Curaçao’s Changing Regulatory Landscape Motivates Crypto Operators to Seek Anjouan Licenses

The Curaçao’s iGaming Reforms Path

The Caribbean nation started to reform its regulatory framework after pressure from the Netherlands. Curaçao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and receives financial aid from the Netherlands. The desire not to endanger the reliable stream of financial support encouraged the government to overhaul its gambling regulation and implement a stricter approach towards the iGaming industry.

The new law will allow cryptocurrency payments. However, new security measures, such as KYC requirements, will slow down deposit and withdrawal speeds at crypto casinos.

The reforms started in 2022 and picked up steam in 2023. Under the new law, National Ordinance for Games of Chance, the previous master license will be replaced by separate B2C and B2B licenses. The will be available through a new regulatory agency, Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB), established to issue and revoke licenses. Starting on January 1, 2024, licensed operators can display a Digital Seal issued by the GCB on their platforms.

Online casinos planning to continue operating in Curaçao but that have not applied for a direct license from the GCB before March 31, 2024, can continue operating under their sub-license, but when it expires, they will have to apply for a new license.

The New Go-To Licensing Destination

Anjoun is rapidly assuming the position in the industry as a go-to licensing option, once held by Curaçao. The country is located in the Indian Ocean. It’s part of the World Trade Organization and abides by international law.

Anjoun’s gambling regulations are more flexible and affordable, making it a great option for startup crypto casinos. New crypto platforms such as CryptoWins, which launched in December, operate under an Anjouan license. Industry experts expect upcoming operators to register in Anjouan.

The Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board (ABGB) was established in 2005 and is empowered to license operators from across the globe. The potential of this jurisdiction has been ignored in the past, but now many brands are flocking to secure an Anjouan license for a relatively low annual fee of approximately $25,000 and short processing times of up to 3-4 weeks on average.