Regulatory Framework & Official Licence Scope
Anjouan’s licensing framework remains anchored in the island’s legal structure, offering a single, consolidated license that spans multiple gaming verticals. This framework is designed to balance flexibility for operators with transparency for regulators.
- The Anjouan license is issued under the island’s legal framework (Gaming/Betting Act 2005) and administered by the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority (AOFA) together with Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. (ALSI). Operators are listed publicly on the License Register, allowing third‑parties and users to verify their authorised status.
- The license remains a broad “one‑stop” permit covering multiple verticals — online casinos, sports betting, lotteries, poker, e‑sports, as well as blockchain and crypto‑based games. This multi‑vertical coverage under a single licence remains a core advantage for many operators.
2025 Reform: B2B Recognition Certificate & Enhanced Compliance
From July 2025, Anjouan has added a crucial layer of oversight for third-party service providers, aligning more closely with international regulatory expectations.
- As of 1 July 2025, all third‑party service providers (software studios, platform providers, RNG certifiers, payment processors, etc.) working with Anjouan-licensed operators must hold either a full Anjouan B2B licence or a valid B2B Recognition Certificate. This is a mandatory requirement for continuing business with Anjouan-licensed B2C operators.
- The Recognition Certificate program allows providers already licensed in established jurisdictions (e.g., Malta, Isle of Man, Sweden) to fast‑track certification rather than applying for a full B2B licence — provided they meet Anjouan’s compliance standards.
- In addition to licensing reforms, AOFA tightened oversight: enhanced AML/KYC requirements, due diligence for beneficial owners, mandatory submission of RNG test certificates for game providers, and stricter transparency standards.
Costs, Timelines & Market Position in 2025
Anjouan continues to provide an attractive combination of affordability, speed, and wide vertical coverage for operators entering the market.
- According to recent 2025 data, the typical upfront cost of obtaining an Anjouan license (or related licence/recognition) falls in the range of €15,000–€18,000 for initial licensing, while annual licence maintenance and compliance packages — including supervision, compliance officer fees, and possibly RNG certification — bring ongoing costs (though still often lower than tier‑1 European regimes).
- The process is relatively fast compared with many legacy jurisdictions: license issuance often completes within 4–6 weeks, with simpler cases reportedly approved even faster.
- The jurisdiction continues to appeal to operators seeking multi-vertical coverage, crypto‑friendly operations, and lower regulatory overhead — characteristics that contribute to its renewed popularity in 2025 among startups and mid-size operators.
Considerations, Market Perception & Regulatory Risks
While the Anjouan license provides many benefits, operators must carefully evaluate legal recognition, banking acceptance, and long-term credibility.
- Despite the reforms, there are still open questions regarding legitimacy: different sites claim to be “official” authorities for issuing the Anjouan license — including AOFA, ALSI, and various private agents. Independent legal analysis warns that not all of these claims are verifiable against publicly available government statutes or gazettes.
- The national legal context complicates things: according to some reports (e.g., 2024 FATF evaluation of the Union of the Comoros), gambling may still be prohibited under the Comorian Penal Code at the union level — which raises doubts about enforceability and long-term recognition of island‑level licences from an international banking and payment processor perspective.
- For operators planning entry into regulated European markets, the main limitation remains prestige and recognition. While the Anjouan Gaming License can serve as a cost‑effective and fast-start option, most regulated jurisdictions will still require EU/UK licenses — meaning Anjouan may better serve as a temporary or supplementary solution rather than a permanent regulatory home.
Final Thought
The 2025 overhaul of Anjouan’s regulatory framework — especially the mandatory B2B Recognition Certificate system and stricter AML/KYC requirements — reflects a shift towards more serious governance and compliance within the offshore iGaming sector. For operators seeking speed, broad vertical coverage, and cost‑efficiency, the Anjouan Gaming License remains a compelling option. However, prospective licensees should approach with caution: legal recognition, banking acceptance, and long‑term credibility remain uncertain. Treat the Anjouan license as a pragmatic entry point — potentially a stepping stone — but conduct robust due diligence before relying on it as your primary regulatory base.
