Curacao vs Anjouan: The Winner Isn’t Who You Think

Curacao vs Anjouan: The Winner Isn’t Who You Think

Lower cost. Faster setup. Stronger enforcement. One of these is getting crushed in 2025.

The 2025 iGaming landscape is highly competitive, worth billions, and is growing rapidly. For operators seeking a slice of the action, they face stiff competition in terms of attracting and retaining players, as well as increasing profits. However, to achieve this, the decision of where to obtain a license must be considered carefully. Two popular choices are Anjouan and Curacao, but what is the difference between them and which is the best choice for you?

Anjouan’s Edge: Low Costs Fuel Startup Dreams

As of 2025, the Anjouan iGaming license is the lowest-cost license on the market. The authorities have worked hard to streamline the entire application process, including the costs, to make it as accessible as possible to entrepreneurs. The result is a license that is perfect for startups and established brands alike, who want to keep operational costs low. The Curacao license was one of those on the lower end of the pricing scale, but Anjouan still beat it. Since its regulatory overhaul over the last two years, the cost of getting the Curacao license has increased. This has made it less affordable for entry-level operators and even those with a larger budget. Increasingly, operators are looking to Anjouan for value for money when it comes to getting up and running.

Speed Showdown: Anjouan’s Fast-Track Licensing

Not only is it the best-value license on the market, but the Anjouan license also has the quickest and most efficient setup time. It typically takes a few weeks from application to receiving the license, but working with Fast Offshore can significantly reduce this time. Our team can get you live in a few days, drastically speeding up the process and ensuring you start making a profit sooner rather than later. Curacao, on the other hand, has a shorter setup time than some other jurisdictions, particularly Tier-1 names like Malta and the Isle of Man, but it cannot compete with Anjouan. For those who want to reduce the time it takes to hit the market, Anjouan is the only logical choice.

Enforcement Face-Off: Curacao’s Regulatory Reboot

Curacao overhauled its iGaming regime to enhance transparency, compliance, and global credibility, driven by pressure from the Netherlands and the need to align with international standards. The reform, initiated in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, was a condition for Dutch financial aid, addressing concerns about lax oversight and unlicensed operators targeting regulated markets. 

The National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK), announced in July 2023, replaced the master-sub license system with direct licenses issued by the Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA), established to enforce stricter regulations, including enhanced anti-money laundering and player protection measures. The transition began in November 2023, with the LOK framework effective from April 2024, ending the master license system by September 2024. 

Costs increased, with licenses now having a higher price point, reflecting a shift toward a more robust, reputable iGaming jurisdiction. However, the instability and uncertainty caused by the change, along with the increased cost, saw the exodus of many operators. New businesses have also been put off, instead looking for lower-cost or more reputable, stable jurisdictions. Many of those who were with Curacao or who may have chosen Curacao as a licensing jurisdiction instead opted for Anjouan.

Anjouan revamped its iGaming licensing in 2023 to boost economic growth, offering a cost-effective, streamlined process. The Anjouan Gaming Authority simplified applications, reducing bureaucracy and processing times to as little as a few days, with a single license covering all iGaming activities. Meanwhile, the absence of gaming taxes and their crypto-friendly policies attracted startups. By May 2025, Anjouan issued 825 active licenses, supporting 2,017 live gaming websites, a significant rise from 19 licensees in April 2024. This growth reflects Anjouan’s appeal as a flexible, affordable, and globally recognized iGaming hub, rivaling jurisdictions like Curacao.

The Surprise Winner: Who Dominates in 2025?

In 2025, Anjouan will win as the leading iGaming jurisdiction, surpassing expectations with its streamlined, cost-effective licensing framework. The Anjouan Gaming Authority offers a single license covering all iGaming activities, processed in just 2-3 weeks, enabling rapid market entry. Low-cost with no gross gaming revenue tax, it’s significantly more affordable than many alternatives, maximizing operator profits. 

Anjouan’s regulatory overhaul since 2023 ensures stability, with robust AML and KYC compliance, which creates a reputable environment. Its global recognition, bolstered by WTO membership, supports operations in diverse and lucrative markets like Asia and Latin America. With 825 active licenses and 2,017 live websites by May 2025, Anjouan’s crypto-friendly policies and flexibility for startups cement its top-dog status, offering unsurpassed value for money in the iGaming world.

Fast Offshore has over 27 years of experience in the iGaming sector and is perfectly placed to help you decide between Anjouan or Curacao. We can provide you with all the necessary information and assist you in selecting the most suitable jurisdiction. Our team can explain all the details regarding our custom packages, or off-the-shelf options, which can make your licensing journey much more straightforward.

For the quickest, most efficient and most professional team out there, Fast Offshore are your only choice. Contact us today to get the ball rolling!