Choosing the right license is one of the first and most important steps in launching an online casino. Not only the legality of the project depends on jurisdiction, but also access to payment systems, providers, advertising platforms and markets. The most popular licenses are Curaçao, MGA (Malta), Anjouan and Kahnawake. Each of them has its pros, cons and scope.
Overview and comparison of jurisdictions
| Parameter | Curaçao | MGA (Malta) | Anjouan | Kahnawake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Region | Caribbean Islands | EU | Mosquitoes | Canada |
| License type | Master/Sub | B2C/B2B | Universal | Client Provider |
| Term of receipt | 4-8 weeks | 4-6 months | 2-4 weeks | 4-10 weeks |
| Cost | from €15,000 | from €30,000 + | from $12,000 | from $25,000 |
| Reporting | Minimum | High | Moderate | Average |
| Access to PSP | Average | Wide | Limited | Average |
| Reputation | Moderate | High | Growing | Moderately high |
| Who is suitable for | Startups, flexible launch | Medium and large brands | Fast start, budget | Highly specialized operators |
Summary of each license
Curaçao
Suitable for quick launch and market testing- Simple feed, relatively low requirements
- Limited access to European PSPs and advertising channels
- White-label partner or sublicense required
MGA (Malta)
Prestigious European licence with high reputation- Audit, KYC/AML compliance, local company required
- Access to most PSPs, banks, providers and advertising platforms
- High cost and long registration process
Anjouan
New and growing license with quick procedure- Suitable for crypto casinos and offshore launches
- Minimum office, staff and reporting requirements
- At the time of writing - suitable for MVP and pilots
Kahnawake
Canadian license popular in the North American region- Moderate requirements but high compliance
- Good for Canada and US projects
- Has its own data center infrastructure (Mohawk Internet Technologies)
What to consider when choosing
Target market (EU, Canada, Asia, LATAM, etc.)- Payment solutions and their compatibility with jurisdiction
- Accounting, KYC, data protection requirements
- Scalability - how the license will affect the growth of the project
- Conditions for attracting partners and affiliates
License selection is a strategic decision that affects everything from UX to financial reporting. If you want to start quickly and test the idea - Curaçao or Anjouan are perfect. If reputation is important, stable access to providers and payments - MGA or Kahnawake will give the right level of trust. It is important to choose not just a "convenient" license, but one that meets the goals and strategy of the brand.
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