Gambling licence requirements by country: Philippines, Peru, Kenya, Nigeria, Mexico (2026)
The licensing systems in these five growth markets are built very differently. Peru and Kenya issue national online licences, Mexico and the Philippines tie online play to licensed establishments, and Nigeria licenses state by state. This page compares regulators, eligibility, fees, capital, terms and tax from each country's official documents, and links to a full guide for each, as of Nov. 2, 2026.
4 Min Read
Overview
- Peru and Kenya issue standalone national online licences. Peru's lasts six years and Kenya's one year.
- In the Philippines and Mexico, online play is licensed only as an extension of a licensed venue or establishment.
- Nigeria has had no national licence since the 2024 Supreme Court ruling. Each state licenses gaming, and Lagos is the most active.
- Entry costs range from about S/ 273 in fees plus a S/ 3.3 million guarantee in Peru to KES 55 million in fees plus KES 100 million in capital in Kenya.
- Headline tax ranges from 12% of net income in Peru to a 50% excise in Mexico.
What is a gambling licence?
A gambling licence is the authorisation from a national or state regulator to offer betting or gaming. In these five markets, the main differences are who can hold one, whether online play needs its own licence, how much capital or security must be posted, and how revenue is taxed.
Comparison table
| Philippines | Peru | Kenya | Nigeria (Lagos) | Mexico | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulator | PAGCOR | MINCETUR (DGJCMT) | Gambling Regulatory Authority | LSLGA (states); NLRC for FCT | SEGOB (DGJS) |
| Main law | PAGCOR charter; EO 74 | Law 31557 (2022), Law 31806 | Gambling Control Act, 2025; LN 111/2026 | LSLGA Law 2021 | LFJS 1947; Reglamento |
| Standalone online licence | No; part of a venue Gaming License | Yes | Yes | Yes, per state | No; extension of a permit (Art. 85) |
| Who can apply | Domestic venue operators (offshore licences cancelled 2024) | Peruvian or foreign entity, with or without a branch | Vetted applicants; KRA tax compliance required | CAC company; 15% Nigerian stake or bond | Mexican commercial company |
| Application / licence fee | PHP 200k–300k per offering; GSA PHP 5M | S/ 273.10 | KES 5M + KES 50M (online bookmaker/casino) | N5M (online sports betting) | Fees not verified |
| Capital / security | Deposit PHP 100k–1M per offering; GSA PHP 25M+ | Greater of 3% of net income or 600 UIT | KES 100M capital (online) | N30M capital; N100M guarantee | Prize bond (60 days' prizes) |
| Term | 2–3 years | 6 years | 1 year (online) | Often 12 months | 1–15 years |
| Headline tax | 15–30% of GGR to PAGCOR | 12% of net income | 15% GGT; 5% deposit excise; 20% WHT | 10% Good Causes Levy | 50% IEPS |
| Stated decision time | Not published | 30 working days | 30 days | 15+ working days, then 90-day AIP | Not published |
| Pending | MGF amounts; licence-issuance stance | Draft fine and guarantee changes | High Court challenge | Federal bill not signed | LFJS reform bills |
Which market has the cheapest licence?
On official fees, Peru has the lowest entry cost (S/ 273.10), but the 600 UIT guarantee means at least S/ 3.3 million must be committed. Kenya has the highest fixed fees and capital of the five.
How does online tax compare?
Mexico's 50% IEPS is the highest headline rate, and foreign online operators pay it on gross receipts. The Philippines takes 30% of GGR for electronic casino games. Peru charges 12% of net income.
FAQ
Which of these countries license foreign online operators directly? Peru does, with or without a branch. Kenya licenses applicants that pass its vetting and tax-compliance checks. The Philippines no longer licenses offshore operators.
Where is online gambling tied to a physical venue? In the Philippines and Mexico.
Does Nigeria have a national gaming licence? No. Licensing is by state since November 2024.
Country guides
- Philippines: PAGCOR rules, fees and process
- Peru: MINCETUR authorisation under Law 31557
- Kenya: The GRA under the 2025 Act
- Nigeria: State regulators after the Supreme Court ruling
- Mexico: SEGOB permit rules
For another market, see the UAE GCGRA licensing overview.
How to read the table
Figures come from each country's official documents, which are cited in the individual guides. Kenya's regulations face a High Court challenge, so its fees could change. Check each regulator's current documents before relying on any figure.
Information as of Nov. 2, 2026.
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Cite This Article
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Daniel Tan is an editor at AskSpinner News who believes industry writing can be informed, approachable and engaging. Daniel turns complex subjects into accessible articles and reports, giving readers a welcoming way into unfamiliar topics and room to build their understanding as they read.
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