You’ve Been Lied To About Gaming Licenses: Why Anjouan Is The Game-Changer In 2025

You’ve Been Lied To About Gaming Licenses: Why Anjouan Is The Game-Changer In 2025

The iGaming industry thrives on innovation, speed, and profitability, yet many operators are stuck overpaying for licenses in jurisdictions like Malta and Curacao that promise prestige but rather deliver bureaucracy and high costs.

The truth? You’re not getting the coverage or value you deserve. In 2025, Anjouan, a small island in the Comoros Union, is rewriting the rules as a low-cost, quick, and reputable licensing hub that’s shaking up the iGaming world.

This article exposes the myths about traditional jurisdictions and reveals why Anjouan is the smart choice for operators seeking affordability, credibility, and flexibility. Read on to find out more with Fast Offshore!

The Overhyped Promises of Malta and Curacao

For years, Malta and Curacao have dominated the iGaming licensing landscape, but their allure is fading as costs soar and benefits stagnate.

• Malta: Malta’s MGA license is often hailed as the gold standard, but its Tier-1 status comes at a steep price. Application fees are high, with annual compliance costs and a 5–35% corporate tax rate eating into profits. The process takes up to a year, bogged down by rigorous audits and documentation. While Malta offers banking access and EU market credibility, smaller operators and startups often find the costs outweigh the benefits, especially when targeting non-EU markets.

• Curacao: Costly Reforms, Diminishing Returns: Curacao’s appeal as a low-cost option has eroded since the 2024 National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK). Higher fees, a 2% gaming tax, and a 2–6 month application process have replaced its once-streamlined model. The mandatory re-application for existing operators adds uncertainty, and Curacao’s reputation, tarnished by past lax oversight, limits banking partnerships. Despite crypto adoption, its lack of standardized regulation creates compliance risks.

These jurisdictions rely on outdated narratives of prestige or affordability, leaving operators overpaying for licenses that don’t fully align with modern iGaming needs. Meanwhile, Anjouan offers a refreshing alternative that delivers more for less.

Anjouan: The Rising Star of iGaming Licensing

Anjouan, governed by the Anjouan Gaming Board, has emerged as a compelling iGaming hub in 2025, combining affordability, speed, and a reputable framework. Here’s why it’s changing everything:

• Low-Cost Advantage: Anjouan’s licensing fees are the lowest in the industry, with annual renewals significantly cheaper than Malta’s or Curacao’s escalating fees. There’s no gaming or corporate tax on offshore revenue, maximizing profitability for operators of all sizes. This cost structure makes Anjouan ideal for startups and established businesses looking to optimize expenses without sacrificing quality.

• Lightning-Fast Process: Anjouan’s licensing process is streamlined, with approvals granted in just a few days when supported by experts like Fast Offshore. Compared to Malta or Curacao’s timeline, Anjouan allows operators to launch quickly, capturing market opportunities without delays. The digital application portal simplifies submissions, requiring standard documentation like business plans and AML policies.

• Reputable and Compliant: Don’t let its size fool you—Anjouan is FATF-compliant and adheres to global AML/CFT standards, ensuring credibility with banks and payment service providers (PSPs). The AGB draws on best practices from established jurisdictions, offering a robust yet accessible framework. Unlike Curacao’s lingering reputational issues, Anjouan’s clean slate and proactive governance enhance operator trust and market access.

• Comprehensive Coverage: Anjouan’s license covers both B2C and B2B operations, including casinos, sports betting, poker, and platform services, under a single framework. This eliminates the need for multiple licenses, unlike Curacao’s fragmented system or Malta’s complex add-ons. Operators can scale diverse offerings without additional costs or approvals.

• Crypto and Innovation-Friendly: Anjouan embraces cryptocurrency and blockchain technology with straightforward, compliant guidelines, making it a haven for operators targeting tech-savvy players. Unlike Curacao’s somewhat inconsistent crypto policies, Anjouan’s standardized approach supports secure transactions and innovative gaming formats, such as skill-based or VR games, without regulatory ambiguity.

• Supportive Authorities: The AGB prioritizes operator success, offering transparent requirements and responsive support. This welcoming approach contrasts with Malta’s rigid oversight or Curacao’s bureaucratic overhaul, creating a business-friendly environment that encourages and supports growth.

• Global Banking Access: Anjouan’s FATF compliance facilitates partnerships with international banks and PSPs, including Visa/Mastercard accounts, ensuring seamless transactions and player trust. This is a significant advantage over Curacao, where banking access remains limited due to reputational challenges.

Why Anjouan Outshines Malta and Curacao in 2025

In 2025, Anjouan is a clear low-cost, high-value alternative to Malta and Curacao. Malta’s high fees and taxes make it inaccessible for many, while Curacao’s reforms have inflated costs without delivering Tier-1 credibility or enhanced benefits. Anjouan, by contrast, offers a budget-friendly, reputable license that doesn’t compromise on compliance or market access. Its fast-tracked process enables swift operator launches, while its tax-free status and crypto-friendly policies maximize profitability and innovation.

Anjouan’s flexibility also makes it ideal for diverse business models, from startups to established brands expanding into new markets. Its growing reputation as a reliable jurisdiction is attracting attention from operators worldwide, positioning it as a future leader in iGaming licensing.

Partner with Fast Offshore for a Seamless Anjouan License

Securing an Anjouan license is straightforward with the right support. Fast Offshore specializes in guiding operators through the process, from company setup and documentation to compliance and banking introductions. Our expertise ensures you can leverage Anjouan’s benefits—low costs, speed, and credibility—to build a competitive iGaming business in 2025.

Conclusion: Stop Overpaying, Start Thriving

The narrative that Malta or Curacao are the only viable options for iGaming licenses is a myth. In 2025, Anjouan offers a smarter alternative, combining affordability, speed, and reputation in a way that traditional jurisdictions can’t match. Why overpay for Malta’s prestige or settle for Curacao’s diminishing returns when Anjouan delivers comprehensive coverage, crypto compatibility, and global banking access at a fraction of the cost? For operators ready to break free from outdated licensing models, Anjouan is the jurisdiction that’s changing everything.

Contact Fast Offshore today to discover how Anjouan can power your iGaming success.