B2C and B2B Gaming License Options with Tobique Jurisdiction

Wondering if the Tobique gaming license is just another offshore loophole? Well, not even close! Issued by a sovereign Indigenous government in Canada, Tobique is quietly becoming one of the smartest moves for gaming operators in 2025. While Curacao tightens up and Anjouan starts to show cracks, Tobique offers what most don’t: speed, structure, and flexibility without burying you in pointless bureaucracy.

It covers B2C casinos, B2B platforms, game providers, and even sports data feeds, without slicing into your GGR. But don’t get it twisted: this isn’t a shortcut license. If your documents, platform deals, or compliance setup aren’t ready, delays are guaranteed.

More operators are catching on, and for good reason. It’s fast if you’re prepared, credible if you do it right, and scalable if you treat it seriously. Here’s exactly how it works, and how to not screw it up.

At License Gentlemen, we've helped secure over 500 gaming licenses worldwide, with a near-perfect success rate. But let’s be real, getting a license is just the starting point. What we really do is help operators build something solid. We guide you through payment setups, shape financial models that actually work long-term, and craft strategies grounded in real data, not guesswork. 

What Is the Tobique Gaming License?

As we already know at this point, Tobique is issued by the Tobique First Nation, a self-governing Indigenous authority in Canada. They run their own Tobique Gaming Commission (TGC), a regulatory body that oversees the entire licensing process under the Tobique Gaming Act of 2023.

So, what exactly makes the Tobique license stand out, and why are more serious operators starting to favor it over options like Curaçao or Anjouan? That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this article.

Want to know if Tobique is the right fit for your project? Book a free 30-minute strategy call with Max. We’ll look at your market focus, expected cash flow, and long-term vision to help you structure the most efficient licensing and company setup. Book Your FREE Strategy Call Here

What Types of Online Gaming Businesses Does the License Support?

Whether you're launching a direct-to-player casino, building white-label tech, or distributing your own game content, Tobique has license types for each of these business models.

Let me break it down for you:

B2C Use (Online Casinos and Sportsbooks): You run the player-facing site. This means you'll need a full website, certified games, KYC/AML flows, responsible gaming tools, and all your core policies. If you’re thinking about shortcuts, don’t. Tobique expects a real structure here.

B2B Use (Platform Providers): You’re building the engine, not the car. If you’re offering backend tech, hosting, or white-label setups, Tobique covers that too. But you’ll need signed SLAs, tech documentation, and service terms, all of which take time. Start early.

Game Studios and Aggregators: Got your own slot or crash game? Planning to distribute to Tobique-licensed casinos? Then you’ll need B2B approval, game certification from an ATL, and contracts with clients.

Risk Management or Sports Data Feeds: These services often get overlooked, but Tobique accommodates them. You can run legally under a B2B license, as long as your product is documented and provable.

The Hidden Headache: Delays When You Apply for the License

Here’s something I’ve seen over and over again: clients think, “Let’s first get the license, then I’ll sort the platform agreement later.” Bad move.

Let me tell you why this blows up the timeline.

When you apply for a Tobique license, one of the core documents you need is your platform agreement. That includes your SLAs, your game aggregation setup, your tech stack, your GGR share percentages, all of it.

And those agreements? They aren’t quick. We’re talking 40 to 80 pages, drafted by lawyers on both sides. That alone can take a month.

So when people delay this thinking, it’ll be a “quick” part of the process, they end up stuck waiting. Meanwhile, their KYC documents expire, and now they're redoing notarizations just to resubmit the same info. It’s double work. Double delays.

I’ve had clients where we’re literally ready to submit to compliance, but they’re still waiting on their software partner to finish redlining a paragraph. And every week that passes, another document needs updating.

So here's my advice: start your platform agreement the moment you decide to obtain a Tobique gaming license. Don’t wait. Line it up in parallel.

The Letter of Intent Shortcut for Online Gaming Operators

Let’s say you’re trying to move fast, but your full platform agreement isn’t ready. There's a shortcut.

Our lawyers created a Letter of Intent (LOI) template. It’s a document that the casino operator and software provider can both sign; it confirms that the full agreement is coming, and it’s enough for the Tobique compliance team to move forward.

This can save weeks if your full contract isn’t ready.

Key Advantages of the Tobique License

Alright, now let’s talk about why people are picking Tobique in 2025.

If you’re just starting out, or even if you’ve done this before, you’re probably asking yourself: “Why go with Tobique instead of Curacao or Anjouan?”

Let’s make it simple.

1. Fast Setup (If You Don’t Shoot Yourself in the Foot)

As mentioned earlier, Tobique can move quickly, but only if you're prepared.

That means your platform agreement, internal policies, and compliance documents need to be ready from the start. Delay them, and suddenly you're chasing expired KYC forms before you even submit. It’s avoidable. Just don’t treat these steps like an afterthought.

2. Flat Cost, No GGR-Based Fees

Tobique doesn’t take a cut of your revenue. Period.

You pay a fixed setup cost up front (we’ll break that down later) and no monthly gaming tax. For new operators with uncertain revenue and a tight launch budget, this alone can tip the scales.

You keep what you earn, which is exactly how it should be when you’re grinding to build traction in the online gaming industry.

3. Global Market Access (With Just a Few Blocked Regions)

Tobique doesn’t block you from global reach. You can operate in most international markets without the Europe-only limits or confusing restrictions that come with other licenses.

The only caveat? Some GEO blocks apply (we break that down later). But overall, your access is wide.

And here’s the shift: payment processors and game platforms are finally recognizing Tobique. Even big names like SoftSwiss are already onboard, and that’s a serious credibility signal. You’re not explaining your gaming license in Tobique to every PSP for 45 minutes anymore. That alone? Huge.

4. AML & Compliance Alignment (But Not Overkill)

Tobique’s no joke when it comes to compliance. It follows FATF standards, and you’ll need proper KYC, AML, and internal controls. You can start lean, sure, but only if the Commission signs off on you acting as your own MLRO. Long-term, you’ll need a qualified officer or an outsourced pro to take full legal responsibility. It’s still lighter than MGA or GCB, but you can’t cut corners.

B2B Use Case: Platform Providers, Aggregators, and Game Studios Under the Tobique Casino License

Whether you build platforms, distribute games, or offer turnkey setups, Tobique supports it. But this isn’t checkbox licensing. It’s real infrastructure with real oversight. If you do it properly, it works. If you don’t, it backfires.

Now, let’s talk about white label casino solution, because this topic needs a reality check.

White Label vs. Your Own Online Gaming License: Here's the Real Picture

Let’s not sugarcoat this: white label under Tobique isn’t what it used to be.

Ten years ago? It was fast, cheap, and great for testing the waters. But now? Same due diligence. Same compliance grind. Same wait time. Except this time, you get worse terms and zero control.

You don’t control the cash. You don’t sign PSPs. And if something breaks, good luck, you're just one ticket in a long queue.

And here’s what people don’t get: platforms still need to do full compliance for each white label brand they onboard. That means:

• Full KYC on every new white label partner
• Individual domain approval from the Commission
• Agreements signed
• Directors, UBOs, and compliance officers vetted

So no, this is not a shortcut anymore. Worse? The platform holds all legal and financial liability.
If one white label messes up? Everyone under that license suffers. One rotten potato, and the whole thing collapses like a house of cards. No exaggeration. We’ve seen it over and over.

Should You Ever Consider White Label Within the Tobique Jurisdiction?

It can make sense, but only in specific cases. If you're testing the market with clear long-term plans to upgrade to a turnkey setup, and you’ve got proper legal and operational support in place, it’s a viable path.

Just don’t expect shortcuts. Even under a white-label setup, you'll need to meet the full compliance checklist before your license gets approved.

The upgrade path exists, yes, but it’s not instant and definitely not casual. You’ll need to play it clean, or the switch gets blocked before it even starts.

With your own license, you’re the captain. You control:

• Cash flow
• PSP onboarding
• Risk management
• Speed of execution

And that’s real leverage. No more waiting for someone else’s team to respond to your ticket. You run the show.

So what’s my advice? If you’re serious, stop daydreaming. Own it, or you’re just playing their game

SLAs, Aggregation Deals, and the Real Bottleneck in the License Application

Start your SLAs the day you start your license. If they’re not ready yet, use a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed by both parties, it buys you time without stalling progress.

B2C Use Case: Launching an Online Casino License or Sportsbook

Planning to launch your own casino or sportsbook? Here’s what really matters. This is where operators lose time, waste money, or accidentally get blocked before going live.

What Can You Do With This License?

With a Tobique B2C license, you can operate:

• Online casinos (slots, tables, crash, live)
• Sports betting (with your own engine or 3rd-party feed)
• Multi-brand setups (if you apply for it upfront)
• Crypto gaming (but only if you explain how it works, start to finish)

The license covers all gaming verticals and allows you to operate online within international standards.

Pro Tips From the Trenches: What Founders Still Get Wrong

One thing here,  you can technically go manual with KYC. Manual uploads are fine, and your terms just need to explain exactly how it works. But here’s the catch no one tells you:

Doing it manually costs more in the long run.

You’re paying staff to check docs, cross-check lists, confirm accuracy, and respond to player queries. That time adds up fast. Tools like Sumsub may seem expensive at first, but automation will save your team hours every week.

What really matters isn’t the tool, it’s your Terms & Conditions. That’s what PSPs and compliance teams actually review. You’ve got to outline:

• When KYC is triggered (sign-up, first withdrawal, etc.)
• Whether you screen for sanctions lists and terrorist financing risks
• If you check PEP (Politically Exposed Persons) statuses
• How Enhanced Due Diligence is handled for high-risk players

Speaking of high risk, Tobique uses the FATF list to determine which player jurisdictions are flagged. Some countries are outright blocked. Others require full KYC and extra due diligence. This ensures your gaming operation aligns with global regulations in Tobique.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain a Tobique Gaming License

Here we have to be completely transparent, the Tobique license isn’t an overnight deal, but it’s still faster than most tier-one options in the gaming industry.

Here’s what the process looks like from start to finish:

Step 1: Free Consultation & Project Review

Your first step is a strategic call to map out the scope, timeline, and whether Tobique is a good fit for your model.

Step 2: Preliminary Review (€2,500)

This is where the legal team dives in. They review your company docs, UBO structure, and initial funding sources to flag any blockers early in the application for a license.

Step 3: Full Application & Documentation (€33,500)

Now it gets serious. You’ll need to provide full KYC for shareholders and directors, proof of funds, AML policies, and software agreements. No shortcuts, each document needs to be aligned with Tobique’s expectations.

Step 4: Compliance Review, Website Check & Due Diligence

Before your license gets approved, the commission checks everything: your platform, your policies, your payout process. They’ll also run full due diligence on UBOs, directors, and suppliers to ensure your gaming activities meet required standards.

Step 5: License Issued + Operational Timeline

Assuming everything is clean and submitted properly, you’re looking at around 3 months for approval. But that’s best-case. In reality, missing documents or unclear funding sources will slow you down.

License Cost and Annual Maintenance Under the Tobique First Nation Established Framework

This license sits in the middle when it comes to pricing, more than Anjouan, way less than Malta, or the new Curaçao GCB. It’s an alternative to the Curaçao license that still meets international regulations of gaming.

Here’s the breakdown:

Year 1: Approx. €60,000
This covers the full setup, including legal review, license fees, and operational support. Compared to Curaçao’s new setup (which can go over €130K), Tobique is far more accessible, and the license is valid for one year.

Renewals & Compliance

Annual renewal comes with technical reviews and policy updates. No gaming tax is applied under Tobique, but if your setup involves banking in the EU or crypto gateways, those may introduce extra compliance fees.

Optional Add-Ons

Need help drafting your KYC/AML docs? Need a hosted server or help finding a compliance officer? These services are offered à la carte, depending on your structure and needs. This flexibility supports license holders and makes the Tobique license a great option for those looking to obtain a gaming license without unnecessary constraints.

Long-Term Comparison: Advantages of a Tobique License Over Anjouan Gaming License or the Malta Gaming License

While Anjouan is cheaper upfront (~€25–30K), Tobique gives you better market access. Unlike new Curaçao gaming licenses, you’re not required to hire a local director or keep an in-country office, which saves major overhead long-term. The license allows you to conduct a gaming business globally while complying with responsible gaming policies.

Requirements to Get a Tobique Gaming License (And What Usually Trips People Up)

You’d be surprised how many smart founders get blindsided by this part. So let’s clear the fog. Here's exactly what Tobique expects: no guesswork, no sales talk, just the facts.

KYC for Shareholders and Directors

You’ll need to submit KYC docs for every UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner), shareholder, and director involved in the structure.

Here’s the core checklist:

• Certified passport
• Certified utility bill
• CV
• Source of wealth docs (salary slips, dividends, bank records)

That’s the bare minimum. No shortcuts, no blurred scans, no “I’ll send it later.”

Source of Funds + Business Plan

This is where people freeze.

You must submit a real business plan (not a pitch deck) outlining:

• Revenue model
• Marketing strategy
• Operational structure
• 3-year financial forecast
• Diagrams showing the flow of services, traffic, and payments
• Domain ownership proof
• Disaster recovery strategy

Yes, they actually read it. Yes, you’ll get questions if anything’s vague.

Appointing a Compliance Officer / MLRO

Let’s talk compliance, this part’s often misunderstood.

Is a Compliance Officer Required?

Absolutely. For B2C, it’s mandatory. For B2B, it depends, but most setups still need one.

Small operators may act as MLRO, but only with Commission approval.

In those cases, there’s usually a warning label, the director can act as MLRO for now, but they’ll need to hire a dedicated officer once operations grow.

That’s because letting a business owner monitor their own compliance creates a conflict of interest. And if there’s ever an issue, like dodgy players slipping through, your setup falls apart fast.

What Experience Is Required?

Tobique doesn’t do deep interviews, but they will check:

• The MLRO’s CV
• Background in compliance-heavy fields (banking, fintech, etc.)
• Basic understanding of AML rules, transaction monitoring, and policy enforcement

You don’t need a gaming-specific resume, but they must get it.

Can You Outsource the Role?

Yes. 100%. The MLRO can be part-time and external.
But be clear, this isn’t a ghost name.

They must:

• Go through full KYC
• Be listed as a director on the license
• Take legal responsibility for compliance
• Handle all the actual procedures

So yes, you can pay a monthly fee for a pro. But that pro becomes part of your company. This isn’t a paper tiger role.

Technical Readiness (Website, Platform & Certification)

You need more than a domain name. Before your license is approved, your setup must be functional, no prototypes, no "coming soon" pages.

Here’s the core checklist:

Website & Platform Setup

• Installed games (even if just demo mode)
• Deposit/withdrawal system live
• KYC upload portal
• Legal footer (T&Cs, privacy, AML/CFT, responsible gaming)
• Visible age verification
• Real-time badge that links to license verification
• If you use crypto, include your wallet tracing policy and controls

Technical & Provider Info

• Server location
• Website developer details
• Supported currencies
• Target GEOs
• List of third-party providers (games, payments, tools)

Certification Requirements

• All platforms, games, and systems must be certified
• No certificate = no license, full stop

Approved Testing Labs (ATLs):

• GLI
• iTech Labs
• eCOGRA
• Quinel
• Global Lab
• BMM Testlabs

Games need RNG certificates, even crash games.
Platforms are usually certified under GLI-19 or equivalent.

• Time: 30 days
• Cost: ~$5K–€8K per game, depending on complexity
  

Your Terms & Conditions Matter More Than You Think

Either way, your Terms & Conditions must spell it out clearly:

• When KYC is triggered (sign-up, first withdrawal, etc.)
• What’s checked (ID, proof of address, AML/PEP lists)
• How long does verification take
• What happens if it fails

If you use crypto, expect extra scrutiny. Full wallet traceability, AML controls, and crypto-specific policies are all required.

Compliance Docs, Reporting & Red Flags

Tobique aligns with international AML standards, including the FATF list. So:

• Some countries are outright blocked
• Some require Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)

You must:

• Screen players against terrorist financing lists
• Check for Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)
• Prove how you handle high-risk signups
  

Policy Documentation (Your Lifesaver When Stuff Hits the Fan)

Here’s the full policy stack required:

• Terms & Conditions
• AML/CFT Policy
• Crypto Handling Policy
• Withdrawal & Payout Terms
• Player Privacy Policy
• Responsible Gaming Measures
• Age Verification
• Financial Crime Controls
• Bonus Terms

Do not try to copy-paste generic text from the internet. Tobique actually reads every word. If it doesn’t match your tech stack, your KYC flows, or your game structure, they’ll reject it.

These docs are your insurance policy when something goes wrong. They protect the player, yes. But they also protect you.

Ongoing Reporting Obligations

Once licensed, you’ll need to:

• Submit monthly reports
  Includes complaint data, dispute summaries, and case resolutions (due by the 25th each month)
• Submit quarterly reports
  If inactive, you must still file a “no activity” report. No ghosting allowed.
  

What Triggers License Suspension?

Here’s what will get you into hot water fast:

• Missing reports
• Non-functional websites
• Ignoring player disputes
• Using unlicensed game content
• Failing to provide documentation when requested

And if a player files a legit complaint, like not getting paid, the Commission investigates both sides. If you're clearly at fault, the license is suspended or revoked. It’s that simple.

Bonus: Unresolved complaints go to a third-party mediator from a pre-approved list. Both sides present their case, and the decision is binding.

Payments, Banking & Offshore Setup: What You Need to Know

You want to launch your casino. Great. But if your banking and payment setup is trash, nothing else works. Here's what actually matters when you’re building around a Tobique license.

Where should you set up your company?

The truth? There’s no single answer.
Everything depends on your business model, your future plans, and, most importantly, your cash flow.

That said, here are the offshore jurisdictions that are commonly recommended with a Tobique license:

• Curacao
• Belize
• Costa Rica
• BVI
• Anguilla
• Saint Lucia
• Anjouan

Each has its pros and cons. Some are easier to work with. Some make banking smoother. Others are better for tax. That’s why we never suggest a cookie-cutter setup, we ask questions and build accordingly.

Why jurisdiction actually matters

This part gets overlooked all the time.

Pick the wrong jurisdiction, and you could end up with:

• No banking options
• Full corporate tax exposure
• No access to PSPs
• Compliance issues later on

So yeah, “just setting up in the cheapest place” could wreck your setup later. That’s why we always review the full structure first.

The one thing that kills applications fast

You want the brutal truth?
Lying to your licensing provider is the fastest way to kill your own project.

Fake documents. Sketchy stories. Hiding UBOs.
We’ve seen it.

Out of 500+ licenses, the 1% that failed were clients who tried to fake things.
We catch red flags from a mile away, and so does the regulator.

So don’t lie. There’s literally no reason. If there’s a complexity, we work through it. But if the structure smells bad, it gets shut down fast.

Can you actually get PSPs with Tobique?

Yes. Technically, you can operate almost anywhere, except the restricted zones.
We’ve helped clients connect to PSPs across jurisdictions, and there are no major blockers if your structure is clean.

Still, PSPs look at:

• Your banking jurisdiction
• Your license type
• Your KYC/AML policies
• Your GEO targeting

They don’t care about buzzwords, they care about risk.

What countries do you need to block?

Tobique officially restricts:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Ontario
• New Brunswick

But you’re also expected to GEO block these additional territories:

• Netherlands
• Italy
• Cyprus
• Spain

The FATF list shifts constantly, and PSPs and regulators use it to assess risk. Miss an update, and you’ll run into trouble.

Conclusion

The Tobique Gaming License isn’t for everyone, and that’s exactly the point. It’s not meant for people looking for a shortcut or something to stick on a pitch deck. It’s for operators who actually plan to launch, grow, and stay in the business for real.

If you’re serious, though, and you’re treating this like the business it is, Tobique is one of the most practical and scalable licenses out there right now. It moves fast if you’re ready, it earns respect from payment and game providers, and it’s flexible enough to support how modern gaming activities actually run.

So if you're looking to build a casino or platform that can actually last, the Tobique Gaming License is one of the strongest, cleanest foundations available right now. The license offers a smart alternative to the Curacao gaming license, with lower overhead, lower license fees, and flexible structures that allow you to conduct gaming business across global markets.

Need help getting there? We work with you to build a licensing and compliance structure that fits your actual model, not someone else’s template. Tobique’s gaming license allows real operators to act as the license holder with confidence, supporting online gaming activities under the Gaming Act 2023.

Contact us at License Gentlemen to explore how we support platforms like yours with licensing, compliance, and operational readiness, so you can focus on building a brand that’s credible, scalable, and ready for real.