Why the Tobique Gambling License is a Strong Alternative to the Curacao

There are over 30 gaming licenses globally, but let’s be real—not all of them are created equal. Only a few stand out as widely recognized, and picking the wrong one can leave you with a license that looks good on paper but falls apart when it comes to working with payment providers or software platforms.

Here’s an example: you’ve launched your online casino, but your payment processor refuses to work with your chosen license. What’s next? You’re stuck renegotiating terms or, worse, applying for a new license entirely. That’s time, money, and stress you simply don’t need.

This is where the Tobique Gaming License comes in. Introduced in early 2024 by the Tobique First Nation, it’s one of the newer names gaining traction—and for good reason. It’s already supported by major platforms like SoftSwiss, which is a clear sign it’s earning the kind of recognition that you need to run a successful operation in the gambling industry. With minimal restrictions, advanced compliance standards, and significant market access benefits, it offers a balance between regulatory compliance and operational flexibility, especially now that Curaçao has tightened its rules.

And let’s not forget the Anjouan Gaming License. Since Curaçao’s licensing overhaul in early 2023, Anjouan has stepped up as a go-to option, issuing over 500 licenses and powering thousands of casino sites worldwide. It didn’t just adapt; it took the lead, filling the gap for operators needing reliability without added complications.

Choosing the Right Gambling License: Anjouan Gaming License, Curaçao GCB, and Tobique License

Selecting the appropriate gambling license is a lot more than just handling paperwork—it impacts everything from how quickly you can get to market to how much you’ll spend keeping your operation compliant. These are three of the most popular options for startups:

Anjouan Gaming License: Speed and Simplicity

The Anjouan Gaming License offers global reach while adhering to compliance standards similar to the old Curaçao system’s relatively lenient approach. It’s a quick, affordable solution to launch operations without unnecessary delays.

Curaçao GCB License: High Standards, Higher Costs

The Curaçao GCB license has undergone significant changes recently, aiming to align with European MGA-level standards. This shift brings stricter compliance requirements and higher costs.

Key differences include:

• License Holders Must Appoint a Local Managing Director: You must appoint a local managing director based in Curaçao, audited by the central bank, who is responsible for compliance oversight.
• Bureaucratic Delays: The GCB’s high compliance standards mean dealing with more red tape as the process has been increasingly complex.

Tobique Gaming License: A More Flexible Alternative

The Tobique Gaming License offers a more flexible approach tailored for startups:

• Initial Flexibility: You can act as your own compliance officer initially, which makes everything more simple.
• Future Requirements: License holders must eventually appoint a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) with experience in the payments or banking industry. While there’s some initial flexibility for smaller operators just starting out, the Tobique regulator will require a qualified MLRO.
  

This is a significant difference from the old Curaçao framework, where you could handle both the MLRO and managing director roles yourself.

Key Attributes of the Tobique Gambling License

The Tobique license is a great option if you’re looking to expand into diverse global markets with an online gambling license. Compared to other jurisdictions like Curaçao or Anjouan, it has fewer restrictions. But before you jump in, let’s break it down to see if it fits your needs.

Market Restrictions in the Tobique Jurisdiction

Here’s the deal with market restrictions under the gambling license in Tobique. It’s a lot less restrictive than many licenses out there since It only blocks operations in four regions: US, UK, New Brunswick, and Ontario.

These restrictions make sense because the license comes from Canada, specifically the Tobique First Nation territory, a First Nations reserve. By law, they can’t allow operators to work in Canada’s regulated regions, like Ontario and New Brunswick.

Compliance Standards for Obtaining a Tobique Gambling License

Here’s where it gets serious. The Tobique license demands high compliance standards during the licensing process. You’ll need to gather and submit quite a bit of documentation for your license application. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s not a walk in the park either. Here’s what you’ll need:

Source of Wealth: You’ll need to prove where your money is coming from—whether it’s personal or from your business. This is stricter than the old Curaçao license, where the source of wealth wasn’t a big focus.

Source of Funds: For the license application fee, you’ll need documents like bank statements or invoices to show you’ve got the money to cover the costs.

Detailed Policies and Procedures: You’ll need robust documentation covering key areas related to your gambling activities and gaming services, such as:

• KYC (Know Your Customer)
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
• Anti-fraud measures
• Responsible Gaming
• Privacy policies
• Payment processing and terms for payouts

These documents have to be tailored for each country or region you operate in. That’s a bit of extra work, but it’s non-negotiable for compliance.

License Cost & Timeline: How Does Tobique Compare?

Let’s talk money. The license cost for the Tobique license sits in the middle when it comes to cost in 2024:

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Old Curaçao license: €25,000–€35,000
• Tobique license: Around €60,000 —About 2x the cost of Anjouan or the old Curaçao license.
• New Curaçao license: Can easily hit €130,000 or more when you include all the extra fees for things like local directors, compliance officers, and office requirements.

If you’re on a budget but still need solid access to global gaming markets, the Tobique gambling license provides a good fit. Just keep in mind that depending on your business setup, you might need to factor in extra costs for things like European banking accounts or payment agent companies.

Licensing Timeline and Application Process

Obtaining a Tobique gambling license for your online casino can take around three months—assuming all your documents are complete and accurate from the start. But let’s be real, that’s rarely the case. Missing paperwork or compliance tweaks often lead to delays, with extra back-and-forth needed to get everything in order.

By comparison, tier-one licenses like those from the Isle of Man or Malta, and even Curacao’s GCB, can take anywhere from seven months to as long as three years to secure.

Time is Money: Speed vs. Complexity

Here’s the thing—you won’t get a Tobique license overnight. The compliance and onboarding process is more complicated and takes more time than licenses like Anjouan. So, if you need to hit the ground running, consider this strategy:

• Start with an Anjouan license to get your online casino live quickly.
• Work on obtaining the Tobique license at the same time to eventually expand into regions where Anjouan or Curaçao licenses don’t work, allowing you to operate online casinos under the Tobique jurisdiction.

Time is money in this business. Every month you’re not operational can cost you tens of thousands of euros in lost revenue. Starting with a faster license like Anjouan and layering in Tobique as a long-term strategy makes sense if you want to cover your bases.

Growing International Recognition and Advantages of the Tobique License

Let’s talk about how the Tobique license is starting to carve out its place in the global gaming market. It’s relatively new, so it hasn’t yet achieved the level of recognition you’d expect from longstanding options like Curaçao or Anjouan. But that’s precisely why it’s so interesting to watch. Every month, more platforms, online gaming operators, and payment providers are warming up to it.

Structured Dispute Resolution

The regulation in Tobique has been structured to handle disputes and compliance in a way that’s clear-cut and taken seriously.

Disputes, for example, are reviewed based on available evidence, and decisions are made within a defined timeline—typically 7–10 business days. If the case is ruled in favor of the user, the operator is required to address the issue and confirm the resolution.

Market Accessibility and Flexibility in the Online Gaming Sector

Market accessibility is another area where Tobique is gaining traction in the online gaming sector. The benefits of the Tobique license include access to emerging markets—often overlooked or restricted by other licenses—which are more accessible under Tobique.

This flexibility appeals to operators targeting regions where bigger players like Malta or Isle of Man might be too restrictive or costly. It’s a license that’s clearly aiming to balance compliance with opportunity, and that’s resonating with startups.

Responsible Gaming Programs under the Tobique Gaming Commission

Running an online casino and a successful gambling business isn’t just about smooth operations or attracting players. Responsible gambling programs are essential—not only for compliance but also for building trust with your players. Here’s what you need to know:

Self-Exclusion Programs

Players have the right to take a break when needed, and with the Tobique license, license holders must process self-exclusion requests within 24 hours and notify the regulator.

The process is straightforward: confirm the duration (e.g., a month or permanently) and take immediate action. Delays or questioning players can harm your reputation as a gambling operator and lead to legal consequences.

Cooling-Off Measures

Not every player opts for full self-exclusion; some may need a temporary pause. A cooling-off period—like a one-week account suspension—helps players regain control over their gaming activities.

As with self-exclusion, you’re required to honor these requests promptly and without barriers, ensuring both compliance and trustworthiness.

Payment Flexibility and the Advantages of a Tobique License

When you’re running an online casino or any remote gaming operation, payment flexibility is at the heart of your operation. It’s how you’ll ensure players can deposit and withdraw seamlessly—so it’s a big deal. Let’s dive into two crucial aspects: cryptocurrency acceptance and working with credible payment providers.

Acceptance of Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are a no-brainer for most online casinos these days, and Tobique’s gambling license allows you to accept them easily. There’s no restriction on accepting crypto payments. That means you’re free to handle Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other digital currencies without jumping through regulatory hoops.

This flexibility is great because crypto offers a lot of perks for both you and your players—instant transactions, lower fees, and no middlemen. It’s especially handy for markets where traditional banking isn’t as accessible. With the Tobique license, you can confidently include crypto in your payment options, as the gaming license allows this, and know you’re covered.

Access to Credible Payment Providers

Here’s where it gets tricky. The Tobique license doesn’t automatically unlock a network of payment providers for you. Instead, license holders must conduct their own due diligence and build those relationships. And, let me tell you, this part can be a bit of a grind.

Compared to the Anjouan license, which has been around longer and is widely accepted by providers in the international gaming industry, the Tobique license is still gaining recognition. This means you might need to explain your license to payment systems and convince their compliance teams to work with you. It’s not impossible, but it does take time and effort.

Key Compliance Requirements for Gaming Operators under the Tobique License

When setting up your online casino, compliance isn’t optional—it’s your foundation. Let’s look at the protocols and processes you’ll need to follow when obtaining a gaming license in Tobique, presented in a straightforward way so you know exactly what to expect.

Blocking Player Registrations from Restricted Territories under the Tobique Gaming Act

One of the first things you’ll need to do is ensure players from restricted territories, such as the U.S. and U.K., can’t register on your platform. It’s not enough to leave your site open and hope no one signs up; you’re required to implement geolocation-based software to block these registrations. This is a non-negotiable compliance requirement under the Tobique Gaming Act, so make sure the tech you use is up to the job.

UBOs and Due Diligence When Setting Up a Company

If you or anyone else owns 10% or more of the company (Ultimate Beneficial Owners or UBOs) when setting up a company to act as the license holder, you’ll need to go through a thorough due diligence process. This includes providing documentation on:

• Source of Wealth: Proof of where the money for the business is coming from.
• Source of Funds: Details about the funds used to apply for the license.

Even if you own less than 10%, it’s important to be prepared for this process to ensure a smooth licensing experience when you obtain a license.

Reporting Requirements for Large Transactions under Regulation in Tobique

For deposits or withdrawals of €10,000 or more, there are mandatory reporting requirements. While you won’t need to collect KYC (Know Your Customer) details at player registration, any transactions hitting or exceeding this threshold must be flagged. This is standard across many licenses, including the Tobique Gaming License in 2024, ensuring financial transparency and regulatory compliance.

Complaint Handling Protocols

A robust internal complaints process isn’t just good practice—it’s a regulatory must. Here’s what you’ll need to have in place:

• A Clear Internal Complaints Process: Set up a structured approach to handle player complaints efficiently.
• Protocols for Responding Promptly: Every complaint must be addressed without delays.
• Ensuring Record Retention of Complaints: Keep detailed records of all complaints, so you’re prepared if the same issue resurfaces.
• Providing an Escalation Process: Have a clear path for escalating unresolved complaints.
• An Approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanism: For escalated complaints, you must have a system in place to resolve disputes through an approved ADR process.

This comprehensive approach is part of what makes the Tobique license stand out among alternative Curaçao licenses, ensuring trust and compliance in your gambling operation.

Technical and Compliance Considerations for Tobique Casino Licensees

Alright, let’s go over the specifics of what’s required when working with the Tobique license. This isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about running your Tobique casino in a way that’s secure, compliant, and ready for the long haul.

Data Backup and Encryption

Player data is a big deal, and with the Tobique license, you’re expected to treat it that way. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Encrypt Critical Data: This includes sensitive information like personal details, transaction IDs, and payment evidence. Encryption ensures everything is secure.
• Off-Site Backups: You’ll be required to back up all this data off-site every two weeks through the service provider selected by the Tobique Gaming Commission, as stipulated in the Tobique Gaming Act.

Comprehensive Record Keeping: Your backups should include everything—transaction history, player IDs, amounts, and account standings. There’s no room for cutting corners here.

Document Submission for the Application for the Tobique License

To secure your Tobique license, you’ll need to submit a range of documents during the application for the Tobique license. While the full list is extensive, expect to provide proof of funds, proof of address, and identification documents, among others. For the complete rundown, we’ve prepared a file you can download—it’s all in there.

• Proof of Incorporation/Registration: e.g., Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation or Articles of Association when you set up a company.
• List of Directors: e.g., Documentation filed with the relevant business registry, or certified List of Directors on company letterheaded paper.
• Proof of Ownership: e.g., A capitalisation table or certified structure chart, denoting all layers of ownership, including the identification of all applicable UBOs.
• Source of Wealth for any UBOs: e.g., Proof of business ownership, proof of salary payments (at least 3 months), proof of inheritance.

List of all relevant third-party suppliers: Included in the application, in addition to a copy of the relevant agreements.

Conclusion: Comparing the Tobique License in 2024 and Other Licenses

If you’re weighing your options between Tobique and other licenses, including the Curaçao license and the Malta Gaming License, your business model will largely determine the best fit. For B2C operators—those running player-facing casinos—the Anjouan license remains a top choice. It’s well-recognized, making it much easier to set up payment solutions and get your casino up and running quickly. Speed and simplicity matter, especially when you’re just starting out.

On the other hand, if you’re operating as a B2B platform, the Tobique license is a fantastic option. Its higher compliance standards and flexibility make it well-suited for platforms offering white-label solutions. Take SoftSwiss as an example. They use the Tobique license to provide white-label services, allowing their B2B clients to operate under their license. This means operators can launch their casinos without needing a separate license, as SoftSwiss can add their domains under its B2C license.

Another strategy to consider is combining licenses. Starting with Anjouan is practical—it’s affordable, straightforward, and widely accepted among software platforms and payment providers. However, if you plan to expand into markets restricted by Anjouan, adding the Tobique license in 2024 gives you access to those regions. This dual-license approach allows you to grow your operations while maintaining a solid foundation with a widely recognized license, reaping the benefits of the Tobique license.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your goals. Are you building a player-focused casino or a platform offering services to other operators? Either way, understanding these licensing options and tailoring them to your strategy is key to long-term success

The path to licensing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. License Gentleman offers tailored solutions to simplify these processes, empowering you to focus on scaling your business and delivering exceptional player experiences.  Take the next step today. Visit License Gentleman for expert guidance designed to ensure compliance and drive success. Let’s turn your vision into a thriving gaming operation.