24/10/25
In today’s competitive iGaming landscape, establishing a compliant, stable, and efficient business structure is essential for success. A properly built company and licensing framework not only ensures legal compliance but also provides the foundation for reliable payment processing, reputation management, and long-term operational growth.
According to a senior lawyer from NUR Legal, the structure of an online casino must be developed with precision, taking into account regulatory compatibility, tax efficiency, and the practical requirements of international payment systems.
“A well-planned legal structure is what separates sustainable gaming businesses from short-lived ventures. In iGaming, compliance is not an option — it’s the very foundation of your licence and your reputation.” — Nurlan Mamedov, Senior Lawyer at NUR Legal\
1. Choosing the Right Jurisdiction: Belize as the Core Holding
The most effective and widely recommended setup begins with incorporating a holding company in Belize. This jurisdiction is highly efficient for gaming projects, offering a quick registration process, minimal bureaucracy, and favourable conditions for international operations.
A Belizean company can typically be incorporated within a few business days, at a cost that is considerably lower than comparable offshore structures. It provides flexible management options and facilitates smooth connections with payment gateways and financial partners worldwide.
Most importantly, the Anjouan Gambling Authority recognises Belize entities as eligible applicants for the issuance of an online gaming licence. This recognition makes Belize the ideal cornerstone for a compliant iGaming structure.
2. Obtaining the Anjouan Gaming Licence
Once the Belizean company is established, the next step is applying for a Gambling Licence in Anjouan. This licence is issued by the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority and is considered one of the most practical solutions for online gaming operators targeting international markets.
The process of obtaining the licence involves a comprehensive legal and regulatory review, including submission of AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation, a full business plan, and technical and compliance information about the gaming platform.
While the process itself is well-structured, it is also legally intensive and requires deep familiarity with regulatory standards. Many applicants underestimate the level of detail and compliance required, which can lead to rejection.
“Applying for a gambling licence without professional assistance is a common and costly mistake. Submitting an incomplete or non-compliant application can trigger delays or even a denial. Applying twice sends a negative signal to the regulator, which can significantly complicate further licensing attempts.” — Nurlan Mamedov, Senior Lawyer at NUR Legal
For this reason, it is strongly advised to work with an experienced legal partner such as NUR Legal, who manage the entire process — from document preparation to communication with the Anjouan regulator — ensuring the application meets every formal and technical requirement.
3. Establishing a Payment Agent Company in Cyprus
For operators seeking to manage financial flows efficiently and transparently, the creation of a Payment Agent company in Cyprus is an excellent and fully legal solution.
This Cypriot entity acts as a billing agent for the licensed gaming company, allowing the operator to process both fiat and cryptocurrency payments under a compliant European structure. It serves as a trusted intermediary between the gaming platform and payment service providers (PSPs), supporting SEPA, SWIFT, and digital asset transactions.
This setup ensures that all financial operations remain fully traceable and compliant with international banking standards — an essential requirement for any reputable iGaming project.
4. The Complete Legal and Financial Structure
In summary, the most efficient and compliant structure for launching an online casino consists of:
Belize: Holding company (legal ownership and structure base)
Anjouan: Gambling licence (authorisation and operational legitimacy)
Cyprus: (optional but recommended) Payment agent company (billing and transaction management)
This layered framework ensures full regulatory coverage, legal transparency, and seamless financial operations across jurisdictions. It represents a balance between efficiency, compliance, and global business practicality.
5. Why Choose NUR Legal
NUR Legal specialises in international licensing and corporate structuring for the iGaming industry. Our experienced legal team has successfully guided numerous clients through the process of obtaining gambling licences, establishing offshore entities, and setting up compliant payment infrastructures.
We handle every aspect of the procedure — from due diligence and AML policy drafting to licence application and post-licensing support — ensuring your business is fully compliant, efficient, and ready to operate globally.
“Our clients value us not just for our legal expertise but for our ability to deliver complete, ready-to-operate solutions. We don’t just consult — we build the structure that works.” — Nurlan Mamedov, Senior Lawyer at NUR Legal
📩 Contact NUR Legal
To receive professional guidance on obtaining your Anjouan Gambling Licence and structuring your international casino operations, contact the NUR Legal team today.
📧 Email: info@nur-legal.com
🌐 Website: www.nur-legal.com
NUR Legal will provide a tailored consultation and ensure your project is structured legally, efficiently, and ready for success.
Kätrin Särap