Comparison Table: Anjouan vs. Vanuatu Gaming Licenses Costs – both are the cheapest gaming licenses in the market.
Anjouan vs Vanuatu – Online Casino Licence (2026) – Costs & Terms
| Feature |
Anjouan Gaming Licence |
Vanuatu Gaming Licence |
| Initial Costs |
EUR 17,000 |
EUR 15,000 (Application: EUR 5,000 + Annual: EUR 10,000) |
| License Validity |
Annual renewal required |
15 years from issuance |
| Annual Maintenance Fees |
EUR 17,000 (Registered office, Resident agent) |
Included in Annual Licence Fee |
| Compliance Fees |
Not specified separately |
Not specified separately |
| Tax on Revenue |
None |
1% Flat Wagering Activity Tax |
| Included URLs |
Not specified |
Two included; additional for a fee |
| Optional Services |
- Nominee shareholder: EUR 4,000
- Nominee director: EUR 6,000
- Power of Attorney: EUR 500
|
Not specified |
👉 Prices and conditions may change; please consult us for the most up-to-date information.
Important note:
Over the years, we’ve seen many operators focus only on finding the lowest-cost license to get started. But since 2009, after helping build more than 600 gaming structures, we’ve learned that what looks cheap at the beginning can become very expensive later. You set up the company, invest in the platform, prepare everything — and only then realize you can’t operate in your target markets, can’t secure reliable banking or payment solutions, or face unexpected compliance limitations. At that point, the entire structure becomes difficult to use, and in some cases, needs to be rebuilt from the ground up. The real cost isn’t just what you pay at the start – it’s whether the setup actually works for your business long term.
Curacao Gaming License Costs:
- Obtaining a Curacao gaming license costs today from €65,000 to €95,000. This encompasses company management, license registration, and hosting services.
- The Curaçao gaming license is no longer considered the cheapest gambling license as it once was. Following the regulatory changes introduced in 2024, the system moved away from the old sub-licensing model to a more structured, direct licensing framework. This shift brought higher compliance standards, more thorough oversight, and increased setup costs. While Curaçao was historically known as the cheapest gambling license available, today it is better positioned as a mid-range jurisdiction that balances cost, speed, and regulatory credibility.
Annual Costs:
- In Curacao’s e-zone, virtual casinos are taxed at a low 2% on net profits.
Timeframe for Issue:
- The licensing process in Curacao takes around six weeks, but can be extended if more documents are needed.
Anjouan Gaming License – Initial Costs (EUR)
| Service Description |
Price (EUR) |
Holding Company for the LicenseIncorporation of a Belize company, documents, courier650Apostilled Certificate of Incumbency450Filing of TIN number400Annual maintenance fees (Registered office, Resident agent)1,500Total price for holding company3,000
Anjouan Gaming LicenseAnnual license fee (setup, ISP services for compliance backup)
Annual compliance officer / Key Person authorization fee
Initial annual compliance and due diligence fees
Total price for Anjouan gaming license17,000
The Anjouan gaming license is renewable annually. Renewal costs may incur adjustments.
Prices and conditions may change; please consult us for the most up-to-date information.
Nevis Gaming License (2026)
The Nevis gaming license is a credible, cost-effective “premium” option for operators that want speed, banking acceptance, and modern oversight. Issued by the Nevis Online Gaming Authority (NOGA) under the 2025 framework, it offers a fast timeline (≈4–8 weeks) and transparent fees: an annual license of €28,000 that includes two operational domains (extra domains €750 per cycle; subdomains from €15–€35). With no GGR tax and robust AML/KYC and responsible-gaming controls—plus the appointment of a local Compliance Officer (and a Reporting Officer for B2C)—Nevis delivers Tier-1 credibility without Malta-level costs, making it ideal for both startups and established brands.
Nevis Gaming License – Fees & Services Overview
| Category |
Item |
Cost (USD) |
Notes |
| Regulatory Fees |
Gaming licence fee (B2C or B2B) |
28,000 |
Includes 2 domains; annual |
|
Licence renewal fee |
28,000 |
Annual renewal |
|
Additional domain |
750 |
Per licensing cycle |
|
Subdomains |
35 / 15 |
Per licensing cycle |
|
Change – new director/shareholder/UBO |
1,000 |
Per request |
|
Material ownership change |
5,000 |
Per request |
| Company Formation |
Company incorporation |
700 |
Includes notarized documents |
|
Annual maintenance |
1,500 |
Registered office, agent, gov fees |
| Compliance |
Compliance Officer |
7,200 |
Optional |
|
Local Reporting Officer |
4,200 |
Must reside in Nevis |
|
Application support |
2,000 |
Optional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Corporate Services Optional |
Nominee / Director / POA |
4,000 / 6,000 / 500 |
Per service |
|
Bank / Merchant / Crypto setup |
1000> |
Depending on service |
| Timeline |
Application process |
4-8 weeks |
|
Cheap Online Casino Licence (2026) – Key Differences
| Feature |
Anjouan |
Nevis |
Curaçao (LOK) |
| Initial costs (Year 1) |
≈ €17,000 |
€28,000 (licence) + company/compliance as needed |
>$65,000; quote-based under LOK |
| Annual / renewal |
Annual renewal |
€28,000 / year (licence) |
B2C commonly ~€47k/yr* |
| Time to licence |
≈ 8 weeks |
≈ 4–8 weeks |
≈ 6–12+ weeks |
| Domains / URLs |
€1000 |
Includes 2 domains; extra €750 per cycle |
Multiple domains (per CGA rules) |
| Banking / PSP acceptance |
Good for startups |
Strong |
Strong |
| Best fit |
Budget startups |
Affordable “premium” / scale |
Established operators |
Prices and conditions may change; please consult us for the most up-to-date information
Curacao and Anjouan gaming licenses are attractive to gaming businesses due to their low prices and fast processing.Procedures needed to obtain a new low-cost license for an online casino:A new online casino license must be obtained through a set of procedures that are typically the same in most jurisdictions, though there may be some differences depending on the regulatory framework in the area. The following is a summary of the fundamental and typical new online casino license requirements:
- Investigate and Choose a Jurisdiction: The first step in obtaining a cheap license is deciding on a jurisdiction. There are differences between jurisdictions in terms of reputation, taxes, fees, and regulations. Several well-liked jurisdictions are Curacao, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Malta, and the United Kingdom.
- Create a Comprehensive Business Plan: The online casino must have a detailed business plan that details its goals, target market, financial projections, operational plans, and marketing strategy. The licensing authority should be able to see from this plan that the business is viable and takes its obligations seriously.
- Assure Technical Standard Compliance: Software used by online casinos needs to adhere to strict requirements for dependability, security, and fairness. This frequently entails having reputable testing organizations audit and certify gaming software.
- Fulfill Financial Requirements: Typically, candidates must provide proof of their financial stability. This entails presenting proof that there is enough money to pay for ongoing costs, player winnings, and potential liabilities. It might be necessary to provide proof of funds, bank references, and financial records.
- Put Responsible Gaming Measures in Place: It’s critical to have laws and resources that support responsible gaming. This covers procedures for confirming an individual’s age, self-exclusion tools, and restrictions on player deposits and losses.
- Create and Put into Practice Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Policies: These are crucial. These cover protocols for verifying the identity of customers, keeping an eye on and reporting questionable transactions, and adhering to global anti-money laundering laws.
- Submission of the Application: The application must now be sent to the selected jurisdiction’s regulatory body. All necessary supporting documentation, including the business plan, financial statements, information about the gaming software, proof of AML, and responsible gaming policies, should be included with the application.
- Background and Due Diligence Checks: The licensing authorities thoroughly investigate the operators of casinos. This entails investigating past business dealings, criminal histories, financial stability, and general reputation.
- Fees and costs: As part of the application process, license and application fees must be paid. These costs can add up and differ between jurisdictions.
- Licensing Authority Review and Approval: The application is evaluated by the licensing authority during a review period that follows submission. Depending on the intricacy of the application and the effectiveness of the regulatory body, this process may take several months.
- Operational Setup and Compliance: Following license issuance, the operator is required to establish operations that adhere to regulatory requirements. This entails putting in place the proper financial systems, customer service procedures, and software.
- Continuous Regulatory Compliance: Online casinos with licenses must adhere to continuous regulatory standards, including regular audits, financial reporting, and upholding responsible gaming and anti-money laundering guidelines.
Options for the Cheapest Online Casino LicenseIn case you’re on a tight budget, some jurisdictions provide licenses at a lower cost without sacrificing quality or recognition. We can help you sort through these choices and select the one that best fits your budget and business plan.Our clients at the Online Casino industry Are…
From start-ups to well-established online casino behemoths, GBO is pleased to serve a wide spectrum of clients. Our customized solutions are designed to meet the specific requirements of C-level managers and entrepreneurs in the online casino space who want to leave their mark.C-Level Managers of Online Casinos, This Is For You
Making strategic decisions and having a deep awareness of the subtleties of the industry are essential for managing an online casino. We provide C-level executives with specialized services and insights to enable them to confidently navigate the complicated world of online gaming.3 Things You Need to Know About Running a Licensed Online Casino Business
- Regulatory Compliance: Following the law and following regulations is a must. It protects your company and fosters player confidence.
- Financial Management: Sustainable operations depend on the effective management of finances, including winnings, payments, and taxes.
- Player Safety and Fair Play: Upholding a good reputation and retaining loyal customers depends on providing a safe and equitable gaming environment.
10 FAQs Regarding Online Casino Licensing:
- What is the average time frame to obtain an online casino license?
- The cheapest online casino license in November 2023 is the Anjouan Casino License, starting from 20,000 EUR
- What is the average time frame to obtain an online casino license?
- The time frame varies but typically ranges from a few months to a year, depending on the jurisdiction.
- Can I operate globally with one license?
- This depends on the license. Some jurisdictions allow global operations, while others have restrictions.
- What are the ongoing obligations for a licensed online casino?
- Regular audits, compliance with AML regulations, and financial reporting are some of the ongoing requirements.
- How does GBO assist in the licensing process?
- GBO provides end-to-end assistance, from choosing the right jurisdiction to handling paperwork and compliance issues.
- Are there different types of online casino licenses?
- Yes, there are various types, including licenses for different games, software providers, and operational models.
- What happens if I operate without a license?
- Operating without a license can lead to legal repercussions, fines, and loss of reputation.
- How do I choose the right jurisdiction for my license?
- Consider factors like reputation, costs, taxation, and specific regulatory requirements.
- What are the key benefits of obtaining an online casino license?
- Legality, credibility, player trust, and access to more markets are some key benefits.
- Does GBO offer solutions for online casino startups?
- Yes, GBO offers tailor-made services for startups, including licensing, company formation, and banking solutions.
- Can GBO assist with compliance and AML strategies?
- Absolutely, GBO provides comprehensive assistance in implementing effective compliance and AML strategies.
What are the license fees for an online casino generally?Depending on the jurisdiction and the particular requirements set by the licensing body, the cost of obtaining and keeping a cheap online casino license can vary greatly. Nonetheless, there are a few standard costs that are typically associated with the procedure. Below is a summary of these expenses:
- Expenses Associated with Company Formation: You must form a legal company before submitting a license application. This includes the fees that vary depending on the jurisdiction and are related to registering a company. These expenditures may consist of administrative charges, legal fees, and registration fees.
- Application Fee: When submitting an application for a license, the majority of jurisdictions charge an application fee. Depending on the jurisdiction, this fee may be in the range of several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
- Licensing Fee: In the event that your application is accepted, you will have to pay a licensing fee in order to receive your license. Similar to the application cost, this can differ greatly. While some jurisdictions charge considerably more for licenses than others, others have relatively low fees.
- Government Fees: There might be additional fees levied by the government in addition to the application and licensing costs. These can be yearly fees, taxes, or donations to organizations that assist those who suffer from gambling addiction.
- Expenses for offices and infrastructure: A physical presence in the area is mandated by certain jurisdictions for license holders. The price of purchasing or leasing office space, utilities, and other associated costs can be included in this.
- Local Director or Representative: Some states require that a local director or representative be appointed who is a resident of the state. Salary and other associated costs may increase as a result.
- Compliance and Legal Expenses: It is essential to make sure that all regulatory requirements are met. This could entail paying for compliance audits and reports, as well as employing compliance officers and legal counsel.
- Costs Associated with Software Certification: A lot of jurisdictions mandate that an authorized testing agency certify the online casino’s gaming software for fairness and randomness. This certification may come at a high cost.
- Continued Operational Costs: Maintaining an online casino also entails continuing expenditures for things like customer service, marketing, employee pay, and software upkeep.
- Renewal Fees: Licenses for online casinos are usually not perpetual and need to be renewed every few years. The cost of renewing a license may be the same as the original licensing fee, or less.
- Financial Guarantees: Operators may be required by certain jurisdictions to present financial guarantees or evidence of a specific level of capital. Escrow accounts, bank guarantees, and evidence of funds are a few examples of this.
- Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance: Putting in place efficient KYC and AML policies requires extra expenditures for staff training and software solutions.
- Taxation: The total cost of running an online casino can be greatly impacted by the tax rate on gaming revenues, which varies greatly between jurisdictions.
When preparing to apply for an online casino license, operators must make sure they have done their homework and have enough money set aside for these costs. Many operators seek the advice of specialized legal and financial advisors in the gaming industry to gain a better understanding of the overall costs involved, given the complexity and variation in costs.
