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Eritrea: the iGaming world’s most underrated licenceBy Gabriel Jatombliansky, IVYASCENTWhen a new operator comes to me, he opens with the same question: where do welicense?It used to be an easy answer. It isn’t any more, and the reason is worth setting out plainly,because I think a lot of the market is about to make the same mistake twice.Curaçao was the default for two decades. Under the LOK framework it now costs €47,450 ayear, takes three to six months, and has left provisional licence holders waiting on finaldecisions with no published timeline. On top of that, operators must build a local structureand pay up to 3% of their profits locally.The regulator’s supervisory board resigned in 2025. A jurisdiction that once licensed around1,200 entities now lists closer to 300. For a mid-sized operator, that is a lot of money and alot of uncertainty for a credential that no longer differentiates you.Most of that displaced business was relocated to Anjouan, which offers a 0% tax regime,limited requirements regarding the management team, no local substance requirements, andminimal reporting obligations. However, this year, it began requiring operators to establish anAlternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) team to address and resolve player complaints beforethey are escalated to a formal level.This licence also functions as a market convention, with operators, content providers, andpayment processors accepting it regardless of the issuing authority. It is essentially anagreement among all parties to accept the conditions without demanding much in return. It isstill very valid, but without an official authority behind it.Having a formal authority behind brings some extra confidence to the operation, neverthelesswhat is important, in a license, is that all the players of the market onboard you in first place,and that the license possess sufficient standing to position yourself in the player's mind as atrustworthy casino.The Eritrean Internet Gaming Regulatory Framework is authorised by the Governmentof the State of Eritrea under Government Gaming Specific Authorisation Ref.EGC/GSA/2026/0714-001.The structure separates three functions deliberately. The Government provides the enablingauthority. The Eritrean Gaming Commission is the regulator and the sole licensingdecisionmaker. Eritrea Gaming administers the process. Every license and every approveddomain is published on a public register at eritreagaming.com, all the information is publicand with 24/7 access to all the parties.The commercial termsTwo categories are open. The B2C Operator Licence covers online casino, live casino,sportsbook, poker, bingo, esports, crypto-enabled gaming and prediction markets. The B2BService Provider Licence covers game studios, platform providers, aggregators and softwaresuppliers.Both are €10,000 to issue and €10,000 a year to renew, with additional approved domains at€300. No minimum capital requirement, and no GGR tax — no revenue charge, no turnoverlevy, no revenue share. The fee schedule is the entire cost of holding it. Fees can be paid incryptocurrency. Indicative processing is five to seven days from a complete application.And if the Commission refuses the application, the licence fee is refunded in full — which,having watched clients write off application fees elsewhere, I do not take for granted.Why it is workable in practiceDocumentation is limited to what actually gets reviewed: ID, proof of address, corporate andownership evidence, accredited RNG and game certificates, proof of domain ownership, aninternal AML/KYC policy, plus the standard suitability and source-of-funds forms. Plainscans — no notarisation, no apostille, no certified translations, no document-age rules.Avoiding notary fees and saving the time otherwise required for apostilles and relatedformalities.There is no mandatory testing house. Accredited certification a supplier already holds isaccepted as submitted.And B2B licensees may supply operators licensed anywhere. An Eritrean B2B licence doesnot oblige your customers to hold one.The framework does enforce market restrictions — the US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, theNetherlands, Austria, Australia and Eritrea domestically are out without separate localauthorisation. It is not a substitute for a local licence where one is required, and theCommission says so rather than letting operators find out later.Who it suitsIf you require Tier 1 EU card acquiring and intend to target regulated European markets, youwill still need to obtain a local license, bear the associated costs, and meet the applicablecapital requirements in each jurisdiction. That has not changed.But for a crypto-friendly operator, these requirements may be less restrictive, as cryptopayment solutions can reduce reliance on traditional EU card acquiring and, in some cases,allow the operator to serve certain markets without obtaining a local license—subject to theapplicable laws, AML/KYC obligations, and payment-provider requirements. For a B2Bsupplier who needs credentials, Eritrea is one of the most sensible options on my desk rightnow, and for new merchants or crypto-friendly operators, this can be a highly competitiveand materially cheaper alternative to comparable licensing and payment setups.Key factors to consider when choosing an online gaming license—whether launching a newoperation or relaunching an existing company—include:• Cost: Licensing fees, ongoing renewal costs, compliance expenses, taxes, and operationaloverhead.• Scope and capabilities: The permitted gaming verticals, target markets, product coverage,and operational flexibility.• License prestige and market recognition: How the license is perceived by players, paymentproviders, affiliates, and business partners.• Connectivity options: Access to payment providers, software suppliers, aggregators,platforms, and other essential infrastructure.• The people behind the license: The most important factor of all—who operates and supportsthe licensing structure, their experience, reputation, responsiveness, and ability to providereliable long-term assistance.A competitive license is not defined solely by its jurisdiction or headline price. Its real valuedepends on the combination of affordability, commercial usability, market credibility,connectivity, and—above all—the quality and reliability of the team behind it.And that is where Eritrea stands out: it brings together competitive costs, broadoperational capabilities, market prestige, strong connectivity options, and—mostimportantly—a reliable and experienced team behind the license.In other words, Eritrea offers the complete package for operators launching orrelaunching an online gaming business.
Prime Opportunity: Fully Operational CASP with CySEC License & Full MiCA ComplianceThe regulatory landscape for crypto-assets has shifted. As MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) fully takes effect, the window for obtaining compliant licensure has closed for many, making existing, fully licensed entities the most valuable assets in the fintech ecosystem.I am representing the sale of a fully operational, revenue-generating Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP). This is not a "shell" or a "license-only" deal—it is a turnkey, plug-and-play infrastructure ready for immediate scaling.Key Highlights:Regulatory Status: Fully licensed by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).Future-Proof: Fully aligned with the EU’s MiCA framework, ensuring passporting rights across the European Economic Area.Operational Readiness: The platform is entirely functional, connected to liquidity providers, and currently processing transactions.Revenue Generating: Moving beyond the "startup" phase with established workflows and existing active users.Infrastructure: Robust KYC/AML frameworks, banking relationships, and security protocols already in place and stress-tested.Why this matters: For institutional players, banks, or established exchanges looking to enter or expand within the EU market, the time and capital required to build a compliant infrastructure from scratch are prohibitive. This acquisition eliminates years of regulatory hurdles and technical integration.We are looking for serious inquiries from qualified principals.#Casp #CySEC #Cyprus #MiCA #Crypto #Ivyascent
Costa Rica’s Evolving Regulatory Framework: An Opportunity for Crypto BusinessesCosta Rica is taking an important step toward integrating cryptocurrency businesses into its anti-money laundering (AML) framework.On June 19, 2026, new legislation was approved placing certain crypto-related activities under the supervision of SUGEF, Costa Rica’s General Superintendency of Financial Entities. This requirement is expected to take the form of a compliance registration—not an operating license.What businesses can currently doCompanies can already be incorporated in Costa Rica to conduct activities such as:Cryptocurrency exchange servicesDigital wallets and custody solutionsToken-related activitiesOTC tradingOther crypto-related business activitiesThe incorporation process can be completed remotely, with no minimum capital requirement and no mandatory local director.What is expected nextThe law is scheduled to come into effect on September 19, 2026. By that date, the regulations establishing the registration process with SUGEF are expected to provide further details.Based on the international standards Costa Rica is implementing, the registration is expected to apply to Costa Rican companies involved in crypto activities—even when their operations are conducted entirely from abroad.This creates a genuine opportunity for entrepreneurs and international crypto companies seeking a well-structured corporate presence in Costa Rica. However, the structure should be designed with the upcoming AML registration requirements in mind from the beginning.Our company assists clients with the incorporation and structuring of crypto-related businesses in Costa Rica, helping them prepare for the regulatory framework ahead.If you are considering establishing a crypto company in Costa Rica, contact us to discuss your project and the best way to structure it.This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or regulatory advice. Final requirements will depend on the regulations issued by the competent authorities.#Crypto #VASP #CostaRica #Latam #license #AML #Ivyascent
Eritrean gaming licenseAn inland license with all the advantages of an offshore oneObtaining an Eritrean gaming license can provide your online casino with a clear legal foundation and a valuable opportunity to establish a presence in an emerging market. It demonstrates your commitment to regulatory compliance, transparency, and responsible gaming, while helping build trust with players and business partners. By entering the market at an early stage, your company can position itself for long-term growth and gain a competitive advantage as Eritrea’s digital gaming sector developsAll at some of the most competitive fees available in the market.lnkd.in/dsDcJXWJ#Gambling #Casino #License #Eritrea #Betting #Ivyascent
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