iGaming Licensing Mistakes: 7 Common Errors That Could Jeopardize Your Gaming Business

Acquiring the right license is the foundation of every successful iGaming operation. Yet, many startups and operators fall into avoidable traps when navigating this process. From picking the wrong jurisdiction to underestimating compliance — these iGaming licensing mistakes can cost you time, money, and market access.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most frequent licensing errors and show you how to avoid them, with a focus on accessible, strategic jurisdictions like Anjouan, Curaсao, and Tobique, which offer a reliable pathway to market entry and fast growth.

1. Choosing the Wrong Jurisdiction for Your Stage of Business

One of the biggest iGaming licensing mistakes is choosing a jurisdiction that doesn’t fit your current goals or long-term vision. While premium licenses (like Malta or Isle of Man) are respected, they require heavy resources, strict compliance, and longer timelines.

For many emerging operators, smart choices include:

Anjouan (Comoros): Affordable, fast, and increasingly popular for new market entrants. Offers flexibility and straightforward requirements.
Curaсao (under new regulatory reforms): A globally recognized option, now more structured and attractive post-2024 changes.
Tobique (Canada): A lesser-known but strategic license with straightforward access and favorable taxation

❌ Mistake: Applying for a high-cost license before you’re ready

✅ Solution: Start with jurisdictions like Anjouan, Curaсao, or Tobique to go live quickly and build momentum — then scale into Tier 1 markets if needed.

2. Underestimating the Compliance Burden

Every license — even flexible ones — comes with obligations: KYC, anti-money laundering policies, data protection, etc.

❌ Mistake: Thinking that “easier” licenses mean “no rules”
✅ Solution: Understand your jurisdiction’s compliance expectations early. Whether it’s Curaсao’s new AML standards or Anjouan’s documentation processes, prepare accordingly.

3. No Clear Roadmap for Scaling

Many operators get licensed but forget to plan for expansion — like targeting new markets, adding B2B services, or onboarding affiliates.

❌ Mistake: Picking a license with no long-term flexibility
✅ Solution: Jurisdictions like Curaсao and Tobique allow scalable models — including white label and turnkey setups.

4. Misjudging Budget and Timeline

Fast licenses like Anjouan can take just 2–3 weeks. Others (like Malta) might take 6+ months with high setup and maintenance costs.

❌ Mistake: Not preparing for ongoing fees, local entities, or banking challenges
✅ Solution: Budget for both the license and the operations that follow. Our team helps clients understand full cost projections from day one.

5. Targeting Restricted Markets Without Authorization

Even with a license, you’re not automatically allowed to operate everywhere.

❌ Mistake: Assuming global access with any license
✅ Solution: Align your jurisdiction with your audience. Anjouan and Curaсao, for example, are great for emerging markets, LatAm, parts of Asia, and Africa — but not ideal for the UK or most of the EU.

6. Weak Business Planning

Licensing authorities often request your business model, tech stack, banking details, and financial forecasts.

❌ Mistake: Submitting vague or generic documentation
✅ Solution: Work with licensing experts who can prepare or polish your application to meet jurisdiction-specific requirements.

7. Doing It Alone

Whether you’re applying in Curaсao or Tobique, DIY approaches can lead to unnecessary rejections or delays.

❌ Mistake: Not working with professionals
✅ Solution: Our licensing experts have direct experience with Anjouan, Curaсao, Tobique, and more. We guide you through every step — from jurisdiction selection to post-licensing compliance.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these iGaming licensing mistakes can be the difference between launching on schedule and getting stuck in red tape. Whether you’re looking to enter the market quickly with Anjouan, expand globally with Curaсao, or try a strategic option like Tobique, the key is choosing the right path for your business stage.

We help gaming companies navigate licensing with clarity and confidence. From consultation to complete setup, we’re your one-stop partner for Anjouan, Curaсao, Tobique, and beyond.