Arran McCarthy, Commercial Director at EM Group, and the company’s Business Development Manager Julie Courte take a look at both the Curacao and Maltese licensing structure and outline how – despite evolution in each jurisdiction – they are still the licence of choice for many operators.
The difference between scaling successfully and stalling often hinges on one critical decision: where you establish your licensing foundation. The future of iGaming is undeniably shifting. As regulators tighten control over domestic markets, the debate around international licensing has intensified.
While some argue that broad licenses from jurisdictions like Malta or Curaçao are losing relevance, especially under pressure from domestic or more restrictive regimes, we believe that high-tier international licenses remain essential and highly sought after by operators – particularly when approached strategically.
At EM Group, we understand that the regulatory landscape is evolving. Domestic licenses are gaining traction, but international jurisdictions continue to offer significant advantages for operators pursuing multi-market strategies. The key lies in integrating these licenses into a broader compliance framework.
Curaçao: A jurisdiction in evolution
Curaçao has long served as a gateway for international iGaming operations. With the introduction of the Landsverordening op de Kansspelen (LOK) and the establishment of the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), the jurisdiction is undergoing a transformation—from a “light-touch” option to a credible, compliance-driven regulator.
This modernisation directly addresses concerns raised by critics of international licensing and aligns Curaçao with global standards, including:
- Rigorous fit and proper checks for all key persons and UBOs
- AML/KYC protocols aligned with FATF and EU norms
- Mandatory responsible gambling frameworks
- Auditing and financial transparency requirements
These reforms position Curaçao as a viable component of a hybrid licensing strategy, one that balances cost-efficiency with rising compliance expectations.
For operators, this evolution presents both opportunity and complexity. Curaçao remains cost-effective and globally recognised, but navigating the CGA framework requires specialist knowledge of the new regulatory requirements and application processes.
The key is your local partner; EM Group is your key.
Malta: European Market Access and Regulatory Prestige
Malta established itself as one of Europe’s leading iGaming jurisdiction when it became the first EU member state to regulate remote gaming in 2004. Two decades later, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license remains the benchmark for operators seeking access to some European markets and institutional credibility.
The numbers reflect Malta’s success: at the end of 2024, the MGA counted 311 active licenses on the island, contributing significantly to Malta’s economy through foreign investment, employment and GDP growth.
The MGA license carries weight with investors, payment providers, and partners precisely because it represents Malta’s high standards. Operators must demonstrate robust AML/CFT compliance, responsible gaming policies, GDPR adherence and proper player fund segregation.
All key personnel and UBOs undergo thorough vetting, including police conduct checks and financial assessments.
The licenses itself, B2B and B2C, cover comprehensive gaming verticals: casino games including slots and table games, sports betting, poker, bingo, lotteries, and skill-based offerings such as fantasy sports. Licenses are valid for ten years, subject to ongoing compliance monitoring.
What distinguishes Malta is not just the license, but the ecosystem surrounding it. The jurisdiction offers a skilled workforce with deep iGaming expertise, modern infrastructure, competitive taxation structures, and more access to EU-based markets and partners.
For operators and software/games providers seeking to increase their visibility in the EU, the MGA license provides a strategic advantage that extends well beyond regulatory approval.
Our Approach: Tailored Support Across Jurisdictions
We have supported operators in Curaçao since the jurisdiction’s early days as an iGaming hub, and expanded to Malta in 2014 as operators increasingly sought European market access. Our services address the full spectrum of licensing and operational needs:
Regulatory Strategy: We provide gap analysis, compliance consultancy, AML/KYC policy development, responsible gambling frameworks and ongoing compliance support including outsourced compliance officer functions under MGA requirements.
Licensing Facilitation: We offer end-to-end support for B2C and B2B license applications in both Curaçao and Malta, managing documentation, authority communications and submission processes.
Corporate Infrastructure: Our services include company formation, registered address provision, bookkeeping, tax compliance, legal coordination and banking relationship support to ensure your structure meets both local and international standards.
Physical Presence Solutions: Our Livestrong Offices in Willemstad provide modern workspace options, while our employment services help operators meet local substance requirements through payroll administration, employment contracts and work permit facilitation.
Why Operators Choose Us
Our approach combines regulatory expertise with practical operational support. We maintain direct working relationships with the CGA in Curaçao and the MGA in Malta, enabling efficient application processes and proactive compliance management.
With offices in Curaçao, Malta, the Netherlands and Cyprus, we provide local insight with international perspective. We understand how these jurisdictions fit within broader operational strategies, including tax optimisation, corporate structuring and multi-market expansion.
Whether you are evaluating Curaçao’s reformed framework for its cost-efficiency and global reach, or leveraging Malta’s MGA license for European market access, we provide the guidance needed to build credible, scalable operations.
