The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) and their related licences offered have been in the news recently with the publication of the National Risk Assessment for eGaming document. At first glance, this document appears to throw extra barriers in the way of doing licensed eGaming business on the island.

However, it is important to remember that the Isle of Man has many benefits that elevate it above other offshore licensing regimes. Choosing the right licensing jurisdiction is one of the most critical decisions in launching or expanding an eGaming business, and choices for which regime to licence with are greater than ever.

Offshore jurisdictions offer distinct regulatory environments, cost structures, and reputational implications, and while they may all offer “licensing,” the level of protection, oversight, and business value varies dramatically.

In this article, we take a closer look at several popular offshore eGaming jurisdictions — Curacao, Vanuatu, and Anjouan. We will explore how they compare to the Isle of Man, a jurisdiction that continues to attract operators seeking credibility, stability, and long-term scalability.

Curacao: Fast but in a Period of Transition

Curacao has embarked on a significant journey of regulatory reform. The Curaçao National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) 2024 now allows for direct licencing via the Curaçao Gaming Authority. Operators must now meet substantially tighter compliance expectations than in previous years. However, there is still some ongoing uncertainty around these ongoing compliance requirements. Companies enjoy benefits like ease of entry and crypto access, but the new system demands greater investment in substance, transparency, and ongoing oversight. While it potentially boosts credibility over time, this comes at the cost of simplicity and lower operating expenses during an uncertain period of change.

Pros:

• Improving the compliance framework
• Quick time to market
• Well-established in the crypto casino space

Cons:

• No proper player protection frameworks
• Weak enforcement of AML/CFT standards
• Reputational challenges with payment providers and banks
• Limited ability to attract high-quality partners or investors

Vanuatu: Niche and Remote

Vanuatu’s online gambling licence has gained attention in recent years due to its low taxation and relatively simple compliance framework. However, its geographic and regulatory remoteness can be a double-edged sword. We talked in a recent article about the importance of obtaining banking facilities. One of the key drawbacks of a Vanuata licence is the lack of recognition of it by financial institutions.

Pros:

• Low tax burden
• Flexible compliance for smaller operators
• Open to crypto-focused platforms

Cons:

• Less recognisable by financial institutions
• No significant track record in high-end B2B licensing
• Minimal brand value for players or investors
• Limited transparency in regulatory oversight

Vanuatu may suit niche operators with minimal regulatory exposure, but it lacks the infrastructure and global reach of more developed jurisdictions.

Anjouan: Budget Licensing with Growing Scrutiny

Located in the Comoros Islands, Anjouan has recently gained attention as a low-barrier licensing destination for iGaming operators. The licensing regime is marketed as accessible and permissive, but this simplicity may come at a cost. The eGaming licensing industry in Anjouan is going through a growth period; however, there are significant concerns about the viability of an Anjouan licence as a long-term growth strategy.

Pros:

• Very low set-up and licence fees
• Light-touch compliance
• Suitable for initial MVP testing

Cons:

• Limited international recognition
• No established player protection regime
• High risk of banking de-risking and payment processor rejection
• Questionable long-term viability as a base for scaling

Isle of Man: A Tier-One Jurisdiction with Long-Term Value

In contrast, the Isle of Man offers a premium licensing regime that combines regulatory excellence, political stability, and deep industry knowledge. This makes the regime attractive for both B2C and B2B operators that take their compliance and brand reputation seriously. The recent National Risk Assessment for the eGaming industry has reinforced that the Isle of Man is very much open to business for companies that understand the importance of meeting industry leading compliance standards.

Key Benefits:

• Robust yet business-friendly regulatory framework, recognised globally
• Strong AML/CFT and player protection credentials (FATF-compliant)
• Direct access to respected banking and payment networks
• Crypto-friendly licensing environment with clear guidance
• Competitive 0% corporate tax and no capital gains tax
• Political and economic stability within a common law framework

Unlike many jurisdictions that offer minimal supervision, the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) provides responsive, hands-on support to licensees while maintaining the integrity of the sector. The island also boasts a thriving ecosystem of eGaming professionals, including legal, corporate, and technical service providers, making it a natural hub for ambitious operators.

Conclusion: A Strategic Choice, Not Just a Licence

While jurisdictions like Curacao, Vanuatu, and Anjouan offer low-cost entry points, they often fall short when it comes to long-term credibility, banking access, and strategic growth. The Isle of Man, by contrast, provides a comprehensive, future-proof platform for companies that take compliance, reputation, and growth seriously.

If you are interested in discussing the benefits of an Isle of Man eGaming licence, contact the team at www.accla.im, who will be able to talk you through the benefits and the licensing process.