Why B2B iGaming Operators Need a Licensing Back-Up Plan
The iGaming landscape is continuously shifting, we are seeing “outward-facing” licences switch to “inward-facing” overnight, leading jurisdictions to require software suppliers to be locally licensed to keep serving brands. If you don’t, you’ll need an additional licence or recognition to legally keep those games live.
This why a multi-jurisdictional back-up plan is a pivotal step to mitigate risk, which could potentially lead to content outages and revenue hits.
The new reality: inward-facing supplier control
The regulatory trend is toward supplier-level visibility and local recognition.
Regulators are tightening controls to condition operator compliance and place more scrutiny on the end players, and whether B2B vendors were locally approved. This is why we are witnessing more licences switching from international - good for exporting services globally, to local B2B licences or recognition schemes.
A prime example is the Anjouan’s 2025 B2B Recognition Certificate, which requires all B2B operators to be licenced to service Anjouan B2C licences – either under the fast-tracked recognition notice or with a full B2B Anjouan licence.
Another jurisdiction that took steps towards this was Curacao, under their regulatory reform where they replaced the old master/sub-structure with B2B and B2C licences. The aim of this was to achieve more regulatory visibility with tighter compliance standards to enhance its international reputation.
What this means for operators
You may need your own local B2B authorisation to keep offering certain games if you’re supplier isn’t recognised in the jurisdiction of your operating licence.
If your stack maps cleanly to a regulator’s B2B framework and registers, banking, audits, and change-management all get easier.
Build your licence back-up plan
Map your supply chain to local rules
Create a matrix of each brand x jurisdiction x vendor with the vendor’s local status (licensed/recognised, pending, or not eligible) and the game IDs impacted.
Dual-track your authorisations
Where practical, maintain at least two B2B pathways that cover your core catalogue. For example, the MGA Critical Gaming Supply and IOM Software Supply Licence.
Integrate compliance into vendor contracts
Add clauses which require vendors to obtain/maintain local recognition (e.g. Anjouan’s certificate) and to notify you ahead of any status change.
Engineer for hot swap
At platform level, maintain content routing so you can switch to compliant equivalents (by studio, by game family, by market) without code freezes. Tie this to your compliance calendar so flagged content can auto-disable by jurisdiction when a deadline hits. This is where the Isle of Man register model shines for IOM licensed brands.
Monitor reform roadmaps
Track jurisdictions with active overhauls (e.g. Curaçao) so you can prepare or switch supply before deadlines.
Three popular licences to consider
Malta - MGA B2B Licence
• Deep, prescriptive EU framework
• Clear fee table
• Wide recognition across B2B partners
• Strong for complex, multi-vertical suppliers.
Isle of Man – Software Supply Licence
• Operational agility
• Pre-tested supplier/product register
• Strong regulator credibility
• Straightforward for rapid content deployment on IOM brands.
Anjouan - B2B Licence or Recognition Licence
• Local recognition/licensing for suppliers to serve Anjouan B2C operators
• Enhances trust and credibility with B2C operators
• Attractive for operators using reputable pre-licensed vendors who can fast-track recognition.
Licensing is your redundant infrastructure
If you’re a B2B-heavy operator, ensure continuous operation by implementing a licence back-up plan to cover multiple compliant paths, contractually enforced vendor obligations, and platform toggles that let you move fast when a jurisdiction shifts from outward to inward facing.
Contact us for guidance or licensing
hello@gaminggateway.com
