The iGaming licensing landscape has changed—fast.
In less than a year, Curacao went from being the default offshore licensing hub with over 1,200 operators to a fraction of that number. Regulatory reform, rising costs, and uncertainty forced a mass migration across the industry.
Where did operators go?
The majority moved to Anjouan.
A growing number chose Nevis.
A few upgraded to premium jurisdictions like Malta.
Many simply shut down.
If you’re entering the iGaming space today—or reconsidering your current setup—understanding this shift is critical.
What Happened to Curacao?
For decades, Curacao dominated the offshore gaming license market because it was simple:
- Low cost
- Fast approval
- Minimal oversight
That model is now gone.
With the introduction of the LOK reform:
- Sub-licenses were eliminated
- Operators must now apply directly to a new regulator
- Annual costs increased significantly
- Physical presence and local staffing became mandatory
- AML, KYC, and compliance requirements intensified
For many operators, this removed the very reason they chose Curacao in the first place.
The result? A large-scale industry migration.
Anjouan: The New Volume Leader
Anjouan has quickly become the go-to jurisdiction for operators leaving Curacao—and for new entrants who want speed and affordability.
Why Operators Are Choosing Anjouan
1. Speed to Market
Licenses are typically issued within 3 to 6 weeks, making it one of the fastest jurisdictions available.
2. Low Entry Cost
Total setup is approximately €17,000, with relatively low renewal costs.
3. Minimal Structural Requirements
- No local director required
- No physical office needed
- Straightforward application process
4. Broad License Coverage
One license can cover:
- Online casinos
- Sports betting
- Poker
- Esports and more
5. Zero Tax on Gross Gaming Revenue
A major advantage for operators focused on margins and scalability.
The Reality
Anjouan isn’t just an alternative—it’s where the market moved.
The jurisdiction has grown to nearly 1,500 operators, largely driven by the Curacao exodus.
Best Fit
- Startups and fast-launch projects
- Crypto casinos
- Operators replacing a Curacao license quickly
- Businesses prioritizing cost and speed
Nevis: The Strategic Upgrade
While Anjouan dominates in volume, Nevis is emerging as the credibility-focused choice.
Launched in 2025, Nevis built its gaming framework at exactly the right time—when operators were actively looking for stable alternatives.
Why Operators Are Choosing Nevis
1. Strong Banking & PSP Acceptance
This is the biggest differentiator.
Nevis benefits from:
- FATF whitelist status
- A 40-year track record in financial services regulation
- Stronger perception among payment processors
For operators targeting Europe, Asia, or Canada, this can directly impact revenue.
2. Predictable and Structured Licensing Process
- Processing time: 8–12 weeks
- Clear requirements
- Consistent communication
- No “black box” approvals
3. Competitive but Premium Positioning
- Annual license cost: ~€28,000
- Application and due diligence fees apply
- Covers all gaming verticals under one license
4. Crypto-Friendly Framework
Supports:
- Crypto payments
- Hybrid fiat/crypto models
- Blockchain-based gaming
All within a regulated AML/KYC structure.
The Reality
Nevis is not the cheapest option—but it’s not trying to be.
It’s positioned as a balanced jurisdiction:
Affordable enough for growth-stage operators, but credible enough to secure stronger banking relationships.
Best Fit
- Operators struggling with payment processing
- Businesses targeting regulated or high-value markets
- Brands focused on long-term growth and credibility
Anjouan vs Nevis: The Real Decision
This isn’t about “which is better”—it’s about what your business actually needs.
| Factor | Anjouan | Nevis |
|---|---|---|
| Approval Time | 3–6 weeks | 8–12 weeks |
| Setup Cost | ~€17,000 | Higher (premium tier) |
| Annual Fees | Lower | ~€28,000 |
| Banking / PSP | Moderate | Strong |
| Reputation | Emerging | Growing, structured |
| Flexibility | High | High |
Simple Breakdown
- Choose Anjouan if your priority is launching fast and keeping costs low
- Choose Nevis if your priority is banking, PSPs, and long-term positioning
The Smart Strategy: Dual Jurisdiction Setup
One of the most effective strategies in 2026 is combining both:
- Start with Anjouan → Launch quickly and generate revenue
- Add Nevis later → Strengthen credibility and payment processing
This approach allows you to:
- Enter the market immediately
- Avoid delays from banking bottlenecks
- Scale into stronger financial infrastructure over time
What Most Operators Get Wrong
After observing dozens of licensing setups and migrations, one thing is clear:
The license is the easy part.
The real challenge is:
- Banking
- Payment service providers (PSPs)
- Merchant account approvals
Operators who plan their PSP strategy early succeed.
Those who don’t often face delays that directly impact revenue.
How AJSI.com Helps You Get It Right
At AJSI.com, we don’t “sell licenses.”
We help structure your entire iGaming setup from day one.
We assist with:
- Jurisdiction selection based on your goals
- Direct connections to trusted licensing partners
- Company formation and structuring
- PSP and banking introductions
- Step-by-step launch strategy
Whether you choose Anjouan, Nevis, or a hybrid model, the goal is simple:
Launch faster. Operate smarter. Scale globally.
Final Thoughts
The iGaming industry didn’t slow down—
it just moved.
Anjouan and Nevis are now at the center of that shift, each offering a different path into the market.
The question isn’t whether you should enter the space.
The question is whether you’ll choose the right foundation when you do.
If you’re planning your next move, AJSI.com can help you map it out—clearly, strategically, and with the right partners from day one.
