iGaming Licences — Offshore and EU Online Casino & Betting Licences (2026)
By Zitadelle AG | Reviewed by Alex Kazak, Business Development Partner, Zitadelle AG
Last updated: October 2026
Zitadelle AG helps online casino operators, sportsbooks, poker platforms and B2B gaming suppliers obtain iGaming licences in 11 jurisdictions — from EU-regulated Malta, Gibraltar and Estonia to offshore licences in Curaçao, Anjouan, St Kitts & Nevis, Vanuatu and El Salvador, and the new Mauritius licence. The right licence depends less on headline cost than on where your players are, how you will process payments, and whether you accept crypto. Compare the options below, or ask us which one fits your model.
iGaming licensing in 2026 — what changed
The iGaming licensing landscape has tightened. Curaçao abolished its master and sub-licence system on 24 December 2024 and moved to direct licensing by the Curaçao Gaming Authority under the LOK framework. Gibraltar's Gambling Act 2025 came into force on 1 April 2026, extending licensing to B2B suppliers and support services and requiring a sufficient substantive presence on the Rock. Mauritius created dedicated B2C, B2B and ancillary online gambling licences through the Finance Act 2026. Across jurisdictions, regulators and payment providers now expect real substance, AML controls and responsible-gambling frameworks — operators with a credible licence are gaining ground as sub-licensed and unlicensed operators are forced to restructure.
Not sure which licence fits?
Tell us your target markets, products and payment methods. We'll recommend the licence that fits — offshore, EU, or a combination.
Offshore or EU-regulated: how to choose an iGaming licence
Five questions decide the route:
- Where are your players? An offshore licence does not authorise you to target countries that require their own licence, such as the United Kingdom and most EU member states. If those markets matter, you need a licence there or an EU-regulated base.
- How will you take payments? Banks and payment service providers look at the licence first. A recognised licence widens your choice of acquirers and PSPs.
- Will you accept crypto? Positions differ by jurisdiction — check the comparison table and each licence page.
- Are you B2C, B2B, or both? Some jurisdictions issue separate B2B supplier licences — including Malta, Curaçao and now Mauritius — and Gibraltar's 2025 Act licenses B2B and support services in their own right.
- What substance can you support? EU-regulated licences and Gibraltar expect real local presence; offshore licences generally ask for less, but regulators are raising the bar.
iGaming licences compared
| Jurisdiction | Category | Licence types | Crypto | Typical timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | EU-regulated / Tier 1 | — | — | 6–9 months | View licence → |
| Gibraltar | EU-regulated / Tier 1 | B2C Gambling Operator's Licence | — | 6–9 months | View licence → |
| Estonia | EU-regulated / Tier 1 | Activity License + Operating Permit | — | 3–6 months | View licence → |
| Curaçao | Offshore | B2C (players) + B2B (suppliers) | Permitted | 8–16 weeks | View licence → |
| Anjouan | Offshore | — | Permitted | 4–6 weeks | View licence → |
| St Kitts & Nevis | Offshore | — | — | 4–10 weeks | View licence → |
| Vanuatu | Offshore | Interactive Gaming License | — | 4–8 weeks | View licence → |
| El Salvador | Offshore | — | Supported | 3–6 months | View licence → |
| Mauritius | New framework (2026) | B2C / B2B / Ancillary | — | — | View licence → |
| Costa Rica | Company registration (no gaming licence) | Not required (offshore operators) | — | 1–2 weeks | View licence → |
| South Africa | Provincial licence (domestic market) | Bookmaker License (B2C) + Manufacturers License (B2B) | — | 18–24 months from submission | View licence → |
11 Licences Available
From EU-regulated Malta MGA licenses to cost-effective offshore authorizations like Curaçao and Anjouan. Select a jurisdiction below for full requirements, fees, and timelines.
Mauritius — iGaming Licence (GRA, 2026)
New B2C, B2B and ancillary online gambling licences under the Finance Act 2026. B2C €30,000 a year plus 3% of gross gambling yield. Prepare your application before the window opens.
View detailsCuraçao — Gaming License (LOK 2024)
New LOK framework effective December 2024. CGA direct licensing replaces master/sub-license system. B2C and B2B licenses. One of the most cost-effective credible iGaming licences.
View detailsCosta Rica — Gaming Company
Register a gaming company in Costa Rica. No formal gaming license required for offshore operators. Flexible corporate structure for online gaming businesses. No licence to show banks or payment providers — suited to operators with established payment arrangements.
View detailsVanuatu — Interactive Gaming License
VFSC interactive gaming license for online gaming operations. Offshore Pacific jurisdiction with broad permitted scope.
View detailsGibraltar — iGaming Licence (Gambling Act 2025)
B2C operator and dedicated betting intermediary (exchange) licences under the Gambling Act 2025. Tier 1 jurisdiction. Gambling Act 2025 in force since 1 April 2026. 0.15% gambling duty on gross gaming yield; standard 15% corporate tax.
View detailsMalta — MGA Gaming License
Gold standard of global iGaming. EU market access, top-tier banking, PSP acceptance. B2C and B2B licenses.
View detailsAnjouan — Gaming License
Affordable offshore iGaming license from the Anjouan Gaming Authority. Fast and cost-efficient for operators entering emerging markets.
View detailsEl Salvador — iGaming License
iGaming license in El Salvador. Progressive regulatory framework in a Bitcoin legal-tender jurisdiction. Emerging iGaming hub.
View detailsEstonia — Gambling License (Betting & Casino)
Estonian Tax and Customs Board gaming license for online casino and sports betting. EU jurisdiction with transparent regulatory framework.
View detailsSt Kitts & Nevis — iGaming License
St Kitts and Nevis iGaming license for online gaming operators. Caribbean jurisdiction with competitive costs and fast processing.
View detailsSouth Africa — Provincial Bookmaker License
Gauteng and Western Cape bookmaker licences for fixed-odds and totalisator betting. South African market access with BEE structuring support.
View detailsiGaming licensing guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Among the licences we offer, Curaçao and Anjouan are the most cost-effective credible options. Costa Rica costs less to enter because it issues no online gaming licence at all — operators register a company — but that leaves you with no licence to show banks, payment providers or platform suppliers. The cheapest option is rarely the cheapest to operate if it limits your payment processing.
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