From Offshore to EU-Regulated: Pursuing a Malta Gambling License for Costa Rica & Comoros-Based Platforms

Operators based in offshore jurisdictions like Costa Rica and Anjouan (Union of Comoros) often benefit from low-cost entry and minimal regulatory obligations. These environments allow for quick market access, particularly for crypto-first gambling platforms. However, they fall short when it comes to legitimacy, EU market access, and institutional trust. For ambitious platforms aiming to scale and evolve into credible global brands, securing a Malta Gambling License (MGA) is not a direct upgrade—but rather a long-term transformation involving structural, technical, and compliance overhauls.

Why Offshore Operators Eventually Consider Malta

While Costa Rica and Anjouan offer flexible, affordable starting points for launching gambling operations, they do not provide the regulatory infrastructure needed to partner with payment processors, banks, or affiliates in regulated markets. Over time, many offshore-based platforms begin evaluating what it would take to re-establish themselves under a jurisdiction like Malta—one known for its strict oversight and access to the European Economic Area (EEA).

Costa Rica: Operational Freedom, But No Gambling License

• No formal gaming license issued – Gambling companies in Costa Rica typically register under general business or data-processing permits. While this allows operation, it lacks international legitimacy and regulatory credibility.
• Crypto-centric ecosystem – Costa Rican law allows salaries above minimum wage to be paid in cryptocurrency. This has attracted Web3-based casinos and sportsbooks, but limits access to fiat payment rails and banking relationships.
• Rapid setup, low maintenance – Company formation and licensing take as little as 2–3 weeks. However, there are no mandated audits or consumer protection policies, which restricts scalability in regulated markets.

In short, Costa Rica supports fast, inexpensive launches—but is not designed to support long-term global operations.

Anjouan (Comoros): Attractive Licensing, Limited Recognition

• All-in-one international license – The Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority offers a license covering casino games, betting, poker, and even crypto gaming through a single permit.
• Fast-track approval process – The application requires corporate documents, AML policies, and platform descriptions. Most operators receive approval within 2–4 weeks.
• Crypto-friendliness and tax advantages – Full cryptocurrency support, zero taxation, and low setup costs make Anjouan attractive for blockchain-based gaming ventures.
• Lack of regulatory recognition – Despite its appeal, Anjouan is not acknowledged by EU or Tier-1 jurisdictions, making it incompatible with many affiliate networks, banks, and B2B providers.

Strategic Shift: Offshore to Regulated

Platforms based in offshore zones may reach a stage where legitimacy becomes more important than low overhead. Transitioning to a jurisdiction like Malta is not a continuation—it’s a complete repositioning that involves shedding previous corporate structures, forming new EU-based entities, and undergoing regulatory vetting.

Key Differences at a Glance

Malta License: The Gold Standard

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) regulates gambling in line with European Commission guidelines, making it one of the most respected regulatory bodies in the industry. It is not designed to issue licenses to lightweight offshore entities. To qualify, applicants must show genuine corporate substance and compliance readiness.

• Legal Entry into the EEA – MGA-licensed operators can offer services across much of Europe, provided local rules permit. This opens up higher-value markets.
• Partnership Access – B2B integrations with tier-1 platforms, payment providers, and banks often require MGA status as a prerequisite.
• Institutional Trust – Investors, affiliates, and suppliers favor MGA-licensed operators due to the authority’s strong regulatory reputation.

What It Takes to Qualify for MGA Licensing

1. Incorporation of a Maltese Company – Offshore entities must form a new legal entity in Malta and appoint qualified directors, one of whom must be local.
2. Banking Setup – Operators must open a Maltese or EU-based bank account and meet capital requirements ranging from €40,000 to €240,000.
3. Fit-and-Proper Review – All shareholders and key personnel undergo MGA background checks and interviews.
4. Compliance Framework – Submission of AML/KYC policies, responsible gambling protocols, risk assessments, and financial projections is mandatory.
5. Technical Certification – RNG, server infrastructure, and platform components must pass an accredited audit.

Cost & Time Comparisons

Challenges for Offshore Applicants

• Capital Requirements – Minimum thresholds: €40,000 (B2B), €100,000–€240,000 (B2C, based on offering type).
• Infrastructure Commitments – Servers must be hosted in Malta or the EU, with appropriate backups and cybersecurity policies.
• Compliance Burden – Operators are expected to implement advanced player protection, responsible gambling tools, and transaction monitoring.
• Time Investment – The entire process may span half a year, requiring legal, financial, and IT coordination.

Is the Malta License Realistically Within Reach?

For platforms operating from Costa Rica or Anjouan, Malta licensing is not a quick transition—it’s a reinvention. Those with the resources and ambition to restructure can unlock access to new markets, secure investment, and solidify long-term growth. However, operators unwilling to relinquish offshore advantages may find themselves constrained to grey markets and crypto-only operations.

Next Steps for Offshore Platforms

If your business is currently based in an offshore zone and considering a move toward full legitimacy, the first step is due diligence. Engage MGA-accredited consultants to evaluate your operational setup, corporate structure, and compliance documentation. From there, a transition plan can be created—often involving legal restructuring, team onboarding, infrastructure changes, and investor alignment.

For those willing to evolve, Malta can serve as a gateway to Europe, capital investment, and long-term trust in a competitive global gambling industry.