Curaçao in 2026: the new LOK licences and why operators are choosing Anjouan
In 2026, Curaçao finally transitioned from the old master/sub-licence model to direct government licensing under the new LOK (National Ordinance on Games of Chance). The new regime makes the jurisdiction more transparent and predictable for regulators and banks, but at the same time significantly more expensive and burdensome in terms of compliance for operators.
Against the backdrop of these changes, many operators are looking towards alternative solutions, and one of the key jurisdictions is becoming Anguilla, which offers a quick start, 0% tax on GGR and more lenient requirements alongside comparable legal certainty.
How the «old» Curaçao worked
Prior to the adoption of the LOK, licensing in Curaçao was based on a system of master licenses and sub-licenses: a few private companies holding master licenses issued sub-licences to operators. The government did not interact directly with most operators.
This model offered several obvious advantages:
- a low entry threshold and «cheap» packages compared to European jurisdictions;
- a relatively quick launch;
- a high degree of flexibility regarding company structures and technical infrastructure.
However, this was accompanied by a number of drawbacks:
- sub-licenses were perceived as less «reliable» by banks, PSPs and regulators in other countries;
- compliance and AML/KYC controls depended largely on the discipline of the master license holders themselves;
- against a backdrop of tightening global regulation, this situation no longer suited either Curaçao or its international partners.
The new Curaçao according to LOK: more expensive, more complex, «whiter»
In 2026, the jurisdiction operates under a new set of rules. Key points:
- Licensing is now handled directly by the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA); the master/sub model has been completely phased out.
- A local company is required, along with a physical presence, key staff on the island, and increased transparency regarding UBO and ownership structure.
- Requirements for AML/KYC, financial stability and player protection are significantly tightened, and new fees and due diligence payments are introduced.
A realistic budget for the first year of operation under the new license (company, licence, local offers, compliance, key personnel) is already estimated by many providers to be in the range of €55–80k, whilst launch timescales are shifting to the 3–6 month range.
The rationale behind the reform is clear: Curaçao is seeking to move away from its image as a «cheap offshore» destination towards the status of a fully regulated jurisdiction with a higher level of trust.
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Anjouan: a quick launch and 0% GGR as an alternative
Against the backdrop of tightening regulations in Curaçao, many projects are looking to Anjouan as a balance between regulation and economic benefits.
Key features of Anjouan:
- 0% tax on Gross Gaming Revenue, with the possibility of zero taxation on income outside the jurisdiction when using an offshore company.
- The estimated cost of the license and basic compliance is around €25k for the first year, which is significantly lower than the new Curaçao and European jurisdictions.
- Launch times of 4–8 weeks provided the application is adequately prepared.
- The option to operate via an offshore company (IBC) without strict physical presence requirements, with the focus on due diligence and documentation rather than a large local staff.
Essentially, Anjouan meets the needs of operators who:
- prioritise a low tax burden and reasonable entry costs;
- require a quick launch, rather than a six-month project with onerous compliance requirements;
- yet do not wish to resort entirely to «grey» schemes or operate without a license at all.
What suits whom in 2026
To put it simply:
- New Curaçao (LOK) is the choice for those for whom it is essential to keep their brand in Curaçao, but who are prepared to operate under stricter regulations and face high fixed license costs.
- Anjouan is the solution for projects requiring 0% gaming tax, a fast time-to-market and a predictable budget, without the need to establish a substantial presence on the island or pay tens of thousands of euros annually just for regulatory compliance.
How can we help?
Our team supports iGaming projects at every stage: from selecting a jurisdiction and registering an offshore company to obtaining an Anjouan license and renewing it annually. We do not sell a «paper license»; we build a functional structure that passes the checks carried out by the regulator, banks and payment providers.
We have been working with the Anjouan registrar for many years, understand its requirements, and eliminate in advance the issues that can lead to rejections and rework with other providers. Coupled with this experience, we have strong expertise in offshore companies and their proper management.
If you are considering Anjouan as a jurisdiction for your project or wish to compare it with other options for your specific model, book a consultation; we will analyse your situation step by step and propose a clear launch plan with realistic timelines and a budget.
