A Comprehensive Licensing Guide: Curacao, Anjouan and Tobique
Choosing the Right License for Your Online Casino
When launching an online casino business, operators have the opportunity to select licensing jurisdictions that offer distinct advantages, costs, and regulatory frameworks. The choice of license is influenced by the operator’s budget, business objectives, and strategic preferences.
Among the most sought-after licenses are those from Curacao, Anjouan and Tobique.
Benefits of Licenses
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Curacao
One of the most popular and affordable iGaming licenses, Curacao offers access to global markets with a flexible regulatory framework, significant tax advantages, and a streamlined application process. It’s favored by operators for its support of innovative technologies, including cryptocurrencies.
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Anjouan
The most cost-effective option among iGaming licenses, Anjouan is ideal for small businesses. It features low fees, quick processing times, and no taxation, allowing operators to scale operations flexibly as they grow.
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Tobique
A newer player in the iGaming space, the Tobique license provides competitive fees and rapid approval, making it attractive for startups. Issued by the Tobique First Nation in Canada, it appeals to operators targeting the North American market while promoting ethical practices that support Indigenous communities.
Comparison of gambling licensess
| Licenses | Curacao* | Anjouan | Tobique |
|---|---|---|---|
Regulatory body |
NOOGH: Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) LOK: Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) |
Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority | Tobique Gaming Commission (TGC) |
B2C operation |
NOOGH: licenses granted by GCB LOK: B2C licenses granted by CGA |
Standard gaming license applying to both B2B and B2C operation | Remote Gaming license |
B2B operation |
NOOGH: licenses granted by GCB LOK: B2C licenses granted by CGA |
Software Supplier licence |
Discover your perfect license
Check out the true financial picture, making it easier to choose the licence that perfectly fits your budget and business goals.
| Curacao* | Anjouan | Tobique | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | €18,500 | €18,000 | |
| License fee | €43,200 | €17,000 | €18,000 |
| Compliance package fee | €7,000 | ||
| Expedite Service | €5,000 | ||
| Annual renewal fee | €43,200 | €17,000 | €18,000 |
Application Requirements & Process
Curacao
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Legal requirements
- – Registered company in Curacao with a physical presence and a certificate of incorporation or registration.
- – A unique company name that complies with the Curacao law requirements.
- – Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association documents.
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Policies and procedures
- – Developed and implemented anti-money laundering (AML) policies and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) programs.
- – Established a “Terms of Use” policy.
- – Implemented responsible gambling measures in line with relevant regulations.
- – Implemented robust policies and cyber security measures ensuring the protection of player funds and personal data.
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Physical presence
- – Mandatory location of at least one physical server in Curacao jurisdiction.
- – Physical office in Curacao.
- – Having a local representative.
- – Minimum one local manager and one local director.
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Documents and confirmations
- – A certified copy of the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) passport.
- – A certified copy of the UBO identification card and utility bill as proof of address.
- – Certificate of no criminal record.
- – Source of wealth declaration.
- – Source of funds certificate and proof of good financial standing.
- – Original letter of recommendation from the bank where the applicant has been a client for over 2 years.
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Organizational structure
- – Details and names of all directors and shareholders.
- – Minimum one shareholder (a legal entity or an individual without residency requirements).
- – Minimum one native KYC and AML compliance officer.
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Business plan
- – A three-year business plan.
- – Detailed description of all game types.
- – A list of jurisdictions of potential operation.
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Financial and technical requirements
- – Sufficient financial resources to meet its obligations to the regulator and players.
- – Implemented a variety of reliable payment processors.
- – Regular software and hardware maintenance audits and technical audits of each game system.
- – Random Number Generator (RNG) software certificate.
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Criteria for Directors and Shareholders
- – Proper and fit tests for the director and shareholders.
- – A CV demonstrating the ability to operate a gambling business.
Other
- Available to people over 18 years old.
Application Process
Register a legal entity in the Curacao jurisdiction, preferably LLC.
Open a corporate bank account.
Gather a set of documents, including a business plan, legal acts, and financial statements.
Meet local economic substance requirements, such as having a local registered address and qualified local employees.
Pay the registration fee.
Submit the documents to the Curacao Gaming Control Board for review.
Undergo background and compliance checks.
Comply with obligations post-application.
Anjouan
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Criteria of the Applicant
- – An applicant must be a legal entity and not an individual.
- – License is issued to people older than 18 and won’t be available to those who are assumed to be of questionable character.
Business and Operations
- – A business plan.
- – Detailed information about the content that will be offered on the website.
- – Evidence of domain ownership.
Technical Aspects
- – RNG testing certificate.
- – Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) agreement.
- – The player databases and servers must be located on Anjouan.
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Documents and Personality Assessment
- – All owners, directors, authorized people, investors, and ultimate beneficiaries must undergo KYC and due diligence checks.
- – Valid passport certified copy.
- – A recently issued utility bill.
- – Certificate of no criminal record.
- – CV or resume.
- – Original banker’s certificate with whom the applicant has been cooperating for over 2 years.
- – Original reference letter from a consultant or lawyer.
Policies and Procedures
- – Copies of AML and CFT policies and procedures.
- – A qualified person is appointed to monitor compliance with AML/CFT policies.
- – Terms and Conditions copies (including KYC, underage, and responsible play policies for players).
Application Process
Select a local representative or agent.
Open a bank account at the local bank.
Transfer the share capital of the company.
Choose a reliable payment service provider.
Apply for the license by submitting the required documents to the Anjouan Commission.
Pay the €17,000 license.
The Anjuan Betting and Gaming Board (ABGB) issues the license after the assessment of ethical and financial qualities.
Pay the €5,000 expedited service.
Tobique
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Legal requirements
- – Clean criminal record of the company’s director and all shareholders.
- – Minimum one director and one shareholder without residency requirements.
- – Mandatory registered office within Belize.
- – The Belize entity must maintain a registered agent.
- – Evidence of a legally established gaming company.
Financial Aspects
- – A bank account that suits the business type
Technical requirements
- – Certifications from major independent testing agencies.
- – Having a functional and compliant website post-licensing.
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Documents and Personality Assessment
- – Proof of residence through utility bills.
- – Demonstration of financial stability (bank statements for the last three months).
- – Proof of experience and qualifications in the online gambling sector.
Policies and Procedures
- – Robust internal policies regarding anti-money laundering (AML), responsible gaming, privacy, and anti-fraud protection.
- – Integrated responsible gambling practices and fair gaming.
- – Implemented KYC procedure.
Application Process
Register a legal entity (outside of Tobique) to comply with local gaming regulations.
Application Assistance fee €18,000 and Tobique License — €18,000
Gather and submit license application documentation.
Find a payment agent to reduce costs.
Prepare and submit the documents to the Tobique Gaming Commission and cover the licensing and application fees.
Wait for the background checks and license approval and issuance.
Licence Timeframe and Validity Period
| Timeframe | Curacao | Anjouan | Tobique |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing term | 8 weeks | 3 – 4 weeks | 4 – 8 weeks |
| License term | 5 years | 1 year | 1 year |
Details of Operation
Find out how the main licensing bodies operate and what kind of B2C licences they offer.
| Operation | Curacao | Anjouan | Tobique |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regions of operation | Everywhere except the USA, UK, Singapore, the Netherland Antilles, the Netherlands, Australia, Germany, Belgium, China, Hong Kong. |
Everywhere except Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, Comoros Islands, USA, all FATF-sanctioned countries, and all jurisdictions prohibited by Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority. |
Everywhere except the U.S., the U.K., China, Libya, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Syria, the Central African Republic, Russia, Belarus, and Sudan. |
| Range of B2C service | One license covers all types of gambling activities. | One universal license covering sports betting and all online casino games. | A single casino license covers sports betting, casino games, and lottery. |
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