Competition with other jurisdictions (Malta, Curaçao, Isle of Man) - Antigua and Barbuda

Competition with other jurisdictions (Malta, Curaçao, Isle of Man)

Resume Summary

Antigua and Barbuda - a historical pioneer of online licensing (Interactive Gaming/Interactive Wagering under the supervision of Directorate of Offshore Gaming, FSRC), relies on Tier-1 positioning and predictable IGIWR-2007 procedures.

Malta (MGA) is the European "gold standard" with a dual-circuit model B2C Gaming Service and B2B Critical Gaming Supply, confirmed by the fact sheet of 2025.

Curacao - goes through a "restart": the LOK law entered into force on December 24, 2024; master/sub system is discontinued, centralized control (CGA) and new application windows are created in 2025.

The Isle of Man (GSC) is a sustainable regime with deep due diligence, detailed guides and verifiable compliance practices.

Antigua and Barbuda: reference point

What is licensed: two "product" types - Interactive Gaming (online casino/poker) and Interactive Wagering (betting). IGIWR-2007 prescribes filing, conditions, suitability, reporting and change of control. The regulator is Directorate of Offshore Gaming (FSRC), which publicly declares the goal of "Tier-1 litigation of choice."

Strengths: historical legitimacy online; detailed skedules/forms; open positioning on the quality of supervision. Who fits: B2C operators who need a "classic" product license (casino/sports) and a clear regulatory relationship.

Malta (MGA): EU B2B Benchmark

Architecture: B2C Gaming Service (for operators) and B2B Critical Gaming Supply (for providers of "material elements of the game "/software/control systems). This is enshrined in official documents and fact sheet 2025.

Strengths: strong brand in the EU, full license for suppliers (B2B), developed guides and systematic checks. Who is suitable: groups focused on Europe and partnerships with EU providers/payments; B2B vendors who need a "showcase of trust" for international integrations.

Curaçao: LOK reform - end master/sub and "tougher but cleaner"

What happened: Parliament approved LOK in December 2024; with 24. 12. 2024 the law is valid. The transition period closes the portal and moves the ecosystem to single licenses and centralized oversight (CGA). The stages of opening applications in 2025 (first B2C, later B2B) were publicly announced.

Why the market: moving away from "sub-licenses" increases transparency, strengthens due diligence, and makes the reputation profile closer to "classic" regulators. Risks/nuances: transition deadlines and updating rules; the regulator emphasizes the strengthening of control and accounting for violations in other countries (context of the international agenda 2024).

Isle of Man (GSC): Sustainability and depth of checks

Mode: licensing online gambling, public guides by type of permission, package of documents and due diligence (submission through Inspectorate). Stable regulatory practices and good infrastructure for eGaming.

Who fits: Mature groups who value an "Anglo-Saxon" approach to oversight, transparent processes and the island's infrastructural ecosystem.

Head-to-head: what differences look like

1) License typology

Antigua: Two B2C types by product (Gaming/Wagering).

Malta: B2C/B2B separation, a clear role for Critical Gaming Supply.

Curaçao: transition to uniform goslicenses instead of master/sub (LOK).

Isle of Man: Online licences with detailed due diligence and submission guides.

2) Supervision and reputation

Antigua: Emphasizes "Tier-1" and international practices; historical online pioneer.

Malta: EU benchmark; high weight in B2B integrations and banking.

Curacao: goes to "whitewashing" through LOK and CGA; it is important to track transition windows.

Isle of Man: Conservative resilience and regulatory/bank confidence.

3) "Time-to-market" and predictability

Antigua: understandable IGIWR skedules → a predictable road for B2C.

Malta: a heavier test, but a high "confidence threshold" of the market.

Curaçao: temporarily dependent on LOK launch phases; after stabilization, a more rigorous but understandable path is expected.

Isle of Man: clear instructions, but deep verification and process requirements.

What it means for operators from the point of view of Antigua and Barbuda

• you need a "direct" B2C license for casino/sports without a European B2B showcase;
• a transparent communication channel with supervision (FSRC) and a historical online brand are important;
• it is more convenient to separate Gaming and Wagering by IGIWR.

• you have a powerful B2B circuit (platforms, aggregation, live/program elements) and need relationships with European banks/partners.

• you are focused on Caribbean/global geography and are ready to work in updated LOK mode; monitor feed windows and CGA requirements.

• you want a sustainable Anglo-Saxon base with strong KYC/AML practices and eGaming infrastructure.

Antigua and Barbuda competes comfortably with the "Big Three" of comparison due to its simple product-oriented license division (Gaming/Wagering), mature IGIWR procedures and emphasis on Tier-1 supervision. Malta prevails where the B2B circuit and European reputation are important; Curacao is in the "restart" phase to the centralized model (LOK), and the Isle of Man is about stability and depth of checks. In 2025, choosing jurisdiction is about matching your business model: B2C focus with predictable oversight (Antigua), European B2B showcase (Malta), reforming "Caribbean" hub (Curaçao) or "strict stability" (Isle of Man).