B2B iGaming Licensing in the EU

The European iGaming industry is a complex landscape of regulations that vary significantly across jurisdictions. While most discussions focus on B2C (Business-to-Consumer) licenses, B2B (Business-to-Business) iGaming licensing is equally crucial for software providers, game developers, and platform suppliers operating in the European market. Some EU countries require a local B2B license, while others rely on game certification and on the licensed operator's responsibility for its suppliers. No EU country automatically accepts a supplier license issued elsewhere in place of its own rules. This article explains which countries license suppliers and how the others control the supply chain. For the operator side, see our EU gambling regulated markets comparison.

Key points:

1. B2B Licensing is Mandatory in Several EU Jurisdictions – Countries like Malta, Sweden, Greece, Romania and Belgium require covered B2B providers to obtain a local license or approval before supplying licensed operators. Finland adds a gambling software license from 2027, and Bulgaria has licensed gambling affiliates since August 2026.
2. Other Countries Rely on Certification and Operator Oversight – Markets such as the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark and Portugal do not issue a general B2B license, but games and systems must be certified and the licensed operator answers for its suppliers. A foreign supplier license is not a substitute.
3. Regulatory Compliance is Essential for Market Expansion – To successfully enter the European iGaming market, B2B providers must stay updated on licensing requirements, certification rules and compliance frameworks in each market to avoid penalties and maximize business opportunities.

B2B iGaming Licenses in the EU: Who Licenses Suppliers

EU Countries That Require a B2B iGaming License

Several EU jurisdictions have established a regulatory framework that mandates B2B iGaming providers to obtain a local license before supplying services to operators in the market. Here is a detailed overview of each country's requirements.

Malta

Malta, one of the most reputable iGaming hubs, requires all B2B providers to hold a Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) B2B license. This license (Critical Gaming Supply) covers providers of gaming software, platforms and services to MGA-licensed operators. It is a respected benchmark, but it does not replace the supplier approvals other countries require. The application process involves due diligence, financial audits, and adherence to technical standards.

Sweden

Since 2023, Sweden has enforced a B2B licensing regime under the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen). Any company supplying gaming software to Swedish-licensed operators must hold a B2B gaming software license. The licensing process requires software providers to demonstrate financial stability, technical compliance, and adherence to responsible gaming measures. Additionally, licensed B2B operators must undergo continuous monitoring and reporting to ensure regulatory compliance.

Greece

Greece’s Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) mandates that all gaming software providers obtain a B2B license to supply games and platforms to licensed operators in Greece. The licensing process includes a detailed background check, financial assessments, and certification of gaming products. The Greek regulatory framework is strict, requiring transparency in business operations and full compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) laws.

Romania

The Romanian National Gambling Office (ONJN) requires suppliers performing the B2B activities listed in GEO 77/2009 (game production, platforms and distribution, payment processing, testing, affiliate services) to hold a Class II license for each activity before working with licensed Romanian operators. See our Class I vs Class II guide. The licensing process involves submitting business documentation, financial guarantees, and proof of compliance with technical and security standards. Romania’s regulatory framework is considered robust, ensuring only compliant and reputable providers operate in the market.

Belgium

Belgium requires suppliers of gaming equipment and services to hold a Class E license issued by the Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC). The licensing process is thorough, including assessments of financial integrity, software certification, and compliance with responsible gaming policies. Belgium enforces strict penalties for non-compliance, making it essential for B2B providers to adhere to all regulatory requirements.

Markets That Rely on Certification and Operator Oversight

These countries do not issue a general supplier license. Instead, games and systems must be certified, and the licensed operator is responsible for the suppliers it uses. None of them accepts a foreign supplier license as a substitute for its own rules.

The Netherlands

The Dutch Remote Gambling Act does not create a separate B2B license. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) licenses operators, who must use certified games and systems and remain responsible for their suppliers, including checks that suppliers do not serve the illegal Dutch market.

Germany

The Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) licenses operators, not suppliers (see our Germany license guide). Virtual slot games and systems must meet the technical requirements of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 and are reviewed as part of the operator's license; suppliers work through licensed operators.

Great Britain (outside the EU, for comparison)

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) requires a gambling software operating license from anyone who manufactures, supplies, installs or adapts gambling software for GB-licensed operators. A license from Malta, the Isle of Man or another jurisdiction is not a substitute. UKGC operating license fees rose 25% from 1 October 2026.

Italy

Italy does not enforce a specific B2B licensing framework (see our Italy concession guide). Instead, software providers can operate if their games or platforms are certified by an approved testing laboratory and comply with Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) requirements. Certification ensures compliance with fairness, security, and responsible gaming regulations, allowing providers to operate within the Italian market.

Spain

Spain (see our Spain license guide) does not have a distinct B2B licensing scheme, but requires that games and platforms meet the regulatory and technical standards set by the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ). Its 2026 reform proposes a registry of B2B suppliers. The DGOJ focuses on ensuring gaming fairness, security, and responsible gambling practices. B2B providers must comply with Spain’s certification and reporting requirements to supply software to licensed operators.

Denmark

Denmark’s Spillemyndigheden does not require a B2B-specific license but requires suppliers to be certified and compliant with Danish gaming laws. The Danish regulatory framework emphasizes transparency, anti-money laundering compliance, and responsible gaming measures. B2B providers must meet technical and security standards to operate in the Danish market.

Portugal

Portugal allows software providers to work with licensed operators as long as their products meet the technical compliance standards set by the Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ). The SRIJ requires all gaming software to undergo rigorous testing and certification to ensure compliance with fairness and security regulations. While no specific B2B license is required, strict adherence to local regulations is mandatory.

Conclusion

B2B iGaming licensing in the EU remains a fragmented regulatory issue, with some countries requiring explicit local licensing while others enforce compliance through certification. For B2B providers expanding in the EU, supplier licenses matter in Malta, Sweden, Greece, Romania and Belgium, with Finland following from 2027. In the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark and Portugal, certification and the requirements imposed through licensed operators do the same job. No supplier license from one country is valid across the EU.

As the EU regulatory environment continues to evolve, B2B iGaming companies should monitor changes to ensure they remain compliant and maximize their market reach within the European gaming ecosystem. Understanding each country's supplier requirements is key to successful expansion and long-term growth in the European iGaming industry.