Anjouan vs Curacao Gambling License in 2025: which one is better for your iGaming business?

Anjouan is an island in the Union of the Comoros. The Anjouan gambling license is issued through the local regulator, the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA), and is widely regarded as one of the fastest and most cost-effective options for entering the iGaming market. In practice, many operators choose an Anjouan gaming license to launch an online casino, sportsbook, poker platform, or other gambling project when speed, budget, and operational flexibility are critical at the early stage.
However, it is important to understand that choosing a gambling license is not only about speed and price. The success of the launch also depends on compliance obligations, including KYC/AML procedures, access to banks and payment service providers, the expectations of software providers and business partners, as well as the target GEOs and the overall legal and risk structure of the project. Below is a practical overview of the main advantages, limitations, and business considerations associated with the Anjouan online gambling license.

Affordable entry point.
The Anjouan gambling license is often chosen as a more cost-effective option compared to many other iGaming jurisdictions. The final setup cost depends on the business model, company structure, availability of a ready KYC package, and the overall scope of legal and compliance preparation required for the project.
Fast licensing timeline.
In a typical case, an Anjouan gaming license can be obtained in approximately 2 to 4 weeks, provided that the shareholder structure is transparent and the document package is prepared in advance. This usually includes passport copies, proof of address, UBO information, project description, and core compliance policies.
Suitable for launch and scaling.
The license is frequently used to launch an MVP or the first operational version of an iGaming product, test the business model, validate marketing channels, and build the initial payment flow. It can also serve as an interim licensing solution before moving to a more demanding regulatory framework, if required by the long-term business strategy.
Flexible corporate structuring in certain cases.
In some scenarios, it may be possible to operate through an existing company, subject to the regulator’s review and the specific licensing conditions. This is always assessed on a case-by-case basis and depends on the UBO profile, business activity, jurisdiction of incorporation, and the overall compliance structure.
Moderate infrastructure requirements at the entry stage.
Compared to a number of heavily regulated markets, the Anjouan model is generally less bureaucratic at the initial stage, which helps accelerate market entry. At the same time, core operational elements are still required, including KYC/AML procedures, responsible gambling policies, payment processing rules, and internal risk management controls.
Covers the main iGaming verticals.
In practice, the Anjouan online gambling license is commonly used for online casinos, sportsbook projects, poker platforms, and other gaming formats. The exact list of permitted activities depends on the license terms and the declared operating model of the project.
Easier to prepare a legal and compliance package for banks and PSPs.
If the project is structured correctly from the outset – including clear KYC/AML policies, privacy documents, terms and conditions, payment flow logic, and risk-control procedures – the chances of connecting payment service providers and banking solutions are generally higher, even when operating under an offshore gambling license.

Limited acceptance by banks and major PSPs.
For some banks and international payment service providers, the Anjouan gambling license may be perceived as a higher-risk option compared to EU-regulated jurisdictions. In practice, much depends on the target GEOs, the business model, the quality of the compliance framework, the experience of the management team, and the project’s overall readiness for due diligence.
Not a universal solution for every market.
An Anjouan gaming license does not override local regulatory requirements in individual countries. If the project is targeting specific regulated markets, an additional assessment of legal risks, local restrictions, and country-specific rules on advertising, player acquisition, betting activity, and payment processing may be required.
Annual renewal obligations.
The license typically requires ongoing renewal, and this should be built into the financial model from the outset. Businesses should account not only for renewal fees, but also for administrative support, compliance updates, and the need to maintain an active and properly structured operator profile.
Enhanced compliance requirements from counterparties.
Even though the licensing framework may be less bureaucratic than in some stricter jurisdictions, banks, PSPs, and software providers may still request an expanded compliance package. This may include source of funds and source of wealth documentation, shareholder and UBO structure, internal risk-control procedures, GEO restrictions, and the project’s AML model.
Reputational and partner-related considerations.
For some game providers, affiliate networks, B2B partners, and financial counterparties, the type of gambling license can be an important part of the risk assessment, especially for high-volume operations. This is not necessarily a barrier to entry, but it reflects market reality: in some cases, it is easier to launch under a flexible licensing model than to scale internationally without strengthening the regulatory structure later.

The Anjouan gambling license is typically a good fit if:

• you are launching a startup, MVP, or white-label iGaming project and speed to market is a priority;
• you have a clear ownership structure and are ready to implement proper KYC/AML procedures from day one;
• your project is focused on emerging markets or a flexible multi-GEO operating model;
• your main goal is to launch the operational setup quickly, test the product, and validate payment flows at an early stage.

Who it may not be suitable for

• You may want to consider alternative licensing options if:
• it is critical for you to work with tier-1 banks or the largest PSPs without extended onboarding and risk review;
• your target markets are strictly regulated jurisdictions where local licensing is required;
• you are building the project from the outset for an enterprise-level partner network that expects a higher-category regulatory framework.

To launch under an Anjouan gaming license, businesses usually need the following:

• a company and ownership structure with transparent UBO logic;
• a KYC package for shareholders, beneficial owners, and directors;
• a clear description of the product and payment model, including the merchant flow;
• core compliance documents, including KYC/AML policies, terms and conditions, privacy policy, and responsible gambling policy;
• readiness to demonstrate operational control over the project and the actual implementation of compliance procedures and responsibilities.

The typical timeframe for obtaining an Anjouan gambling license is around 2 to 4 weeks, although in practice the timeline depends on several factors:

• the completeness of the document package and the quality of the compliance file;
• the UBO structure and the countries of residence of the beneficial owners;
• the complexity of the business model, including product type, target GEOs, and payment setup;
• the speed of clarifications, regulator feedback, and application review.

Curaçao is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and remains one of the best-known “classic” jurisdictions in the iGaming industry. Historically, the market operated under the master license and sublicense model. However, following the recent regulatory reforms, the jurisdiction moved to a new licensing and supervisory framework. Under this updated system, a central role is played by the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), and the requirements imposed on operators have become more structured, more formalized, and more aligned with the compliance standards expected by banks and international payment service providers.
It is important to understand that the Curaçao gambling license is not only about reputation or market recognition. It is also a choice in favor of a more formal regulatory process, including a clearer corporate structure, stronger KYC/AML requirements, internal compliance policies, and the need to demonstrate control over the business and its payment flows. In return, operators usually gain a more recognizable and broadly accepted regulatory framework for working with counterparties, especially at the scaling stage.

Strong jurisdictional brand and broad recognition in the iGaming market.
For many partners, software providers, and service companies, the Curaçao gaming license remains a familiar and widely recognized licensing model, especially when compared to less established offshore jurisdictions.
More structured regulatory framework after the reform.
The post-reform licensing environment has become more systematic, with stronger supervision and clearer operator requirements. In practice, this often makes communication with PSPs, banks, and counterparties easier, because a Curaçao gambling license is generally associated with a more structured compliance model and more manageable risk controls.
Better suited for scaling and long-term business development.
If a project is planning stable turnover, multiple brands or products, GEO expansion, and cooperation with larger counterparties, the Curaçao online gambling license is often viewed as a more sustainable foundation, provided that the corporate structure and compliance setup are properly built.
Potentially broader opportunities for payment infrastructure.
Compared to less established jurisdictions, Curaçao licensing is more often considered by payment service providers as an acceptable base for onboarding. However, this still depends on proper preparation of KYC/AML documentation, the business profile, transaction model, and country restrictions.
Covers the main iGaming verticals.
In practice, the Curaçao gambling license is used for online casinos, sportsbook operations, poker platforms, and other iGaming formats. The exact permitted scope depends on the license terms and the declared operational model of the operator.

Limitations and risks

The new licensing model is more demanding in terms of corporate structure.
In most cases, the Curaçao gambling license requires the incorporation of a local Curaçao company and compliance with more formal governance and control requirements.
Higher budget for setup and ongoing maintenance.
Compared to faster and more simplified jurisdictions, the overall cost is usually higher and may include more legal work, a broader compliance package, corporate administration, and ongoing regulatory support.
Stricter compliance requirements, including KYC/AML and reporting.
Operators are expected to implement a full internal compliance framework, including policies, procedures, payment controls, and readiness to respond to requests from the regulator, banks, and payment service providers.
Substance and local management requirements.
In practice, this means the business must be structured with a stronger degree of operational reality, including management, documentation, internal roles, and decision-making processes. Transitional rules and regulatory expectations may evolve, so it is important to verify the current requirements before filing an application.
Longer licensing timelines compared to simplified regimes.
The process has become more formalized, and the timeline often depends on the complexity of the UBO structure, target GEOs, and the payment model. The more complex the business setup, the more time is usually required for preparation, review, and regulatory approval.

The Curaçao gambling license is generally a good fit if:

• you are building a long-term iGaming business and planning to scale;
• you already have a clear understanding of your target GEOs, marketing strategy, and payment infrastructure model;
• you are ready to invest in a stronger legal structure and a full compliance framework;
• it is important for your project to look more structured and understandable to providers, business partners, and part of the PSP market.

Who It May Not Be Suitable For
You may want to consider alternative options if:

• you need the fastest and most budget-friendly market entry without a complex corporate structure;
• you are not ready to maintain ongoing compliance processes and documentary discipline;
• you are planning only a short market test and do not want to enter a more formal regulatory environment at the initial stage.

In general, obtaining a Curaçao gambling license usually requires:

• a Curaçao company with a properly structured and transparent UBO ownership framework;
• a full KYC package for beneficial owners and directors, together with a clear business rationale;
• internal policies and procedures, including KYC/AML, responsible gambling, terms and conditions, privacy policy, and complaint or chargeback handling procedures;
• a clear description of the product, target GEO model, and payment flows, including the merchant flow;
• readiness to demonstrate real management, operational control, and actual business substance.

The licensing timeline usually depends on:

• the complexity of the UBO structure and the countries of residence involved;
• the readiness of the compliance package and internal policies;
• the selected business model, target GEOs, and payment structure;
• the speed of document collection, submission, and review.

Overall, the Curaçao gaming license process usually takes longer than simplified licensing regimes, so it is better to plan the timeline in advance, especially if the project also needs to connect a PSP, merchant account, or banking solution in parallel.

Choosing an iGaming license is always a balance between speed to market, setup cost, compliance requirements, and how the license will be perceived by banks, PSPs, and game providers. Below is a practical checklist to help determine which jurisdiction may be the better fit for your business model, whether you are launching an online casino, sportsbook, poker platform, or another iGaming product.

Choose an Anjouan Gambling License if:

• you need a fast launch and your initial budget is limited, for example for an MVP, market test, or first product version;
• you are prepared to build your payment setup through alternative solutions, EMIs, or crypto-friendly providers, and access to tier-1 banks is not critical at the initial stage;
• your project is focused on emerging markets and a flexible multi-GEO model, such as LATAM, Asia, or Africa, depending on your strategy;
• your priority is to enter the market quickly within a licensed model and build out compliance processes in parallel;
• you understand that some major PSPs and banks may require enhanced due diligence or offer alternative onboarding conditions.

Choose a Curacao Gambling License if:

• you are building a scalable iGaming brand with a long-term strategy, business partners, and a more sustainable operating model;
• you plan to work with more traditional PSPs and banks and want the license to be perceived as more familiar and recognizable by international counterparties;
• you need a more formal regulatory framework, where KYC/AML, internal policies, corporate structure, and payment flow controls are properly established from the outset;
• you are ready for a more complex and costly setup, including local structure, administration, stronger substance expectations, and stricter documentary discipline;
• you are targeting markets and partnerships where more attention is paid to the regulatory model, reputation, and the overall licensing framework, including tier-1 financial institutions and European counterparties.

Important: neither the Anjouan gambling license nor the Curaçao gambling license overrides the local legal requirements of individual countries. The final legal structure must always be assessed based on target GEOs, marketing strategy, payment model, and the intended customer base.

If your goal is to launch an iGaming project quickly and with controlled startup costs, the Anjouan gambling license is often the more cost-effective entry option in many cases. It is typically better suited for launching an MVP or a first brand and allows operators to move faster into the practical stages of the business, including platform setup, payment integration, funnel testing, and early marketing activity. At the same time, success under this model does not come from a “simplified approach” alone. A properly prepared compliance package – including KYC/AML, terms and conditions, privacy policy, and responsible gambling documentation – together with a clear payment model remains essential.
If, on the other hand, the project is designed from the outset for scaling, stable turnover, investors, and cooperation with more demanding PSPs or banking partners, the Curaçao gambling license is often the stronger long-term foundation. Yes, it usually requires a higher budget and a longer setup period, but in return it offers a more formal and predictable framework for working with counterparties, provided that the corporate structure and compliance system are built correctly from the start.

• Practical Rule of Thumbif you need a fast launch and more flexibility, Anjouan is often the better fit;
• if you need a stronger foundation for scaling and more traditional payment infrastructure, Curaçao is usually the better choice.