The gambling industry is evolving rapidly, what worked yesterday may become an obstacle today when it comes to opening a bank account or integrating a payment system. Starting in 2024, Curaçao introduced new regulations (LOK), making the licensing process more complex, costly, and less flexible. The Curaçao license, which for years ranked among the top 3 most popular licenses in the world for online casinos and betting, is now at risk of losing its leadership position. This is especially noticeable among new projects that are looking for a fast and affordable launch and scalability.

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This raises the question: what could become a universal alternative to Curaçao in 2026?

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1. Anjouan (Comoros Islands)
The Anjouan license is international (worldwide) and allows operators to work with clients from all over the world. It can be obtained not only for companies registered directly in Anjouan but also for entities incorporated in other jurisdictions, making it a flexible and convenient option for businesses in the gambling sector.

In recent years, banks have become more familiar with the Anjouan license and increasingly open accounts for companies operating under it, which facilitates access to financial services.

Regulation is carried out by the National Gaming Commission of the Comoros Islands, which is responsible for issuing licenses and monitoring compliance.

The licensing process includes government fees and proof of financial capacity, and the review period typically ranges from one to three months-significantly faster compared to more traditional jurisdictions.

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2. Malta (MGA)
The Maltese license (MGA) is recognized within the European Union and is also acknowledged worldwide, making it an attractive option for operators seeking to legally operate in international markets.

The license must be obtained for a company registered directly in Malta, providing a solid legal foundation and strong trust among European partners and banks.

The licensing process typically takes between three to six months and involves a comprehensive review of compliance with financial, technical, and operational requirements, including scrutiny of funding sources, business models, and internal policies. However, in practice, the process may take up to a year or more.

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3. Kahnawake

Kahnawake is a Native American reservation in Canada that has its own jurisdiction for regulating gambling activities. The Kahnawake license is considered popular among operators targeting North American markets.

The Kahnawake license allows companies to operate with clients in Canada, as well as in a number of other countries where online gambling is not prohibited by local law.

Regulation is carried out by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which sets out the licensing requirements for applicants and monitors compliance with licensing conditions. The capital requirements remain moderate, making this license an attractive option for small and medium-sized projects.

The licensing process typically takes from a few weeks to several months, depending on the completeness of the submitted documentation and the speed of regulatory checks.

Among the drawbacks is the fact that many banks are still unfamiliar with the term “Kahnawake,” which can cause difficulties in opening accounts and integrating payment solutions.

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4. Gibraltar

The Gibraltar license enjoys a longstanding reputation and high level of trust, particularly among European and British operators. After Brexit, Gibraltar lost its EU jurisdiction status, so the recognition of its license now relies more on historical continuity and strict government oversight.

The license can only be obtained for companies incorporated directly in Gibraltar. This opens the door to the international market, especially the UK, although access to the EU may be limited depending on partners and payment providers.

Regulation is carried out by the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner, who imposes strict requirements for transparency, organizational structure, reporting, and AML compliance.

The licensing process takes several months and involves thorough checks of the financial model, technical infrastructure, and responsible gambling policies.

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5. Isle of Man

The Isle of Man license is popular among operators seeking a stable jurisdiction with transparent requirements. It ensures a strong international reputation, particularly among Western partners.

The Isle of Man has its own regulatory authority — the Gambling Supervision Commission, which oversees gambling operations and issues licenses to companies registered on the island. The regulator is known for its independence and professional supervisory approach.

The license allows operators to work on international markets; however, some banks and payment providers may require additional checks due to the specific status of the Isle of Man as a British Crown Dependency.

The licensing process typically takes from two to six months and includes a thorough review of the company structure, background checks on owners, and assessment of compliance documentation.

As of 2026, there is no one-size-fits-all “best” license. The best license is the one that aligns with your business model, target geography, and long-term goals.

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