Choosing a licence is one of the most important early decisions for a new online casino or sportsbook. It affects which payment partners will work with you, which game studios will supply content, and which markets you can approach.
Two offshore jurisdictions come up in almost every conversation with new operators: Anjouan and Curaçao. This article explains, in plain language, how each framework works and how to prepare an application.
Important: this article is general information, not legal advice. Gaming rules change often and depend on where your company is based and where your players are. Always take advice from qualified lawyers in the relevant jurisdictions before you apply or launch. No one can guarantee that a licence will be granted, or how long it will take; licences are issued by the authorities.
What an offshore licence does, and does not, do
An offshore gaming licence authorises your company to offer online gaming under the laws of the issuing jurisdiction. It shows partners that a regulator has reviewed your company, owners and processes, and that you are subject to ongoing supervision.
What it does not do is make your product legal everywhere. Many countries regulate online gambling locally, and some prohibit offers to their residents unless the operator holds a local licence. An offshore licence does not override those rules. Before choosing markets, check each one with local counsel.
Anjouan
The framework
Anjouan is one of the islands of the Union of the Comoros, in the Indian Ocean. Internet gaming licences there are issued under the Computer Gaming Licensing Act 007 of 2005, with the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority (AOFA) as the competent regulatory authority. Licence administration is handled through an authorised licence administrator on the regulator's behalf.
The regime covers B2C licences for operators and B2B licences for suppliers, and maintains a public register where a licence can be verified.
What applicants are typically asked for
Requirements are set by the regulator and can change, but applications generally involve:
- A company that meets the jurisdiction's requirements
- Due diligence on directors, shareholders and ultimate beneficial owners, such as identity documents, proof of address and background checks
- A business plan describing the products, target markets and payment methods
- AML/CFT policies, KYC procedures and a named compliance officer
- Terms and conditions, responsible gaming policies and complaint handling
- Information about the gaming platform and game suppliers
Ongoing obligations
Licensees must comply with the licence conditions and the regulator's codes, which include AML and KYC controls, reporting to the authority, record keeping and cooperation with supervision. Operators handling crypto should expect additional monitoring expectations for virtual-asset transactions.
Things to watch
- Verify you are dealing with the official channel. Use the regulator's public register and official contact routes, and be cautious with intermediaries who promise outcomes.
- Check partner acceptance. Ask your payment providers and game studios whether they accept an Anjouan licence for your target markets before you commit.
- Read the current licence conditions. They are updated from time to time.
Curaçao
The framework
Curaçao has been a well-known iGaming jurisdiction for many years. Its framework has been reformed in recent years. The older model, in which a small number of master licence holders issued sublicences to operators, has been replaced by licences issued directly by the regulator, the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (known by its Dutch abbreviation, LOK).
For operators, the practical effect is closer supervision: the regulator reviews each applicant directly and expects stronger compliance, governance and local substance than under the old model.
What applicants are typically asked for
Again, check the current requirements with the regulator and your advisers. Applications usually involve:
- A locally incorporated company and local presence requirements set by the regulator
- Fit-and-proper checks on directors, key staff and beneficial owners
- Detailed AML/CFT, KYC and responsible gaming policies
- A business plan and information on target markets
- Technical information on the platform, games and payment flows
- Key persons in roles such as compliance and AML
Ongoing obligations
Licensees are subject to ongoing supervision, reporting and audits, and must keep their policies and controls up to date as the framework develops. Because the reform is relatively recent, expect guidance and requirements to keep evolving.
Things to watch
- Older sublicences. If you are buying an existing business or working with a partner, check how its licence was transitioned under the new framework.
- Timelines. Direct review means more scrutiny. Plan your launch without relying on a fixed approval date.
- Market restrictions. Licensees must respect the restrictions that apply to excluded or locally regulated markets.
Anjouan vs Curaçao at a glance
| Topic | Anjouan | Curaçao |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | Computer Gaming Licensing Act 007 of 2005 | National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) |
| Regulator | Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority (AOFA) | Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) |
| Licence types | B2C and B2B | Licences for operators and suppliers |
| Public register | Yes | Yes |
| Key focus | AML/KYC controls, reporting, licence conditions | Direct supervision, governance, local substance |
Which one fits depends on your markets, your partners' requirements, your timeline and your compliance capacity. There is no universally "better" option.
How to prepare, whichever you choose
Most delays come from incomplete applications. You can shorten the process by preparing early:
- Map your target markets and confirm with local counsel how each one treats offshore operators.
- Collect ownership documents for every director and beneficial owner.
- Write real policies: AML/CFT, KYC, responsible gaming, complaints and data protection, adapted to your business rather than copied.
- Appoint compliance people with the right experience.
- Choose your platform and game partners, since regulators and partners will ask about them. A turnkey platform with built-in KYC, limits and reporting helps here.
- Plan your payments. For a crypto casino, document how you monitor wallets and transactions.
- Keep records of every submission and response.
Launching without a licence?
Some operators ask whether they can launch first and license later, especially for crypto-only or Telegram projects. The answer depends on where your company is based and where your players are. In many places operating without the required licence is illegal, and payment providers and game studios may refuse to work with you. Take legal advice before you decide.
How we can help
We offer licensing support for offshore jurisdictions: we explain the options, help you prepare, and connect you with specialists. We do not guarantee approval or timelines. Those decisions belong to the regulators.
Meanwhile, our turnkey platform and game aggregation with 150+ providers let you prepare your product in parallel, so you are ready when your licence is.
Talk to our team about your markets and licensing plans.
FAQ
Is an offshore licence valid in every country?
No. It authorises you under the issuing jurisdiction's law. Many countries have their own rules, and some require a local licence. Check each target market with local counsel.
Can Velocis Gaming guarantee a licence?
No. Licences are issued by the authorities, and no one can guarantee approval or timelines. We help you understand the options and prepare.
What is the difference between the old and new Curaçao licensing model?
Under the old model, master licence holders issued sublicences. Under the reformed framework, the Curaçao Gaming Authority issues licences directly and supervises licensees itself.
How can I check whether an operator holds a licence?
Use the regulator's official public register. Both Anjouan and Curaçao provide one.