What’s Next in iGaming Licensing? Let’s Talk at SBC Summit 2026
From 29 September to 1 October 2026, the international gaming industry will gather in Lisbon for SBC Summit 2026 — and GamingLicense.com will be there.
Stuart will be attending throughout the Summit, meeting operators, suppliers and industry partners to discuss licensing strategies, regulatory developments and the options available to gaming businesses looking ahead to 2027 and beyond.
If you’re attending SBC, it’s a good opportunity to consider an important question: Is your current licensing structure still the right one for where your business is going next?
Licensing Is Becoming a Strategic Decision
Price and speed remain important, but they are no longer enough on their own to evaluate a gaming license.
Operators increasingly need to consider how a jurisdiction fits with their target markets, payment arrangements, corporate structure, compliance obligations, gaming activities and longer-term expansion plans.
A license that works well for one business may not be appropriate for another.
Choosing the right jurisdiction therefore means looking beyond application fees and approval timelines and understanding how the regulatory framework fits into the wider operation.
That is particularly relevant in 2026, as established jurisdictions continue to evolve while newer licensing frameworks provide operators with additional options.
What Should Operators Be Asking?
Whether you are considering Curaçao, KUNAISA, Anjouan or another jurisdiction, there are several practical questions worth addressing before making a decision:
- Where are your players located, and which markets do you intend to target?
- Will the licence work with your preferred payment providers and other business partners?
- What are the initial and ongoing licensing costs?
- What KYC, AML and responsible gaming requirements will apply?
- How can players and third parties verify your regulatory status?
- Does the jurisdiction support the gaming activities you intend to offer?
- What local presence, corporate or operational requirements apply?
- Will the licensing structure continue to suit the business as it grows?
New Jurisdictions Are Expanding the Conversation
One of the newer options available to international operators is KUNAISA, a licensing framework backed by the Kuna de Wargandí Tribe in Panama. KUNAISA has introduced a regulatory structure for international iGaming activities, with requirements covering areas including corporate governance, KYC/AML, responsible gaming and ongoing regulatory supervision. It also maintains a public register through which the status and authorization details of licensed companies can be verified. For operators evaluating new licensing options, KUNAISA adds another potential route to consider alongside more established international gaming jurisdictions. The right choice, however, depends on the individual operator’s business model, target markets and operational requirements.
Where Does KUNAISA Fit?
For operators specifically considering KUNAISA, the standard initial licensing cost is currently €19,500, including two domains, with additional domains available for €500 per domain per year.
Cost is only one part of the assessment.
Operators should also understand the application and due-diligence process, ongoing compliance requirements, target-market considerations and how the license will interact with the rest of their operational structure.
We cover these areas in more detail in our KUNAISA Gaming License Guide 2026, providing operators with a practical overview of the framework and what to consider before proceeding.
Download our KUNAISA Guide for full details and step-by-step instructions
Regulation Takes Centre Stage at SBC Summit 2026
These questions are particularly timely ahead of this year’s SBC Summit.
SBC 2026 includes a dedicated Regulation & Compliance Stage, with the program focusing on Global Regulations on 29 September, Player Protection on 30 September and Compliance Tech on 1 October.
SBC is also introducing dedicated Regulatory Gaming Meet-Ups, giving industry participants an opportunity to discuss developments in individual gaming jurisdictions.
Of particular relevance to operators following recent regulatory changes in Curaçao, a dedicated Curaçao Regulatory Gaming Meet-Up is scheduled for Wednesday, 30 September.
With regulatory representatives, operators, suppliers and advisers gathering in Lisbon, SBC provides a useful opportunity to compare jurisdictions, understand how regulatory requirements are developing and consider what those changes mean for your business.
Meet GamingLicense.com at SBC Summit Lisbon
Stuart will be attending SBC Summit 2026 in Lisbon from 29 September to 1 October.
If you’re considering a new gaming license, reviewing your existing structure, or want to understand whether Curaçao, KUNAISA, Anjouan or another jurisdiction could be appropriate for your business, we’d be happy to discuss your options in person.
Come prepared with your target markets, gaming activities, current licensing structure and plans for the business — and let’s look at the licensing routes available to you.
Considering a KUNAISA Online Gaming License?