How to Transition from a Curaçao Gambling License to an Anjouan Gaming License: A Practical Guide

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the online gambling industry, you’ve probably noticed a shift happening. More and more operators who once swore by the Curacao gaming license are now pivoting to the Anjouan gaming license. And no, it’s not just because it’s cheaper or easier to get, though those are definitely perks. The real reason? Uncertainty. Let’s have a look.

A lot of operators come into this thinking, “Hey, I’ll get a Curacao license because that’s what casinos have always done.” Makes sense, right? The problem is that the Curacao license of today is not the same Curacao license of the past.

Curacao’s Gaming Control Board (GCB) is still a relatively new institution. And like any new regulatory body, it’s still figuring things out. Many operators start the GCB Curacao license application process only to back out halfway. Why? Because what they thought they were paying for isn’t actually what they’re getting.

Imagine you’re spending tens of thousands on a gambling license that’s still in development. That’s exactly what’s happening with the GCB license. The rules are constantly changing, and operators are left wondering what they’ll actually end up with.

Anjouan, on the other hand, is gaining popularity for one simple reason, it delivers what an offshore gaming license should: flexibility without unnecessary hurdles,

Understanding Curaçao’s Licensing Challenges and the Shift in the Online Gaming Landscape

For years, Curaçao’s online gaming license was the go-to option for new operators in the gaming industry. It was easy, affordable, and provided enough credibility for a license holder to work with payment providers and software platforms. Recently, however, the Curaçao government revamped the licensing process and got it closer to European standards. Operators, particularly startups, are now facing stricter KYC and AML criteria for obtaining a license.

From mandatory background checks on key personnel to the need to hire a compliance officer with experience in gaming, it ‘s all about significant costs that slows down the speed to market and even hurts conversion rates (more on this later). This new oversight means that even after you go through the licensing process in Curaçao, your company will face regular audits from the Curaçao Gaming Control Board, along with continual checks on every player transaction and financial report.

BC.Game: A Perfect Example of the Curaçao Gaming License Shift

Let’s look at BC.Game, one of the first casinos to get a GCB Curacao license. It didn’t take long for them to realize the Curacao license wasn’t what they expected. In the end, they withdrew their application and switched to Anjouan.

If a major player like BC.Game is making the move, what does that say about the future of the Curacao license?

Why More Operators Are Choosing an Anjouan Gaming License

Anjouan offers a single license covering a wide range of gambling activities, providing a more flexible and cost-efficient alternative to Curaçao’s new framework. With faster approval times (often within weeks) and no requirement for a Managing Director based locally, operators benefit from a process designed for efficiency rather than red tape.

Gambling License in Anjouan vs. Curaçao License: Key Cost & Compliance Factors

Consider the numbers: an upfront fee of roughly 18,500 EUR plus a recurring monthly charge of about 3,650 EUR leads to a rough annual expense of 62,500 EUR for a license. However, when you add maintenance fees, management services, and the additional costs for key staff compliance, that figure nearly doubles to around 120,000 EUR per year. Every euro counts in the online gaming industry, and high costs combined with lengthy approval times (often taking six months) are a heavy burden for startups aiming to obtain a gambling license.

Click2Reg Conversion & Player Experience: How Gaming Licenses Impact Signups

About user experience: The click-to-registration ratio (Click2Reg conversion rate) is a critical metric for a thriving casino platform in the competitive gaming industry. When potential players face an overload of requirements, full address verification, ID documents, and even proof of funds, many simply click away, resulting in fewer completed signups and ultimately lower gross gaming revenue.

Curaçao’s new compliance framework demands even more, so this directly affects conversion rates and puts Curaçao-licensed casinos at a disadvantage compared with competitors who offer smoother onboarding processes.

Imagine two casinos:

• Casino A (Curaçao license) requires full address checks, detailed ID documents, and proof of funds right up front.
• Casino B (operating under an Anjouan online gambling license) offers a simpler registration process that allows players to sign up quickly and verify details later.

The difference is clear, Casino B’s frictionless registration converts more players. By streamlining the process while maintaining regulatory compliance, this license offers flexibility, allowing operators to optimize performance.

Licensing Jurisdiction, Advanced Considerations: Company Structure, Payments & Market Expansion

One of the biggest issues operators now face under Curaçao’s revised framework is the level of financial oversight they must comply with.

• Third-Party Access to Financial Records:  Business owners are now required to share banking information with third-party managing directors, a requirement that adds another layer of external oversight to financial operations.
• Mandatory Managing Director Based in Curaçao: As mentioned before, new rules require a Managing Director to be physically based in Curaçao, which is audited by both the central bank and the Curaçao Gaming Control Board.
• Stricter Source of Wealth & Source of Funds Checks:  Simple payslips are no longer sufficient, every document proving the origin of funds must be notarized.
  

Flexibility in Company Structure and Offshore Incorporation

One of the key advantages of an Anjouan gaming license is its flexible approach to company formation. Unlike Curaçao, which ties operators to a specific jurisdiction.

• You can set up both your company and gaming license in Anjouan.
• You can have your company registered in another offshore jurisdiction while still holding an Anjouan license.

This freedom in incorporation is crucial for businesses looking to optimize tax structures and adapt to different market risks. Each operator has unique needs, a crypto-only casino has very different requirements from a fiat-based casino.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transitioning from Curacao to Anjouan

If you currently operate under a Curacao license, your online gaming business is already up and running. For new casinos, starting from scratch is straightforward. However, if you’re considering a shift, there are a few points you need to address.

Step 1: Assess Your Business Needs and Licensing Options

If you run an online gaming business, switching to an Anjouan gambling license is a decision that requires careful thought. You need to evaluate whether the licensing jurisdiction offered by Anjouan fits your model so make sure the regulatory requirements align with your future plans.

One important area is tax optimization. Many operators find that the Anjouan license offers advantages in terms of corporate tax efficiency. While both Curaçao and Anjouan offer a 0% Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) tax, Curaçao’s corporate tax regime stands at 15%, though it can be optimized down to 2–4% with the right structuring. Anjouan, on the other hand, allows for a more flexible and potentially more efficient company setup, providing operators with greater control over their tax strategy.

Before transitioning to an Anjouan license, it’s important to check with your payment system and software providers. They can confirm whether they will continue working with you after the license change, ensuring that your existing payment infrastructure remains intact, something that can significantly impact your cash flow.

Address Business Risks

Business risks in this transition mainly stem from your payment providers and software partners. If your online casino already has a stable cash flow, it’s essential to speak with these partners. Their assurance is important to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. However, in 100% of the cases we’ve seen, transitioning from Curaçao to Anjouan has been smooth, especially now that the license is well adopted and well received by the market.

Evaluate the Impact on Operations and Tax Policies

Rest assured that changing licenses should not impact your player base or financial operations. There are no additional mechanisms under an Anjouan license that limit your current setup. On the contrary, many in the industry have noted that the Anjouan license is more flexible. This flexibility can open up possibilities for a wide range of gaming activities while keeping your operational stability intact.

Consider Restricted Markets

Before you apply for a gaming license in Anjouan, check the lists of restricted markets. For example, if you plan to target the UK, note that both Curacao and Anjouan share similar restrictions so please take that in consideration.

Step 2: Set Up a New Offshore Company

Alright, friend, let’s talk about setting up a new offshore company. This step is crucial if you want to avoid potential legislative traps down the line and keep your cash flowing smoothly.

Legislative Risks and Changes

New gambling legislation was approved in Curaçao before Christmas 2024. Currently, every Curaçao gaming company (classified as a “company of chance”) must already be represented by a local audited firm and must appoint a local managing director.

A key risk operators must consider is the possibility of Curaçao imposing a blanket ban on all gaming companies that do not hold an active Curaçao license. If this happens, companies operating under outdated or sub-license structures could be forced out of the market.

In such a scenario, local managing directors may choose to resign to avoid potential fines or compliance liabilities, leaving companies without proper representation. This would render them inactive and, in many cases, effectively useless. While the latest law does not yet enforce this measure, additional regulatory changes could be introduced at any time, adding further instability for businesses under Curaçao’s framework.

To mitigate these risks, many operators are not only transitioning to an Anjouan gaming license but are also restructuring their corporate setup entirely, shifting operations to jurisdictions that offer greater long-term stability.

Business Risks and Agreement Challenges

If you have a Curaçao company with numerous agreements in place, renegotiating them in a new jurisdiction can be time-consuming. However, if you have only a few agreements, switching your company setup now may be the smarter move. In such cases, operators often choose to establish their new entity in a jurisdiction that offers more flexibility without unnecessary delays.

Prepare Agreements in Advance

Give them your new company details, registration number, and licensing info early. That way, when your Anjouan license is official, all you need to do is sign and move forward. This saves time and prevents any operational downtime.

Cost Efficiency and Cash Flow Considerations

Maintaining a company in Curaçao can be expensive. Yearly maintenance costs there are often double compared to other jurisdictions. By choosing a new offshore company, you might significantly reduce operational expenses and gain more flexibility in structuring your business. Before making any moves, talk to someone who understands your cash flow. After all, cash flow is the lifeblood of any online gaming operation, whether it’s internet gaming or sports betting.

Reviewing Your Corporate Structure

Finally, take a good look at your current corporate structure. If you have other companies in the mix, you might need to untie them from your old setup and make some corporate changes. Every case is custom-based, so this is something you should evaluate on its own. Remember, the decision to switch isn’t just about avoiding legislative risks; it’s also about making sure your business can continue to cash flow without interruption.

This could be your pathway to smoother operations on the island of Anjouan, where the license also allows broader operational freedom and may come with advantages like a favorable tax policy on gaming revenue.

Step 3: Prepare Documentation for Your New Anjouan Gambling  License

Alright, let’s talk paperwork. If you already run an online casino under a Curacao license, you’re in a good place. You likely have most of your documents ready. Now, when you decide to switch over and obtain an Anjouan gaming license, here’s what you need to have on hand.

Essential Company Documents

First, grab your business plan and your proof of address. Every owner, shareholder, and member of your management team must provide full KYC details. If the ultimate beneficial owner doubles as the managing director, one set of documents is enough. Otherwise, each person’s information is required. This is key if you want to get a license without any hiccups.

Legal and Compliance Requirements

Let’s look at the most common issues we see:

• Missing site ownership details
• No direct link to Anjouan Gaming’s regulatory website
• Absence of self-exclusion options in policies
• No deposit, loss, or session time limits to promote responsible gaming
• Missing reality check notifications, such as session duration reminders

These issues are not just minor details; they matter for compliance with Anjouan regulatory standards. When comparing Curaçao and Anjouan, keep in mind that documentation must cover all bases.

Certification and Testing

If you’re developing your own games, certification badges matter. Regulators and players look for seals from iTech Labs, BMM, or GLI as proof of fairness. Without them, trust can be a challenge. RNG certification should be visible, along with RTP (Return to Player) percentages for transparency. These details help ensure compliance with Anjouan’s betting and gaming standards.

Security and AML/CTF Measures

Compliance is not just about paperwork, it also requires robust security. Your website must have SSL encryption (HTTPS) for all data transmissions, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and anti-malware protection. Strong password policies and two-factor authentication (2FA) add an extra layer of safety. Notify users of logins from new devices or IP addresses. Follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines so your site is accessible to everyone.

Regular compliance audits should be carried out by approved independent auditors. You’ll also need periodic reports on player activity, responsible gaming measures, and financial performance. And if a major incident like a data breach happens, you must notify Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. within 24 hours. Draft all applicable internal policies to clearly outline these measures.

AML and KYC Procedures

All licensed operators must have strong Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism measures in place. This means:

• Adopting a risk-based approach to monitoring transactions
• Verifying player identities, especially when a cumulative deposit of $10,000 is reached or at first withdrawal (using government-issued ID and proof of residence)
• Keeping detailed records of customer due diligence, transaction logs, and suspicious activity reports
• Conducting enhanced due diligence for high-risk players
• Regularly monitoring transactions to detect suspicious patterns
• Reporting any suspicious transactions within 24 hours and maintaining secure records for at least five years

These steps are vital for your online casino. Working with quality lawyers experienced in the offshore gaming industry, and specifically with the Anjouan license, can make a big difference.

Step 4: Apply for Your Anjouan Gaming License

Alright, once all your documents are in line and your roadmap is clear, and you know exactly what steps need to be taken, it’s time to move forward with your license application.

Starting the Application Process

Easy: form the company, get the required documents, kick off the application process. Next is the pre-approval, and, having no problems with the application we’re getting the Anjouan license for you, hassle-free.

Timeline and Realistic Planning

Step 5: Migrate Your Casino Operations & Player Accounts

Good news,  your client database stays exactly where it is, whether it’s on your own platform or a turnkey solution.

Inform Your Partners Early

Tell your payment providers and software partners ahead of time. A simple message like:
“We’re in the process of changing our license, could you draft a new agreement for us?”
Why? Because big platforms take weeks to prepare agreements. If you wait until the license is issued, you risk delays.

Keep Your Players in the Loop

While players don’t care as much about licensing, some do, especially high-value ones. So, be transparent:
✔️ Update your Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Internal Rules.
✔️ Let players know their funds, accounts, and withdrawals stay exactly the same.
✔️ Frame it as an upgrade, “We’re moving to a stronger, more efficient license.”

Final Step: Compliance & Internal Documents

Once your license is finalized, your internal legal policies (AML/KYC, responsible gaming, dispute resolution) should be updated to meet Anjouan regulatory standards.

Step 6: Ensure Full Compliance & Regulatory Readiness

Once you’ve got your Anjouan gaming license, just one more thing, staying compliant is key so stick to it and don’t risk losing your license.

Annual License Renewal & Compliance Requirements

Your license must be renewed every year, and that means keeping your KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) compliance up to date. The Anjouan regulator rechecks all key documents annually before prolonging the license. So keep your company documents updated regularly.

When the time comes to renew your license, you are ready to go.

Why Proactive Compliance Matters

Final Thoughts: The Smart Move for Your Gaming Business

For those weighing their options, the choice is clear. When you compare Anjouan and Curaçao, the differences become striking: lower costs, faster approval times, and regulatory simplicity that allows businesses to maintain control over their operations. Anjouan’s flexible corporate tax structure and cost-efficient company setup further reduce the operational burden, freeing up capital for expansion and marketing.

Beyond the financial benefits, Anjouan’s license for all types of gambling activities allows platforms to diversify their offerings. Whether it’s sports betting, casino gaming, or other verticals, Anjouan provides the flexibility operators need in an increasingly competitive industry. Obtaining a gaming license in a jurisdiction that supports growth, without unnecessary hurdles, can make the difference between a struggling operation and a thriving one.

Transitioning to a more business-friendly licensing framework is no longer just an option, it’s a strategic necessity. A gaming license requires careful planning, but operators should also consider the long-term impact of their licensing decisions. The ability to scale efficiently while remaining compliant is essential for sustained success in the online gambling market.

At License Gentlemen, we understand the nuances of this transition. From securing the right Anjouan gaming license to ensuring compliance with evolving industry regulations, we offer customized solutions to simplify the entire process. We empower gaming platforms to focus on delivering top-tier betting experiences, while we handle the licensing complexities.

Take the next step with confidence. Visit License Gentlemen for expert guidance tailored to your platform’s success. Let’s build a future-proof gaming business that thrives in a competitive market.