In 2025, many companies are choosing to work in states (from Curacao to the Isle of Man) that support digital assets. There, entrepreneurs can legally accept deposits in USDT, ETH, or BTC, as well as obtain a licence with minimal requirements and utilise flexible corporate structure schemes.
Casino Market experts will tell you about the most popular countries for launching iGaming startups, the intricacies of project registration, and the available tax benefits.
What are Crypto-Friendly Offshores
These are territories that allow or encourage the use of cryptocurrencies in the entertainment niche.
Such states are distinguished by:
- low corporate deductions;
- no tax on transactions in digital assets or capital gains;
- simplified KYC/AML procedures;
- ease of registering companies;
- legal ability to accept payments in virtual money.
Such offshores were first spoken of in 2011–2014 during the active development of blockchain exchanges. Cryptocurrency trading platforms appeared in countries with a minimal fiscal burden: the British Virgin Islands, Panama, Seychelles, and other regions with a clear regulatory framework.
In 2017–2018, there was a surge in ICOs and iGaming startups incorporating distributed ledger elements. Operators were looking for comfortable and safe territories to scale their projects, and many chose the Cayman Islands, Estonia, and Gibraltar.
The beginning of the 2020s was marked by the tightening of the rules for the circulation of digital assets. Standards have changed both in traditional casino jurisdictions of the EU, the US, and offshore zones.
The market has been divided into states that prohibit cryptocurrencies and those that support this settlement method at the legislative level.
Popular Regions for Gambling Startups
Let us consider which countries are best for launching entertainment projects with support for blockchain transfers.
Curacao
The local legislation is currently experiencing a period of large-scale changes.
In 2024, the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK) reform was launched, defining:
- the work of a single regulator — Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB);
- direct acquisition of permits without a sublicensing system;
- reduction of corporate tax (0–2% for activities in the E-Zone);
- acceleration of business registration and licensing;
- mandatory verification according to KYC and AML rules.
As for cryptocurrencies, they are not directly regulated or prohibited at the legislative level. If entrepreneurs identify customers in time, then they have the right to accept bets in both fiat and digital units (BTC, ETH, and USDT are quite common in the country). A good idea for casino owners would be to launch a hybrid platform.
Costa Rica
The island state does not demand that iGaming operators obtain an official licence. Businessmen only need to register a company that provides entertainment or IT services, after which they can immediately accept bids, but only from foreign players.
Cryptocurrency is recognised as a legal payment instrument for commercial purposes. The regulator does not interfere with transactions in digital assets if their beneficiaries are not the country’s residents.
The advantages of working in Costa Rica include:
- quick company registration;
- low start-up costs;
- 0% corporate tax if income is not generated within the country.
Antigua and Barbuda
The local certificate is among the oldest ones in the offshore market. The acquisition of such a permit takes 4–6 months and involves a strict compliance check.
Since 2018, the country has officially allowed entrepreneurs to work with digital assets. Direct regulation is provided for by the Digital Assets Business Act, and control over the operators’ activities is carried out by the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC).
The key advantage of the jurisdiction is the quick and legal launch of crypto casinos and other blockchain projects. The state provides a reliable and understandable regulatory framework, clear rules for issuing documents, and a minimal fiscal burden on businesses.
The Antigua and Barbuda licence is recognised in a number of regions, including Latin America and Asia. This simplifies and speeds up entry into the international gaming market.
Malta
MGA is one of the most respected European regulators. It issues B2C and B2B permits, but puts forward strict rules for applicants. For example, casinos must be registered in the country, have insurance reserves, and pass a compliance check.
The circulation of cryptocurrencies is regulated by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA). The local government allows the use of digital money, but with additional restrictions (AML, KYC, and limitations on banknotes).
iGaming startups can use virtual funds within the Sandbox Framework program. The main goal of such an initiative is to help operators integrate blockchain payments into the regulated environment.
Advantages of launching a crypto entertainment platform in Malta:
- legal access to EU markets;
- high level of trust among users and B2B partners;
- advanced IT infrastructure;
- a powerful gaming community.
Gibraltar
This is one of the few territories that provide full DLT regulation (Distributed Ledger Technology Framework) for blockchain startups.
Entrepreneurs can obtain a B2C permit to launch a casino or a bookmaker’s office, as well as a B2B certificate to supply software. Documents are issued by the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner, subject to prior approval of cryptocurrency transactions by the GFSC.
The advantages of opening a blockchain casino in the region include:
- prestigious licensing, which opens access to payment gateways and banks in the United Kingdom;
- a clear legal structure for digital assets;
- support for hybrid projects (for example, crypto and fiat).
The cost of obtaining a permit can exceed $150,000. The regulator puts forward strict requirements for capital, audits, and internal control. Therefore, Gibraltar is usually chosen by large gambling enterprises focused on the UK and EU markets.
Isle of Man
Open Game Licence (OGL) is issued by the Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC). The document is recognised in many EU countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, etc.
Since 2019, the offshore jurisdiction has allowed the use of cryptocurrencies in the entertainment sector, but subject to AML/KYC practices.
To obtain a special permit, it is necessary to:
- be physically present on the island;
- rent an office and hire local employees;
- pass an inspection in accordance with the Designated Businesses Act.
Currently, the Isle of Man is a regulated and crypto-oriented market with a well-developed IT infrastructure and a low fiscal burden. Corporate tax and capital withdrawal deductions are 0%, which attracts both institutional investors and fledgling iGaming startups.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
There is no official online casino licence in the country. International companies are registered as legal entities, but these brands conduct their activities in the field of technology or entertainment.
The circulation of digital assets in the state is not regulated by the authorities, which makes the jurisdiction a “grey zone”. In practice, virtual funds are actively used in the forex and gambling spheres by brokers or financial services.
The advantages of launching a blockchain project include:
- fast and inexpensive registration;
- 0% taxation;
- flexibility in the use of any payment solutions.
The absence of a regulator undermines the trust of customers and B2B partners. Banks and PSP gateways often refuse to work with such iGaming companies.
Tax Optimisation Through Crypto Offshore Zones
Working in such jurisdictions reduces the tax burden and simplifies settlements with counterparties.
Let us consider the main strategies used in the industry.
Dual Registration Structure
Entrepreneurs should create 2 legal departments:
- IP company. It owns a gaming brand, website, casino software, and a licence. The main structure can be registered on the Isle of Man, Malta, and other jurisdictions with international recognition.
- Crypto firm. This department processes deposits and payments. It can be opened in a more liberal jurisdiction (for example, in Antigua and Barbuda or Costa Rica).
This business approach helps to correctly distribute risks, as well as simplifying audit and casino licensing. One structure will operate under the control of a respected regulator, and the other will be responsible for cryptocurrency transactions.
Both departments can interact with each other. For example, an IP company has the right to set royalties and licence fees, which will reduce the taxable income of the payment service provider.
Cryptocurrency Settlements with B2B Partners
Conducting transactions in digital money performs the following tasks:
- reduces banking expenses (up to 5–7% for traditional transfers);
- allows operators to avoid currency risks and costs;
- simplifies cross-border payments.
The gaming company’s legal structure must provide for the legal possibility of crypto settlements. Besides, many countries (for example, Malta or the Isle of Man) require entrepreneurs to declare payments, even if they are made in digital funds.
Holding Structures
The creation of such firms in territories with zero or preferential taxation allows for more effective control over different departments of enterprises, reduces the fiscal burden, and simplifies asset management.
Let us give an example. An operating company in Curacao can administer the online portal and accept payments from players. And a corporation in Dubai will own the IP, the iGaming brand’s licence, and also receive royalties from the departments.
Among the popular regions for opening a holding structure are:
- Dubai. Working in the UAE Free Zone implies 0% profit tax (if it is received outside the UAE).
- Seychelles. Casino owners open an IBC (International Business Company) with 0% levy.
- British Virgin Islands. There is income and capital duty here.
The Main Things about Crypto-Friendly Offshores
Registration in such states is an effective method of reducing the fiscal burden on entertainment enterprises.
Key aspects that operators should take into account:
- Among the popular regions for launching blockchain-based iGaming projects are Curacao, Malta, Costa Rica, and Gibraltar. Many casino owners also launch companies in Antigua and Barbuda, but in island states, betting is not controlled at the legislative level.
- Entrepreneurs use dual registration structures, holding schemes, cryptocurrency settlements with B2B partners, and other approaches to optimise the tax burden.
The Casino Market studio has many years of experience in regulated markets. We will help you decide on a jurisdiction, prepare a business plan, obtain a licence, implement a profitable project, and successfully promote it.
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