Which gambling licenses crypto casinos hold, what Curaçao, Anjouan, Malta and other regulators require, and how to check a casino license yourself.
Crypto Casino Licenses Explained: Curaçao, Anjouan, Malta and More
By Chris Wyatt · Updated October 2026
Quick answer: Most crypto casinos are licensed offshore, mainly in Curaçao and increasingly Anjouan (Comoros), because strict regulators like the UK Gambling Commission and Malta rarely license crypto-only gambling. A license means the operator is registered and must follow some rules, but protection varies a lot: Curaçao’s new regime is stricter than its old system, Anjouan is lighter-touch, and neither matches the UK or Malta for player protection. Always check the license number in the site footer.
In this guide:
- Why Licensing Matters
- Common Licenses at Crypto Casinos
- Curaçao’s New Licensing Regime
- Anjouan Licenses
- How to Check a Casino License
- A License Is Not Everything
- Casino License FAQs
Why Licensing Matters
A gambling license ties an operator to a regulator that can, in theory, enforce rules on fair games, anti-money-laundering, responsible gambling and complaints. Unlicensed casinos offer no recourse if they refuse to pay. Licensing is one of the core checks in our rating methodology.
Common Licenses at Crypto Casinos
| Regulator | Jurisdiction | Crypto-friendly | Player protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curaçao Gaming Authority | Curaçao | Yes, the most common | Moderate; tightened under the new regime |
| Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority | Anjouan, Comoros | Yes, growing fast | Light |
| Kahnawake Gaming Commission | Kahnawake, Canada | Some | Moderate |
| Tobique Gaming Commission | New Brunswick, Canada | Some | Moderate |
| Malta Gaming Authority | Malta (EU) | Limited | Strong |
| Isle of Man GSC | Isle of Man | Limited | Strong |
| UK Gambling Commission | United Kingdom | Rarely for crypto | Very strong |
Curaçao’s New Licensing Regime
Curaçao used to issue a handful of “master licenses” that operators could sublicense, which led to weak oversight. Under its newer gaming law, the Curaçao Gaming Authority now issues licenses directly to each operator, with stronger requirements on ownership checks, AML, responsible gambling and complaint handling. Many casinos have moved to licenses numbered like “OGL/2024/…”, while older “8048/JAZ” numbers come from the legacy system.
Anjouan Licenses
Anjouan, an island in the Comoros, has become a popular alternative for crypto casinos thanks to faster, cheaper licensing. It offers lighter oversight than Curaçao, so we look harder at a casino’s track record, payout reliability and complaints when it holds an Anjouan license. Examples in our reviews include BitKingz and Bets.io.
How to Check a Casino License
- Scroll to the casino footer and find the license number and regulator name.
- Click the license seal; a real one links to the regulator’s validation page.
- Search the regulator’s public register for the company name or license number.
- Check that the company name matches the one in the casino’s terms and conditions.
- Be wary if there is no license, the seal does not link anywhere, or the details do not match.
A License Is Not Everything
Licensing is a minimum. We also weigh payout speed, complaint history, bonus fairness and how long a casino has operated. Read how to choose a safe, legit online casino and our online casino regulation overview, then compare licensed sites in our crypto casino reviews.
Casino License FAQs
Is a Curaçao license safe?
It is the most common crypto casino license and has been strengthened under Curaçao’s new regime, but protection is weaker than in the UK or Malta.
What is an Anjouan gaming license?
A license from the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority in the Comoros. It is quick to obtain and lighter on oversight.
Why don’t crypto casinos have UK licenses?
The UK Gambling Commission rarely approves crypto gambling and has strict rules that most crypto-only operators do not meet.
How do I verify a casino license?
Click the license seal in the footer and check the regulator’s public register for the license number and company name.
Should I play at an unlicensed casino?
We do not recommend it. Without a license, there is no regulator to hold the operator accountable.
18+ only. Gambling involves risk; never bet more than you can afford to lose. Visit our responsible gambling page for support. More beginner guides in our Crypto Casino 101 hub.