The Eritrea Gaming license application process is structured to ensure that each applicant is assessed against defined corporate, financial, technical and regulatory criteria.
Applications are reviewed based on the completeness and quality of the information submitted, the complexity of the ownership structure and the regulatory risk presented by the proposed operation.
Each stage must be completed satisfactorily before a license can be issued.
01
Determine the Appropriate License
The applicant reviews the available license categories and determines whether its activities require a B2C Operator License, a B2B Gaming Supplier License or another approval specified by the Authority.
Applicants should identify:
The legal entity that will hold the license
Proposed gaming activities
Proposed trading names
Operational domains
Target markets
Gaming platform and key suppliers
Payment methods
Ownership and management structure
Where the correct license category is unclear, the applicant should contact the Licensing Department before submitting the application.
02
Prepare the Application Package
The applicant completes the prescribed application forms and gathers the required supporting documents.
The application package should include all required:
Corporate records
Ownership disclosures
Personal declarations
Identification documents
Financial information
Source of funds evidence
Business plans
Technical information
AML/CTF policies
Responsible gaming policies
Security and operational documentation
Documents must be complete, current and presented in the required format.
03
Submit the Application
The complete application package is submitted through the authorised application channel together with the applicable fee.
The Authority records the submission and conducts an initial completeness review.
Submission of an application does not mean that the application has been accepted as complete or approved.
04
Completeness and Information Review
The Authority reviews the submitted materials to confirm whether the application contains sufficient information to begin the full assessment.
The applicant may be asked to:
Correct incomplete forms
Provide missing documents
Clarify inconsistent information
Submit certified or translated copies
Explain ownership arrangements
Provide additional corporate or financial information
The substantive review may be paused until all required information has been received.
05
Regulatory Due Diligence
Due diligence is conducted on the applicant and relevant connected persons.
The assessment may include:
Verification of the applicant’s legal existence
Review of direct and indirect ownership
Identification of ultimate beneficial owners
Director and key person assessment
Criminal and regulatory background checks
Sanctions and PEP screening
Adverse media review
Source of funds and source of wealth assessment
Review of financial standing
Review of previous licensing history
Additional documentation or interviews may be required.
06
Business and Compliance Assessment
The Authority evaluates whether the proposed operation is capable of complying with the applicable regulatory standards.
The assessment may cover:
Business model
Gaming products
Target markets
Customer onboarding
AML/CTF controls
Responsible gaming
Player protection
Complaints handling
Payment and withdrawal procedures
Player fund arrangements
Marketing and affiliate controls
Outsourcing
Regulatory reporting
07
Technical Assessment
The Authority reviews the applicant’s technical and information security arrangements.
Depending on the license type, the review may consider:
Gaming platform
Game suppliers
Random number generator testing
Game certifications
Hosting arrangements
Cybersecurity controls
Access controls
Logging and monitoring
Data protection
Backup and recovery
Business continuity
Incident response
Integration of the interactive license seal
Independent testing or certification may be requested.
08
Regulatory Decision
After completing its assessment, the Authority may:
Approve the application
Approve the application subject to conditions
Request further information
Defer the decision pending completion of outstanding requirements
Refuse the application
Each application is decided on its own merits.
09
License Issuance and Registration
Where an application is approved and all outstanding requirements have been satisfied:
The license issuance fee is confirmed or paid
The final license conditions are issued
Approved domains are recorded
The license certificate is produced
The license is entered in the public register
The official verification page is activated
The interactive license seal is provided or enabled
The license must not represent itself as licensed before the official license record becomes active.
Application Requirements
Applications must include:
Completed application forms
All required supporting documents
Complete ownership information
Information for every relevant key person
Details of proposed licensed activities
The applicable licensing fee
Any additional information requested by the Authority
Incomplete applications may not proceed until the identified deficiencies have been corrected.
Processing Time
Application processing times depend on:
Completeness of the application
Complexity of the ownership structure
Number of beneficial owners and key persons
Quality of supporting documentation
Speed of applicant responses
Nature of the proposed gaming activities
Technical complexity
Results of regulatory due diligence
Whether external information or certification is required
Licenses can be provided in 5 -10 business days if the application process is done correctly.
Applicant Responsibilities
During the application process, the applicant must:
Provide accurate and truthful information
Respond promptly to information requests
Disclose all relevant ownership and control arrangements
Notify the Authority when submitted information changes
Cooperate with due diligence
Ensure documents remain current
Avoid launching or representing the business as licensed before approval
False, misleading or incomplete information may result in delay, refusal or later enforcement action.
Prepare Your Application
Review the complete documentary requirements before beginning an application.
