The question we get most often: someone wants to launch an online casino business, has heard a Curaçao license is cheap and fast, and wants to know how quickly they can go live. Today our answer is: Curaçao completed a full regulatory overhaul. It's neither as cheap nor as fast as it was a few years ago. In our opinion, Anjouan and Tobique jurisdictions have become the more practical option for many operators – 2-3 times less expensive, faster issuance, zero corporate tax on gaming revenues. Malta is the prestige choice if you have the budget and the timeline. The UK is in its own category of rigour. Apart from the license, a lot of people underestimate the infrastructure layer and real costs. In 2026 compliance is no longer a final step. KYC automation, an appointed MLRO, AML frameworks – these are among the licensing conditions now, not optional infrastructure. And payment reserves of $50–200K, held for up to six months, are standard before you've acquired a single player. We put together a complete guide on what it takes to launch an iGaming business in Rikk blog – with business model analysis, licensing options, infrastructure requirements, real costs and modern operational standards. Be sure to take a look.
