dot.iGaming platform and can be configured per jurisdiction, ensuring your casino meets all regulatory requirements from day one. Automated risk scoring helps identify high-risk players early in the registration process.

07

Step 7.Customise Your Brand and Front-end

Transform the platform into your own branded casino experience. This includes your logo, colour scheme, typography, homepage layout, promotional banners, email templates and the overall visual identity. dot.iGaming delivers a fully customisable front-end that can be tailored to your brand guidelines. You also configure your bonus structure, loyalty programme, VIP tiers and promotional campaigns at this stage to ensure a compelling player experience from launch.

08

Step 8.Test, Launch and Grow

Before going live, conduct thorough quality assurance testing across all platform functions including registration, deposits, gameplay, withdrawals, bonus mechanics, KYC flows and back office operations. dot.iGaming manages this process with a dedicated launch manager who coordinates final checks with game providers, payment processors and compliance teams. After go-live, use the built-in CRM, analytics and reporting tools to monitor player activity, optimise campaigns and grow your business.

Prerequisites

What You Need to Get Started

Company registration in a suitable jurisdiction
Budget allocation for licensing, platform and initial marketing
Decision on casino type and target market
Domain name and brand identity (logo, colour scheme)
Payment provider agreements or PSP selection
KYC provider agreement or integrated verification solution
Typical Timeline

dot.iGaming Launch Timeline

TimelinePhaseActivities
Week 1-2Onboarding and DiscoveryRequirements gathering, market analysis, platform configuration planning, licence application initiation
Week 2-3Platform SetupInfrastructure deployment, back office configuration, user role setup, CRM and reporting configuration
Week 3-4IntegrationsGame provider connections, payment method setup, KYC provider integration, bonus engine configuration
Week 4-5Brand and QAFront-end customisation, brand implementation, promotional setup, comprehensive quality assurance testing
Week 5-6Compliance and Go-liveFinal compliance review, regulatory checks, soft launch, monitoring, full public launch
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

With a turnkey casino solution from dot.iGaming, the typical timeline from contract signing to go-live is 4 to 6 weeks. This includes platform configuration, game and payment integrations, brand customisation, compliance setup and quality assurance testing. White label casinos can launch in 1 to 2 weeks but with significant limitations. Custom development typically takes 6 to 18 months.
The total cost depends on several factors including your platform type, licensing jurisdiction, number of integrations and marketing budget. A turnkey casino from dot.iGaming requires a medium upfront investment with no ongoing revenue share. White label solutions have lower upfront costs but charge 15% to 40% of your revenue. Custom development requires a significantly higher investment. Contact dot.iGaming for a detailed proposal tailored to your specific requirements and budget.
For a real-money online casino, yes. You need a valid gambling licence from a recognised regulatory authority. Popular jurisdictions include Malta (MGA), Curaçao, Isle of Man, Gibraltar and the UK (UKGC). The exception is sweepstake casinos, which operate under sweepstake promotion laws and do not require a traditional gambling licence in most US states. dot.iGaming assists with licence applications across multiple jurisdictions.
A turnkey casino solution is the easiest path to launching a fully-owned online casino. dot.iGaming handles the entire technical setup including platform configuration, game integration, payment connections, compliance tools and brand customisation. You receive a complete, ready-to-operate casino with 6,000+ games, 150+ payment methods and full back office access in 4 to 6 weeks.
Yes. With a turnkey provider like dot.iGaming, no technical expertise is required from the operator. dot.iGaming handles all platform setup, integrations and technical configuration. A dedicated launch manager coordinates the entire process, and comprehensive training is provided for your operations team. Ongoing 24/7 technical support is included after launch.
A turnkey casino gives you full ownership of the platform, player data and brand. You pay no revenue share and have complete control over customisation, provider agreements and business decisions. A white label casino is faster to launch but the provider retains ownership of the technology and player data, charges ongoing revenue share of 15% to 40%, and limits your customisation options.
Ongoing costs for a turnkey casino typically include your gaming licence renewal, game provider fees (usually a percentage of game revenue), payment processing fees, hosting and infrastructure, KYC verification costs, marketing spend and staffing. With dot.iGaming, there is no platform revenue share. For white label operators, the ongoing revenue share to the provider is the largest recurring cost and grows proportionally with your revenue.

Ready to launch your
online casino?

Talk to dot.iGaming about launching your fully-owned casino platform in 4 to 6 weeks.