Tobique Gaming Licence 2026: Complete Guide for Online Casino and Sportsbook Operators
The Tobique gaming licence has quickly become one of the more serious offshore options for operators that want a faster route to market without building their business around the lowest-cost structure available.
It sits in a useful position between entry-level licensing and the heavier cost and compliance burden associated with jurisdictions such as Curaçao.
For a first-time founder, that distinction matters. The cheapest licence is not always the one that gives the business the best platform for growth. Payment-provider acceptance, supplier onboarding, the company structure and the ability to add new products later can have a much greater impact on the project than the application fee itself.
Tobique is commonly considered by online casinos, sportsbooks, crypto-led projects and multi-product gaming businesses that want a flexible international structure, broad product coverage and a licensing process that can be completed within a practical timeframe.
This guide explains the full setup, including pricing, company incorporation, compliance, documentation, timelines, restricted territories and the role of an optional Cyprus company in the payment structure.
Tobique Gaming Licence at a Glance
| Complete setup | €55,500 |
| Licensing authority | Tobique Gaming Commission |
| Licence term | One year, renewable annually |
| Domains included | Five domains |
| Typical operating company | Costa Rica company |
| Indicative company setup | Approximately ten business days after document approval |
| Indicative licence timeline | Approximately three to four weeks after the application is ready for review |
What Does the Tobique Gaming Licence Cover?
The licence is designed for remote gaming businesses and can support several product verticals under one operating structure.
Depending on the approved application, technology and supplier arrangements, the scope may include:
- Online casino games
- Sports betting
- Live casino
- Lottery products
- Poker
- Blackjack, baccarat and other table games
- Crypto-focused gaming products
- Other approved games of chance
This is particularly useful for operators that intend to launch with more than one vertical or add a sportsbook after the casino is already live.
The commercial advantage is not simply that more products can be offered. A broader licence scope can reduce the need to rebuild the legal structure each time the product expands.
Who Is Tobique Best Suited For?
Tobique is often a better fit for operators that have moved beyond the idea stage and already have a defined product, target markets and supplier strategy.
It may suit:
- Online casino and sportsbook startups
- Crypto-led gaming projects
- Operators launching several brands or domains
- Businesses planning international growth
- Companies that want more structure than an entry-level licence
- Existing operators adding another licensing jurisdiction
- Technology businesses launching a B2C gaming product
For operators comparing Tobique with the Anjouan gaming licence, the key question is not which licence is cheaper.
The better question is which structure is more appropriate for the planned payment model, supplier relationships, number of brands and expected scale of the operation.
When Another Jurisdiction May Be More Appropriate
Tobique is not designed for every market or every investor profile.
Another jurisdiction may be more suitable where the operator:
- Needs access to a locally regulated market
- Requires an EU or Tier 1 licence from launch
- Plans to target a territory restricted under the Tobique framework
- Needs a banking partner that will only accept a specific regulator
- Has institutional investors requiring a more established regulatory environment
- Operates at a scale that justifies the cost of Curaçao, Malta or another higher-compliance jurisdiction
The licensing decision should be tested against the business model before the company is incorporated and before any major supplier contracts are signed.
Complete Tobique Package Overview
The complete setup is priced at €55,500.
This is not a regulator fee presented as a complete launch price. The package combines the application, annual licence, compliance work, document preparation, company incorporation and corporate management needed to establish the legal and administrative foundation of the business.
| Included in the Package | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Assistance Fee | €18,000 |
| Tobique Licence – Annual Fee | €18,000 |
| Compliance Package | €7,000 |
| Documents Preparation & Application Management | €3,000 |
| Costa Rica Company Incorporation | €3,500 |
| Corporate Service Management | €5,500 |
| Total | €55,500 |
The casino platform, game content, payment processing, marketing and daily operating costs are normally calculated separately unless they are expressly included in the commercial proposal.
Operators can review the wider range of licensing packages and pricing before comparing jurisdictions.
Why Is a Costa Rica Company Commonly Used?
The Tobique licence must be connected to a legal entity. For startup and growth-stage projects, a Costa Rica company is often used as the operating or contracting entity.
The company may enter into agreements with:
- The casino platform provider
- Game aggregators
- Sportsbook suppliers
- Payment service providers
- Affiliates and marketing partners
- Customer-support and compliance providers
Costa Rica is frequently selected because it offers a practical international structure, relatively straightforward administration and familiarity among many suppliers working with offshore gaming operators.
The Tobique application guidelines also allow the gambling company to be established in an acceptable jurisdiction that meets regulatory requirements. The final company choice should therefore be based on the payment model, supplier acceptance, ownership structure and long-term plans rather than convenience alone.
What the Costa Rica Company Does Not Guarantee
Incorporation does not automatically secure a bank account, card acquiring or acceptance by every PSP.
Financial partners will still assess:
- The Tobique licence
- The UBO and director backgrounds
- Target markets
- Expected processing volumes
- AML and KYC controls
- Chargeback exposure
- Website readiness
- Platform and supplier agreements
For that reason, the banking and payment strategy should be reviewed before the company structure is finalised.
Why Add a Cyprus Company?
A Cyprus company is not mandatory for every Tobique project.
It may be introduced where the offshore operator needs an EU entity for selected payment, settlement, invoicing or contracting functions.
A typical structure may be arranged so that:
- The Costa Rica company holds the Tobique licence and operates the gaming business
- The player-facing website identifies the licensed operator
- The Cyprus company acts under a documented agency or services agreement
- Selected European PSPs or suppliers contract with the Cyprus entity
- The flow of funds is disclosed, reconciled and supported by accounting records
Potential Reasons for Using Cyprus
- Access to selected European payment providers
- Euro-denominated settlement
- An EU contracting entity for suppliers and operational partners
- A clearer separation between gaming operations and selected payment functions
- European accounting and corporate records
- A more familiar structure for certain PSPs and counterparties
The Cyprus company does not replace the Tobique gaming licence and does not allow the operator to target restricted markets.
It also does not guarantee payment-provider approval. The licensed operator, UBOs, transaction flow, target countries and compliance procedures must still be fully disclosed during onboarding.
Payment Agent or Regulated Payment Institution?
These roles should not be confused.
A commercial payment or collection agent operates under a contractual arrangement with the licensed operator. A regulated payment institution or electronic money institution provides services that may require separate financial authorisation.
The legal agreements, website terms, merchant descriptor and PSP contracts must describe the structure consistently.
Tobique Application Process
The process starts with the business model, not the form.
Before the application is submitted, the licensing structure should be checked against the target markets, platform, game content, payment model and ownership profile.
Stage 1: Initial Consultation
The first stage is a review of the project, including the planned products, target markets, expected payment flows, ownership structure and supplier model.
This determines whether Tobique is the right jurisdiction and whether the operator requires only an offshore company or a wider structure involving Costa Rica and Cyprus.
Stage 2: Document Collection and Preliminary Review
The personal, corporate and technical documents are collected and checked before submission.
This stage is important because incomplete criminal-record documents, inconsistent addresses, weak source-of-funds evidence or missing website information can delay the review.
Stage 3: Company Incorporation
Once the due diligence package is approved, the operating company is incorporated.
A Costa Rica structure can commonly be established within approximately ten business days, subject to document readiness and compliance approval.
Stage 4: Application Preparation
The application file is prepared with the company information, ownership documents, business plan, compliance materials, financial evidence and any required software certifications.
Stage 5: Submission to the Tobique Gaming Commission
The completed file is submitted for regulatory review.
The Commission may raise additional questions regarding the UBOs, financial stability, AML controls, operational experience, platform, target markets or technical suppliers.
Stage 6: Final Licence Issuance
After the application and due diligence review are completed successfully, the licence is issued and the operator can finalise its technical and commercial launch.
How Long Does the Tobique Licensing Process Take?
The licence can be approved in approximately three to four weeks once the application is complete and ready for review.
The overall project may take longer where the company, website, supplier agreements or supporting documents are not ready.
| Stage | Indicative Timeline |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation and structure review | Several business days |
| Document collection and preliminary compliance review | Depends on applicant readiness |
| Costa Rica company incorporation | Approximately ten business days after approval |
| Tobique licence review | Approximately three to four weeks |
Company incorporation, platform preparation, website development and supplier onboarding can often proceed in parallel.
Documents Required from UBOs and Directors
Every beneficial owner and director must pass due diligence.
The standard personal package may include:
- Valid passport or identity document
- Recent proof of residential address
- Criminal record or police clearance certificate
- Bank statements for the previous three months
- CV or professional profile
- Source-of-funds evidence
- Source-of-wealth information where required
- Completed application and due diligence forms
Criminal Record Requirement
All beneficiaries and the company director must provide evidence of no criminal record.
Where the sole UBO also acts as director, the clearance certificate must be issued in that individual’s name.
Proof of Address
A recent utility bill or another acceptable residential document is normally used.
The document should show the applicant’s full name and residential address and should be translated into English where necessary.
Bank Statements
The application requires bank statements covering the previous three months.
The statements should be consistent with the applicant’s declared source of funds and expected investment in the business.
Corporate and Project Documents
The company and licence application will also require documents describing the ownership and operation of the business.
These may include:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Constitutional documents
- Director and shareholder records
- Organisational chart showing all UBOs
- Business plan
- Financial projections
- AML and KYC procedures
- Responsible gambling materials
- Platform and game-provider agreements
- Website and domain information
- Payment-flow description
Technical and Website Requirements
The website must be functional by the end of the licensing process.
The operator should therefore avoid treating website development as a task that begins only after regulatory approval.
The website should clearly identify:
- The licensed operating company
- The Tobique licence details
- Terms and Conditions
- Privacy Policy
- AML and KYC requirements
- Responsible gambling information
- Restricted territories
- Deposit and withdrawal procedures
- Complaints contact details
Game and Software Certification
Operators using established licensed suppliers should provide the relevant agreements and technical confirmations.
A software vendor developing its own gaming content may require testing or certification from recognised laboratories such as GLI or BMM Testlabs.
The certification scope should be confirmed before the application is filed.
Business Plan Requirements
The business plan should describe the actual operation, not an idealised version of it.
It should normally cover:
- Executive summary
- Products and gaming verticals
- Target markets
- Ownership and management experience
- Platform and supplier model
- Marketing and acquisition strategy
- Payment methods
- Compliance and operational structure
- Expected player volumes
- Revenue assumptions
- Financial projections
- Growth plan
A generic business plan creates unnecessary regulatory questions. The document should match the platform, markets, suppliers, website and financial information submitted elsewhere in the application.
Gaming Tax and Ongoing Costs
The Tobique framework applies no percentage-based gaming tax on GGR under the structure described in the application guidelines.
The operator should still budget for:
- Annual licence renewal
- Company maintenance
- Corporate management
- Compliance support
- Accounting and reporting
- Payment processing
- Platform and supplier fees
- Legal and operational updates
The absence of a GGR-based gaming tax does not mean the operation has no tax, accounting or reporting obligations. The complete corporate structure must be reviewed separately.
Restricted Territories
A Tobique licence does not provide unrestricted access to every market.
The operator must review local laws and block prohibited territories through the platform, website terms, KYC controls and affiliate agreements.
The restricted list provided in the application guidelines includes:
- Afghanistan
- Central African Republic
- China
- Cuba
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Haiti
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- North Korea
- Libya
- Myanmar
- Russia
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Syria
- The United Kingdom
- The United States
- Venezuela
- Yemen
- Restricted Canadian provinces, including Ontario
Additional restrictions or enhanced due diligence may apply to jurisdictions identified by FATF or other sanctions and risk-monitoring bodies.
Geo-IP and Marketing Controls
The operator should prevent:
- Registration from prohibited territories
- Deposits and play from blocked countries
- Advertising directed at restricted markets
- Affiliate campaigns targeting prohibited players
- Use of VPNs or other tools intended to circumvent geographic controls
Restricted-market controls should be tested before launch and reviewed when the regulator or international risk lists are updated.
Five Domains Included
The Tobique licence includes five domains.
This can be useful for operators planning several brands, regional websites or separate casino and sportsbook front ends.
Each domain should be owned, controlled and operated within the approved corporate and licensing structure.
The operator should not add unrelated third-party brands without confirming the arrangement first.
Common Tobique Application Mistakes
Choosing Tobique Without Checking Suppliers
A licence has limited value if the preferred platform, game aggregator or payment provider will not accept the jurisdiction.
Supplier acceptance should be confirmed before the structure is finalised.
Submitting an Incomplete Criminal Record Package
Every UBO and director must meet the criminal-record requirement. Missing or incorrectly issued certificates can delay the application.
Weak Source-of-Funds Evidence
Bank statements and declared funding should tell the same story.
Large unexplained transfers or inconsistent documents are likely to generate additional questions.
Leaving the Website Until the End
A functional website is required by the end of the licensing process.
Waiting for approval before building the website can delay the final stage.
Using a Generic Business Plan
The business plan should reflect the actual target markets, platform, suppliers, marketing model and projections.
Building the Payment Structure Too Late
A payment-agent company, bank account or PSP arrangement may take longer than the licensing review.
The Cyprus company and payment layer should be considered early where they form part of the launch model.
Targeting Restricted Markets
The financial forecast and marketing plan should not depend on countries the operator is required to block.
What Happens After the Licence Is Issued?
The licence allows the operator to move into the final launch phase, but several operational tasks must still be completed.
- Final platform configuration
- Game-provider onboarding
- Sportsbook integration where applicable
- Payment-provider onboarding
- AML and KYC implementation
- Geo-IP blocking
- Website legal-page review
- Customer-support procedures
- Affiliate controls
- Deposit and withdrawal testing
- Compliance and reporting calendar
The licence, company and corporate services must then be maintained and renewed in accordance with the applicable annual requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a complete Tobique gaming setup cost?
The complete package described in this guide costs €55,500.
It includes the application assistance fee, annual licence fee, compliance package, document preparation, Costa Rica company incorporation and corporate service management.
How much is the Tobique annual licence fee?
The annual licence fee included in the package is €18,000.
How long does it take to obtain a Tobique licence?
The licensing review can be completed in approximately three to four weeks once the application is complete and approved for submission.
How long does the Costa Rica company take?
The company may be established in approximately ten business days after the required documents have passed compliance review.
How many domains are included?
The Tobique licence includes five domains.
Can one licence cover casino and sportsbook?
Yes. The licence can support casino, sports betting and other approved gaming verticals under the same structure.
Can Tobique be used for a crypto casino?
Yes, subject to the approved business model and appropriate AML, KYC, sanctions and wallet-monitoring procedures.
Do I need a Costa Rica company?
A legal entity is required. The package described in this guide uses a Costa Rica company, although another acceptable jurisdiction may be considered where appropriate.
Do I need a Cyprus company?
Not in every case.
A Cyprus company may be useful where the operator requires an EU payment, settlement, invoicing or contracting layer.
Does Cyprus replace the Tobique licence?
No. The Tobique-licensed company remains the gaming operator unless the legal structure states otherwise.
Does the package include a casino platform?
Not automatically. The platform, games, payment processing, marketing and daily operations are normally budgeted separately.
Do all UBOs and directors need a criminal record certificate?
Yes. The application requirements include evidence of no criminal record for all beneficiaries and the director.
Are bank statements required?
Yes. Bank statements covering the previous three months are part of the standard due diligence package.
Does the website need to be ready?
The website must be functional by the end of the licensing process.
Do proprietary games require certification?
A software vendor developing games may require testing or certification from a recognised laboratory such as GLI or BMM Testlabs.
Is there a gaming tax on GGR?
The Tobique structure described in the guidelines applies a 0% percentage-based gaming tax. Annual renewal, company, compliance and operational costs still apply.
Can I target the United Kingdom?
No. The United Kingdom is included among the restricted territories.
Can I target the United States?
No. The United States is restricted.
Can I target Canada?
The operator must assess Canadian restrictions carefully. The supplied guidelines specifically identify restricted Canadian provinces, including Ontario.
Does the licence guarantee acceptance by banks and suppliers?
No. Every platform, game studio, PSP and bank applies its own onboarding and risk policy.
How does Tobique compare with Anjouan?
The Anjouan licence usually offers a lower-cost entry point. Tobique provides a broader package and may be more suitable for operators planning several domains, casino and sportsbook products or faster international scaling.
Is Tobique the Right Licence for Your Business?
Tobique can be a strong option for an operator that needs more than the lowest-cost offshore licence but is not ready to carry the cost and compliance structure of Curaçao or a Tier 1 jurisdiction.
Its value lies in the combination of broad product coverage, five included domains, a practical licensing timeline and a structure that can be built around an international operating company.
The licence should still be assessed as part of the full business.
The company, platform, suppliers, payments, target markets and ownership profile must all support the same operating model.
When those elements are planned together, Tobique can provide a credible route from startup project to scalable international operation.
Planning a Tobique Gaming Project?
iGLicenses supports operators through the full setup, from company incorporation and document preparation to application management, compliance and launch coordination.
Our Tobique services include:
- Initial project and jurisdiction assessment
- Costa Rica company incorporation
- Tobique application assistance
- Compliance package preparation
- Business-plan and document support
- Regulatory submission and application management
- Banking and payment assistance
- Cyprus company setup where required
- Platform and supplier coordination
- Annual licence and corporate management
Contact our team for a proposal based on your product, ownership structure, target markets and expected launch timeline.