Online Gaming Licenses in Anjouan: A Potential Solution for Curacao Operators Facing Uncertainty
In the world of online gaming, two islands in the Caribbean are making headlines for different reasons. Curacao, a well-established hub for online gaming operators, is undergoing significant regulatory changes, while Anjouan, a small East African island, is attracting interest due to its more lenient licensing conditions.
Curacao's Minister of Finance, Javier Silvania, has announced plans to revamp the island's gambling legislation, with a focus on ending "unsavory practices" and improving player protection. As of 2025, the Curacao gaming license system will be streamlined into two main types: B2B licenses for service providers and B2C licenses for operators dealing directly with players.
The changes also include the establishment of the Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA), which replaced the previous Curaçao Gaming Control Board, and the implementation of stricter anti-money laundering (AML) procedures. Operators will be required to maintain a local presence, with a director and at least three permanent employees physically based in Curacao.
These changes aim to increase player trust in Curacao-licensed operators, potentially broadening the market and attracting more players who value safety and fairness. However, the new regulatory environment comes with increased costs, with licensing fees rising to an annual fee of about EUR 55,000 (approx. ANG 48,000) plus monthly fees and other charges.
Meanwhile, Anjouan, also known as Nzwani, is a small East African island that is starting to attract interest from online gaming operators seeking licenses. Anjouan has offered online gaming licenses since its market was regulated in 2005, and the license covers all iGaming activities, such as online casino, sports betting, and esports betting.
The government of Anjouan is able to establish its own rules regulating international trade, making an iGaming license acquired on the island recognized and respected by countries across the globe. The cost of an Anjouan iGaming license is significantly lower than most other gambling hubs, with an average price of $17,000 for B2C providers.
As Curacao tightens its regulations, Anjouan may become a new destination for online gaming firms looking to expand their global footprint. Over the coming 12 to 24 months, it is likely that many more members of the gaming industry will learn about Anjouan's location on the map.
In summary, Curacao is undergoing regulatory changes aimed at increasing player trust and improving the overall regulatory environment, while Anjouan offers a more lenient licensing regime with lower costs. Operators looking to enter or continue in Curacao must budget for higher compliance costs but gain from a more reputable and secure regulatory environment, with new opportunities especially in European markets. No similar regulatory framework or recent developments are noted for Anjouan at this time.
Technology plays a crucial role in Curacao's new regulatory environment, as stricter anti-money laundering (AML) procedures are being implemented, which require operators to maintain a local presence and adhere to advanced technology-driven AML practices. On the other hand, Anjouan's less stringent regulations may entice operators seeking to leverage technology in a more lenient and cost-effective licensing regime.
