Transition from Curacao to Anjouan Gaming License

Curaçao’s iGaming License Isn’t What It Used to Be

If you’re still operating under a Curaçao license—or considering one—you’ve likely noticed the ground shifting beneath your feet. What was once a low-cost, low-friction route into the online gaming market has become increasingly unstable. Bureaucracy, compliance uncertainty, long wait times, and damaged brand credibility are pushing operators to reconsider their options.

Why Operators Are Leaving Curaçao for Anjouan

Over the past 18 months, dozens of operators have quietly exited the Curaçao framework. New rules from the Gaming Control Board (GCB) now demand full relicensing, proof of local economic substance, certified software audits, and more. Worse yet, banks and PSPs are tightening restrictions on Curaçao-licensed sites, and affiliates are beginning to turn away.

Meanwhile, Anjouan has emerged as a modern, structured, and strategically positioned licensing jurisdiction. It offers a fast, cost-efficient, and internationally respected framework that covers B2C, B2B, sports, eSports, and casino gaming—all under one unified license.

Get a Faster, Cheaper, More Flexible License in 2025

Imagine launching your brand within 4 weeks, paying 50% less annually than Curaçao, and not needing a local director or forced physical presence. Envision a system where your platform, payment gateway, and affiliate team can operate under one flexible license with minimal red tape and real support.

That’s what Anjouan license delivers. The license comes with optional fast-track for those already licensed in Malta, Isle of Man, Romania, or similar reputable jurisdictions. It provides recognized legitimacy, a clean reputation, and a future-proof regulatory model—all without the complexity.

Make the Switch with Confidence

Hundreds of operators have already made the jump. Whether you’re launching a startup or migrating from Curaçao, now is the time to act.

Work with experienced consultants who can guide you through end-to-end onboarding, compliance structuring, and smooth migration—without interrupting operations or cash flow.

Don’t let outdated licensing slow your growth. Choose agility. Choose credibility. Choose Anjouan.

Why Operators Are Moving from Curaçao to Anjouan: A Clear iGaming Transition Guide

3 Key Points

• Regulatory Clarity: Anjouan offers streamlined rules and predictable outcomes.
• Cost Savings: Annual fees are roughly half those of Curaçao.
• Operational Freedom: No local director required, and offshore setup supported.

Operators have long treated Curaçao as the easy gateway to iGaming. However, that windfall era is over. The old Curaçao license, once fast and flexible, has become entangled in its new Gaming Control Board (GCB) regime. The GCB demands exhaustive KYC, AML, compliance officers, audited gaming platforms, and frequent reviews—costs that dramatically slow time to market.

This heightened oversight has led to costly delays, weakened conversion rates, and eroded ROI. BC.Game, an early adopter of the GCB license, recently withdrew and moved to Anjouan—highlighting this friction.

Anjouan offers a welcome alternative. Its license proposal combines flexibility, lower costs, and speed. With one license covering B2C, B2B, sports, and eSports, it eliminates the maze of sub-licensing found in Curaçao. In addition, approval can come within weeks—not months.

Cost comparison: Initial Anjouan fees total around €22.5K, with monthly upkeep of €3.8K. This equals roughly €68 K annually. Meanwhile, Curaçao with full compliance easily hits €120K a year. That creates a 50% cost advantage for Anjouan.

Player onboarding matters. Anjouan’s lighter verification flow improves conversion. In Curaçao’s rigid model, players drop out under burdensome checks. Anjouan achieves KYC in the background, unlocking faster registration and revenue.

Structurally flexible operations are another draw. Anjouan permits licensing and company registration separately. Operators can maintain HQ in Cyprus or the British Virgin Islands while operating under Anjouan’s license. Curaçao, by contrast, mandates a local managing director and audited substance.

Compliance under Anjouan remains solid. Its due diligence covers directors, shareholders, and UBOs, with fees ranging from €450–€700. Annual compliance officer registration is required, along with a modest €2K registration and €3.5K admin. These are reasonable for maintaining regulatory integrity.

Transition steps

1. Evaluate needs: Review your product scope, intended markets, and tax model. If offshore flexibility and speed matter, Anjouan fits.
2. Set up a company: Choose Anjouan or another friendly offshore jurisdiction for incorporation. Avoid triggering Curaçao’s new substance demands.
3. Gather documentation: Prepare site ownership info, self‑exclusion metadata, responsible gaming policies, T&Cs, privacy, and financial records. Ensure payment provider alignment.
4. Apply: Submit documents, pay fees, and undergo due diligence. Approval usually arrives within 3–4 weeks.
5. Transition operations: Update website licensing logos and redirects. Inform players and partners. Payment and software integrations usually remain unchanged.

Even for live Curaçao operators, the migration is typically seamless. Payment processors and platform vendors already familiar with Anjouan pose minimal disruption.

Market and regulatory context:
As Curaçao’s regulatory overhaul tightens compliance and complexity, operators are increasingly exploring alternatives. Anjouan has emerged as a viable path—combining licence credibility, reasonable cost, speed, and flexible company structure. This echoes a broader industry trend as startups and mid-size operators seek agility without regulatory compromise.

Curaçao’s new regulatory regime has raised costs, slowed launches, and introduced onerous substance rules. Conversely, Anjouan offers a license tailored to modern iGaming: faster approval, lower cost, flexible operations, and solid compliance. For operators seeking stability, profitability, and adaptability, Anjouan is clearly the smarter choice in 2025.

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