Episode 87·13:47·25 Sept 2026

Why the Cheapest Gaming License Can Cost You More Later

with Khristina Karanskaia, Head of Content, My Gaming License

Surya Palli

Founder of iGaming Real Talk.·25 Sept 2026

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In this episode, Surya and Khristina Karanskaia discuss why the right licence depends on the operator's target markets, business model, taxation expectations, compliance requirements and long-term plans. An offshore licence may still work for one company, while another operator may need a local regulated licence as it scales.

The conversation also looks at the UK market. With affordability checks, higher compliance demands and heavier taxation for B2C operators, the market has become much harder to enter. Khristina argues that the UK can still make sense for the right operator, but it is no longer a licence that should be chosen simply because of its reputation.

They also discuss one of the most common mistakes operators make when choosing licensing and compliance partners: focusing too heavily on the initial price. A cheap offer can become expensive once additional signatures, documents and other hidden costs begin to appear.

Khristina's wider point is that licensing should be treated as part of the operator's business strategy rather than as a standalone certificate. The right process starts with understanding where the company wants to operate, how it plans to grow and what regulatory framework fits that journey.

“The affordability checks are real. That's true. And the new taxation is quite heavy for B2C operators.”

“The question is not the licence that fits your budget. We have to see the market you target, your business objective, where you want to go.”

“For the past 12 months, we helped to secure our clients over 260 licences all over the world.”

Key takeaways

There is no single “best” gaming licence
Khristina says the right licence depends on what the operator is actually trying to achieve.
“The question is not what is the best licence.”
Target markets, taxation, payment providers, game suppliers and the operator's wider strategy can all affect the decision.
Offshore licences still have a place
My Gaming License is expanding further into regulated markets, but Khristna does not see this as replacing offshore licensing.
For newer operators or companies testing a business model, offshore licences can still make sense.
More established operators may later move into stricter local frameworks as they scale.
The UK still works, but only for the right operator
The UK market now comes with affordability checks, higher compliance requirements and a much heavier tax environment for B2C companies.
Khristina says it can still be attractive for established operators with a strong UK-focused brand and the resources to manage the regulatory burden.
Budget should not decide the licence
When Surya asks what she would recommend to an operator with money for only one licence, Khristina says budget is not the first question she would ask.
The starting point should instead be the target market, business objectives and the tax framework the company is prepared to operate under.