There is a small island in the Indian Ocean that has quietly become one of the more talked-about names in iGaming regulation. Anjouan, part of the Comoros Islands, has been streamlining its gambling licensing process since 2023, and operators from Latin America to Southeast Asia have been paying attention. If you’ve seen a casino or sportsbook footer displaying an Anjouan seal recently, you’re not imagining a trend. It’s real, and it’s accelerating.
The Anjouan gambling license sits in the tier of offshore permits alongside Curaçao and Belize, but with a few properties that make it stand out on its own. Speed. Cost. Simplicity. Those three words keep coming up whenever iGaming founders compare jurisdictions in 2026.
What Exactly Is the Anjouan Gambling License?
Anjouan Gaming operates as the designated regulatory authority for licensing and supervising internet gaming operations under the laws of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of the Comoros. The body responsible for issuing permits is the Anjouan Gaming Board, with administration handled by Anjouan Licensing Services Inc.
The license allows for the legal operation of online gambling activities, including casinos, poker, sports betting, and other forms of iGaming. One detail worth noting: unlike many other jurisdictions, Anjouan issues a single, universal permit rather than separate licenses per vertical. This universal license covers all popular online gaming verticals in one document, from full-scale B2C casino and sportsbook operations to comprehensive B2B services such as software development and distribution.
For a bettor scrolling through an offshore sportsbook, that means the platform accepting your football wager likely holds the same document as the poker room or crypto casino next door.
- Also read: Best Anjouan Licensed Betting Sites 2026
Why Are So Many Operators Choosing It?
The honest answer is economics. Annual fees sit at around €17,828, significantly lower than major jurisdictions like Malta and Curaçao, making the math very simple for startups with lean budgets. Add to that a zero-tax environment: the license functions in an entirely tax-free setting on gross gaming revenue, with 0% corporation tax on IBCs provided income is generated outside of Anjouan.
Speed matters too. The average processing time is 3 to 4 weeks from the submission of a complete application package, compared to five months or more for a Malta Gaming Authority license. That gap is the difference between a product launching in Q1 or Q3.
Key Advantages at a Glance
- Low setup costs, flexible terms, and cryptocurrency support make this jurisdiction particularly appealing.
- No requirement to maintain a physical office or appoint resident directors within Anjouan.
- A single, all-encompassing license permits all forms of gaming activities and allows operators to accept players from most countries around the world.
- Licensed gaming companies can accept and pay players via cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin.
- Compliance costs are much lower than in EU jurisdictions because of simplified reporting and KYC verification requirements.
How to Get One: The Application Process
The licensing process breaks down into five stages: corporate setup, application package compilation, regulatory review and due diligence, technical compliance sign-off, and final license issuance.
What You’ll Need to Prepare
- Valid passport, proof of residential address, and a police clearance certificate for all directors and beneficial owners.
- A business plan outlining the intended operation.
- AML and KYC policy documentation.
- Evidence of authorization to use the domains submitted with the application, plus certifications for game fairness such as RNG certificates.
- A minimum share capital of USD 250,000.
One practical note: direct submission to the regulator is not permitted; applications must go through a licensed agent in Anjouan. Factor that into your timeline and budget.
Anjouan vs. Other Offshore Jurisdictions
Choosing a license is like choosing a foundation for a building. Get it wrong and everything above it becomes a problem. Here’s how Anjouan stacks up against the two most common alternatives:
| Feature | Anjouan | Curaçao | Malta (MGA) |
| License cost (approx.) | ~€17,800/yr | ~€33,500+ | ~€35,000+ |
| Processing time | 3–6 weeks | 10+ weeks | 5+ months |
| Corporate tax | 0% | 0% | 5% GGR |
| Local office required | No | No | Yes |
| Crypto-friendly | Yes | Partial | Limited |
| Restricted markets | USA, UK, EU majors | USA, UK, some EU | Strict |
Anjouan is cheaper and faster than Curaçao, with more flexible company structure requirements, while Curaçao has a longer history and slightly more recognition in some markets. Malta is the gold standard for regulated markets, but its requirements are a different league entirely in terms of cost, time, and infrastructure.
What the License Actually Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
Covered Activities
The Anjouan license covers online casinos, sports betting operators (including fixed-odds, live wagering, and eSports), poker and card games, lottery and bingo, crypto casinos, and fantasy sports and skill-based games.
Restricted Markets
Operators must maintain a restricted countries list, commonly including the USA, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Austria, Comoros, and FATF-blacklisted states, with GEO-IP blocks enforced. Ignore that list and you’re not just risking a fine; you risk full revocation.
The Compliance Side Players Should Know About
From a bettor’s perspective, the regulatory framework matters for one reason: does the platform actually protect you? Licensees must adhere to KYC policy, AML regulations, and policies to prevent underage participation and ensure fair play. The promotion of gambling among minors is strictly prohibited.
Licensed operators are required to maintain compliance with anti-money laundering provisions, responsible gaming obligations, and all applicable license conditions throughout the license term. That’s the baseline. Whether individual operators build on top of that baseline is the separate question players should ask when choosing a platform.
One area where the license shows limitations: documents issued in Anjouan are not apostille-certified, which can create challenges with banking access, and many payment processors do not readily accept Anjouan-registered companies. Operators often solve this with additional banking structures, but players may occasionally notice limited payment options on Anjouan-licensed platforms.
FAQ
What is an Anjouan gambling license?
It is an official permit issued by the Anjouan Gaming Board, authorizing operators to legally run online gambling services, including casinos, sportsbooks, poker rooms, and crypto gaming platforms, across most international markets.
How much does the Anjouan gambling license cost?
The base licensing fee is around €17,000 per year, covering up to two domains. Additional costs apply for key personnel, extra domains, and service providers assisting with the process.
How long does it take to get licensed in Anjouan?
The process is typically completed within 10 days to 6 weeks after all required documents have been submitted. Operators with incomplete documentation or compliance issues should plan for longer.
Is the Anjouan license trustworthy for players?
The license requires basic AML, KYC, and responsible gambling standards. It is a legitimate offshore permit, though it carries less regulatory weight than an MGA or UKGC license. Players should verify an operator’s license number on the official Anjouan Gaming registry before depositing.
Can crypto casinos get an Anjouan license?
Yes. Anjouan explicitly allows licensed operators to accept payments and pay out winnings via cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and other digital assets.
Does Anjouan require a physical office?
No. Physical presence on the island is not required; a registered legal address provided through a local agent is sufficient.