Anjouan gaming licenses promise speed and savings, but Curaçao delivers transparency and trust. See our head-to-head comparison and expert opinion.
The iGaming licensing sector is witnessing renewed interest in alternative jurisdictions, with Anjouan positioning itself as a fast-track option for operators seeking rapid market entry. Since 2023, the Anjouan Gaming Control Board has issued over 850 licenses supporting more than 2,000 gaming websites.
A New Contender Challenges Traditional Authority
While Anjouan offers speed and affordability, questions remain about long-term stability and operator transparency.
Meanwhile, Curaçao continues to dominate both the fiat and cryptocurrency gaming markets through decades of proven performance, comprehensive regulatory frameworks, and publicly accessible operator registries that newer jurisdictions cannot yet match.
There are also other newcomers to the iGaming scene, but we haven’t reviewed any; we’ve only reviewed the casinos under these licensing authorities as of yet. They are the Nevis (NOGA) Licensing Authority and the Tobique Gaming Commission (TGC), which are also similar to the Anjouan and Curacao setups.
Furthermore, just in case you haven’t come across online casinos operating under the laws of Costa Rica, these online casinos don’t hold a licensing certificate, but they do follow the strict commercial laws of Costa Rica to legally offer B2C online gambling services.
Our Goal: We plan to study and review each of these licensing authorities, all of which have the fact that they are crypto-friendly in common. The alternative is an MGA online casino, which none of the sites we’ve reviewed to date offer cryptocurrency gambling.
The Seven Anjouan Attractions
Industry consultants highlight why operators are exploring Anjouan
- Speed: Licensing certificate approval within days versus months
- Cost: Lowest-cost licensing framework available
- Versatility: Single license covering all gaming verticals
- Crypto-Friendly: Explicit cryptocurrency and blockchain support
- PSP Acceptance: Recognition by payment service providers
- Regulatory Balance: Compliance focus without operational micromanagement
- Market Proof: Substantial and growing licensee portfolio
The Pros and Cons of Anjouan Licensing
Many operators are attracted to the pros of Anjouan licnsing
Advantages
Anjouan’s appeal centers on accessibility and speed-to-market, particularly for startups and cryptocurrency-focused platforms. The unified licensing structure eliminates the complexities of multiple permits, while crypto regulations align with evolving payment preferences. Also, more recently, software providers have been licensed, as per our Endorphina Secures B2B License from Anjouan Gaming Commission gambling news story.
Disadvantages
The jurisdiction lacks an established reputation and regulatory history, which may affect player trust. Questions remain about long-term stability and enforcement mechanisms. Some regulated markets may not recognize Anjouan licenses for partnerships or payment processing, limiting growth. Rapid approval may indicate less rigorous vetting than mature jurisdictions.
Why Curacao Dominates Both Fiat and Crypto Gaming
As a player, deciding which factors or attributes a licensing authority has is important. For us here at Casinoplusbionus, we feel the Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) still has the edge. Plus, recent changes to its framework focus on greater player protection.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution: Players receive ADR assigned by approved Curacao services for medication over complaints.
- Industry Credibility: Decades of operation have built global recognition among payment processors, banks, and B2B providers. This translates to smoother operations and enhanced player confidence.
- Regulatory Maturity: Curaçao balances oversight with operational flexibility through a proven framework that accommodates innovation while maintaining standards.
- Legal Infrastructure: Extensive track records provide legal precedents that newer jurisdictions cannot match, proving essential during disputes or market challenges.
- Crypto Pioneer Status: Curaçao established crypto-friendly regulations before competitors, creating deep expertise and tested protocols for digital asset transactions with AML compliance.
| Feature | Anjouan | Curaçao |
|---|---|---|
| Approval Time | Days | Weeks to Months |
| Initial Cost | Lowest Available | Moderate to High |
| Industry Recognition | Emerging | Established (20+ years) |
| Crypto Support | Yes | Yes (Pioneer) |
| Regulatory History | Since 2023 | Since 1996 |
| Corporate Transparency | Limited | Public Registry Available |
| PSP Relationships | Growing | Extensive Network |
| B2B Market Access | Restricted | Comprehensive |
| Player Trust Factor | Building | High |
| Long-term Stability | Unproven | Demonstrated |
CasinoPlusBonus Opinion
After years of reviewing and playing at online casinos, our team maintains a clear preference for Curaçao-licensed operators. This isn’t just familiarity bias—it’s based on tangible factors we’ve experienced firsthand. The transparency advantage cannot be overstated. When reviewing casinos, we routinely use the Curaçao Commercial Register to verify operator credentials, identify responsible parties, and confirm operational timelines. This due diligence protects both us and our readers. Anjouan casinos simply don’t provide this level of transparency, leaving players unable to independently verify operator legitimacy.
Curaçao casinos consistently demonstrate more professional operations, better dispute resolution processes, and stronger payment provider relationships. While Anjouan’s low costs and speed appeal to operators, these benefits don’t necessarily translate to better player experiences.
For players prioritizing security and accountability, Curaçao-licensed casinos remain the gold standard. Until emerging jurisdictions match Curaçao’s transparency and track record, we’ll continue recommending established options over expedient alternatives.
Leave A Comment