Complete guide to obtaining an Anjouan gaming license - the fastest and most cost-effective way to enter the international gaming market
Get Your License TodayUnderstanding the legal foundation and jurisdiction of one of the world's most accessible gaming licenses
The Anjouan gaming license is an internationally recognized permit for online gambling operations, issued by the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, which is part of the Union of the Comoros. Established under the Computer Gaming Licensing Act of 2005, this license gives operators the legal right to run online gaming activities worldwide, with the exception of specifically restricted countries. The regulatory framework was created to attract international gaming businesses by offering a straightforward licensing process while maintaining essential compliance and player protection standards.
This license works for both Business-to-Consumer (B2C) operators who run player-facing platforms and Business-to-Business (B2B) providers who offer gaming software and services to other licensed operators. What makes the Anjouan gambling license particularly attractive is that it covers all major forms of online gambling under a single framework, eliminating the need for multiple licenses as your business grows and diversifies.
Anjouan is an autonomous island located in the Union of the Comoros in East Africa. The jurisdiction operates under a legal system based on French civil law, combined with its own autonomous regulatory authority that grants it sovereign licensing powers recognized by the international gaming industry. Operating in the East Africa Time zone (UTC+3), the island accepts US Dollars for all licensing fees and operational transactions, making it convenient for international business.
English is the primary language for licensing documentation and all regulatory communications, though French is also officially recognized due to the island's colonial history. This English-first approach makes the licensing process accessible to operators from around the world without language barriers that can complicate dealings with other offshore jurisdictions.
The Anjouan Gaming Board (AGB) was established in 2005 under the Computer Gaming Licensing Act and serves as the independent regulatory body responsible for all aspects of gaming licensing. This authority has comprehensive powers covering license issuance, ongoing compliance monitoring, and enforcement actions when operators fail to meet their obligations under the Anjouan gaming license framework.
The Board oversees everything from technical standards and Random Number Generator certification to Anti-Money Laundering compliance and player protection measures. Through cooperative agreements with international industry bodies and other gaming authorities worldwide, the AGB works to ensure that licenses issued by Anjouan maintain credibility and acceptance within the global gaming ecosystem.
Comprehensive coverage for all online gaming verticals under one universal Anjouan gambling license
Slots, table games, RNG games, live dealer, jackpots, virtual sports
Pre-match, live betting, eSports, fantasy sports, virtual sports
Cash games, tournaments, sit & go, peer-to-peer poker rooms
Online lotteries, bingo halls, scratch cards, instant win games
Anjouan is fully crypto-friendly, officially permitting blockchain-based gaming operations:
Support for turnkey gaming solutions and white-label operations:
Comprehensive regulatory structure ensuring legitimate and compliant operations
The licensing system operates under a comprehensive legal framework built on the Computer Gaming Licensing Act of 2005, which serves as the foundation for all gaming regulation in the jurisdiction. This core legislation is supported by detailed Licensing Regulations that spell out exactly what's required during both the application process and throughout the life of your license.
The framework includes strict Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing directives that all operators must follow. Player Protection Standards are taken seriously here, covering everything from responsible gaming measures to dispute resolution and the protection of player funds. Technical Standards govern critical aspects like Random Number Generator certification and platform security, while Data Protection regulations ensure that operators handle player information and operational data with appropriate care and security measures.
The Anjouan Gaming Board has broad regulatory authority over all licensed operations. They handle the entire evaluation and approval process for new licenses, then maintain ongoing oversight through regular compliance monitoring and operational reviews. When problems arise, the Board has significant enforcement powers—they can investigate violations, impose sanctions, temporarily suspend operations, or even permanently revoke licenses for serious breaches.
Beyond enforcement, the Board actively sets the operational and technical standards that define best practices in the industry. They provide dispute resolution services to handle player complaints and disagreements between operators fairly. The Board also works internationally, collaborating with gaming authorities and industry bodies worldwide to enhance the credibility of licenses issued by Anjouan and ensure regulatory standards stay aligned with global best practices.
The Board maintains rigorous oversight through structured procedures that keep all license holders operating with integrity. Operators must submit comprehensive quarterly reports covering both financial and operational aspects of their business, giving regulators continuous visibility into performance and compliance. These reports are backed up by periodic audits—both technical and financial—that verify accuracy and assess ongoing compliance with license conditions.
There's a formal system for handling complaints from players and third parties, ensuring every concern gets proper attention and resolution. The enforcement framework is progressive, starting with formal warnings for minor issues and escalating to substantial fines, operational suspensions, or ultimate license revocation for serious problems. Each license comes with specific conditions tailored to the operator's business model, and maintaining compliance with these requirements is an ongoing obligation throughout the license term. This continuous oversight ensures the overall integrity of the licensing regime.
Key criteria and qualifications for obtaining a gaming license
Your company needs to be properly incorporated either in Anjouan itself or in another approved jurisdiction—and the good news is that most offshore and onshore locations are acceptable. The corporate structure must be completely transparent, with all Ultimate Beneficial Owners clearly disclosed to the regulatory authority. You'll need at least one director and one shareholder, but there's no minimum share capital requirement, which makes this license particularly accessible for startups and smaller operators.
The company must be in good standing wherever it's incorporated, meaning no pending legal issues, outstanding regulatory violations, or unresolved financial problems. Your corporate documents need to clearly show the ownership structure, management hierarchy, and decision-making authority. This transparency ensures regulators can effectively oversee operations and hold the right people accountable for compliance.
All directors and shareholders must be at least 21 years old and have a clean criminal record—particularly no gaming-related convictions or financial crimes.
While professional qualifications and relevant industry experience are strongly preferred, they're not absolute requirements. Anyone holding more than 10% ownership must be fully disclosed and will undergo the same thorough background checks as directors and shareholders. There are no nationality restrictions—applicants are welcome from around the world—except for individuals from countries under international sanctions or specifically prohibited by Anjouan regulations.
Austria, Belize, Comoros, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Statia, St. Martin, United Kingdom, USA, all FATF blacklisted countries, and or any other jurisdictions deemed prohibited by Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority.
Complete documentation package required for a successful Anjouan gaming license application
Streamlined procedure from submission to license issuance from 4 weeks
Free consultation to assess eligibility, review requirements, and plan your application strategy
Incorporate your company in Costa Rica or another suitable jurisdiction if not already established
Compile all corporate, personal, technical, and compliance documents required for your application
Submit your complete application package to the Gaming Board along with all fees
Step 1: Initial Review and Due Diligence
Your application starts with a completeness check and formal acknowledgment from the Gaming Board. During these first two weeks, regulators conduct thorough background checks on all directors and shareholders to verify everyone's suitability. They'll examine your financial documentation to confirm that funds come from legitimate sources and that you have the financial capability to sustain operations. The Board also performs a detailed analysis of your corporate structure to understand the ownership hierarchy and confirm that all beneficial owners have been properly disclosed.
Step 2: Technical and Compliance Assessment
Once the background checks clear, your application moves into technical review. The Board's technical team evaluates your gaming platform infrastructure and verifies your Random Number Generator certification from accredited testing labs. Compliance specialists review your proposed Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Customer policies to ensure they meet international standards. Your business plan gets careful assessment to confirm you're operationally ready and that your market approach is viable. Payment processing arrangements and cybersecurity measures undergo detailed scrutiny to ensure proper player fund protection and data security.
Step 3: Final Approval and License Issuance
In the final stage, your complete file goes to the Board for formal review and decision. Once approved, they prepare your official Anjouan gaming license certificate and register you in the gaming operators registry, establishing your legal status. Your designated compliance officer receives formal authorization, domain registration gets activated, and ISP service for compliance data backup is established. Most applications move from initial submission to final approval from 4 week timeframe, though more complex cases or those requiring additional information may take slightly longer.
Transparent pricing structure with no hidden charges
Comprehensive all-inclusive package
Platform standards and infrastructure specifications for Anjouan gambling license operations
Ongoing requirements for maintaining your Anjouan Gaming License
Favorable tax environment maximizing operator profitability
Why operators choose Anjouan for their international gaming operations
Anjouan offers exceptional value compared to Tier-1 jurisdictions, making the Anjouan gambling license one of the most cost-effective licensing options available. The initial cost of 21,000€ is a fraction of what you'd pay for premium licenses in Malta or Isle of Man, where setup alone can exceed 100,000€. Annual renewals stay reasonable at around 21,000€, while premium jurisdictions often demand from 50,000€ or more each year..
Unlike many competing jurisdictions, there's no minimum share capital requirement, removing a major barrier for startups and smaller gaming companies. The zero gaming tax on Gross Gaming Revenue is a huge competitive advantage—operators in other jurisdictions typically face tax rates from 5% to 20% of revenue. These lower operational costs, combined with transparent and predictable fees, let operators maximize profitability, reinvest capital into growth, and achieve faster returns compared to expensive licensing alternatives.
Speed to market matters in the highly competitive gaming industry, and Anjouan delivers approval from 4 weeks compared to 3-12 months required by most other jurisdictions. This streamlined process minimizes bureaucracy and lets operators start generating revenue months ahead of competitors pursuing licenses elsewhere. The simplified documentation requirements reduce preparation time and administrative burden, while direct communication with the licensing authority ensures quick resolution of any questions.
You don't need a local office or physical presence in the jurisdiction, eliminating costly setup requirements that other regulators impose. This exceptional speed, combined with comprehensive coverage of all gaming verticals, means you can launch full-scale operations—casinos, sports betting, poker, and more—immediately upon approval, capturing market opportunities without delay.
Anjouan stands out as one of the most cryptocurrency-friendly gambling licenses available, officially supporting blockchain and crypto gaming operations without the restrictions many regulated markets impose. Operators with an Anjouan gaming license face no limitations on accepting cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals, with full support for Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and other popular digital assets. This open approach extends to blockchain-based provably fair gaming systems, which are explicitly permitted and increasingly popular with tech-savvy players.
Beyond basic crypto payments, the licensing framework accommodates cutting-edge innovations like NFT integration, Web3 gaming platforms, and DeFi protocol connections. This forward-looking stance gives operators a significant competitive advantage in serving the growing crypto gaming market, which faces barriers and outright bans in many traditional regulated jurisdictions. The combination of crypto-friendly policies, low costs, and fast processing makes Anjouan particularly attractive for blockchain gaming, crypto casinos, and decentralized gaming platforms.
The license provides exceptional operational flexibility, letting operators accept players from most international markets without the geographical restrictions some other offshore jurisdictions impose. You can establish operations anywhere in the world—there's no requirement for physical presence in Anjouan itself. Gaming servers can be hosted in any location with reliable infrastructure and proper security, giving you freedom to optimize for performance, cost, and regulatory convenience.
You can work freely with international payment providers, game software vendors, and affiliate networks, accessing the same partnerships available to premium license holders. Multi-currency support is standard, including both traditional fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies, letting you serve diverse global markets. Major gaming suppliers, platform providers, and marketing affiliates all recognize and accept the license as legitimate authorization. This international acceptance, combined with operational flexibility and minimal geographical restrictions, makes it ideal for operators targeting global markets or planning expansion across multiple territories.
| Factor | Anjouan | Curaçao | Malta (MGA) | UK (UKGC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | 21,000€ | 50,000€+ | 100,000€+ | 150,000€+ |
| Processing Time | from 4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | 4-6 months | 6-12 months |
| Gaming Tax | 0% | 0% | 5-20% of GGR | 21% of GGR |
| Crypto-Friendly | Yes | Yes | Limited | No |
| Market Perception | Emerging | Established | Premium | Premium |
Important considerations and potential challenges when operating with this license
While the license is legally valid and internationally recognized, it faces perception challenges compared to premium Tier-1 licenses from Malta, Gibraltar, or the UK. Brand recognition remains lower among mainstream players, with some customers preferring operators holding licenses from more established authorities. This perception gap means operators with an Anjouan gaming license may need to invest additional effort in marketing and brand building to overcome initial skepticism and establish trust with potential players.
Building a reputable operation requires demonstrating commitment to player protection, fair gaming, and transparent practices that exceed basic requirements. Some markets and player segments remain conservative, showing preference for Tier-1 licenses despite higher costs. However, operators can successfully overcome these challenges through strong operational practices, third-party certifications, transparent terms, responsive customer support, and consistent demonstration of integrity. Many successful gaming businesses have built profitable operations by focusing on service quality rather than relying solely on license prestige.
Operators often encounter more selective banking relationships compared to those with premium jurisdiction licenses. Traditional banks, particularly in highly regulated markets, may be hesitant to provide corporate accounts due to their internal risk policies and compliance concerns. This caution extends to payment service providers, some of whom maintain stricter requirements or charge higher processing rates for an Anjouan gaming license compared to Malta or UK licenses.
As a result, many operators rely more heavily on Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) rather than traditional banking, which can still provide reliable services but may come with different fee structures and operational limitations. Payment processors may conduct more extensive due diligence before approving accounts, potentially extending setup time. These banking challenges make cryptocurrency payment integration even more valuable, as crypto payments bypass traditional banking restrictions and provide alternative channels that serve both the operator and increasingly crypto-savvy players.
Like all offshore licenses, this permit cannot provide legal authorization to operate in regulated markets that require local licensing. Operators are prohibited from accepting players from jurisdictions with strict local requirements, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Australia, and numerous other countries with their own regulatory frameworks. These restrictions limit the addressable market and require implementing effective geolocation and player verification systems to ensure compliance.
Some premium software providers maintain policies of only working with Tier-1 license holders, potentially limiting game selection, though many major suppliers do accept offshore licenses. Similarly, certain affiliate marketing networks impose restrictions on which license types they'll promote, potentially limiting marketing channels. Operators must carefully implement geoblocking technology to prevent access from restricted territories, as accepting players from prohibited jurisdictions can result in serious legal and regulatory consequences, including license suspension or revocation and potential criminal liability.
The international regulatory landscape for online gambling continues to evolve rapidly, with implications for all offshore license holders. Regulated markets are progressively tightening controls over offshore operators, potentially increasing scrutiny of operations attempting to serve players in jurisdictions moving toward stricter regulation. Banking institutions and payment providers regularly update their policies regarding gaming merchants, sometimes implementing more restrictive requirements that can affect offshore operations.
Operating in multiple markets creates compliance obligations that can become complex and burdensome, particularly regarding Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Customer requirements that must meet international best practices regardless of the base jurisdiction. Successful operators proactively manage these risks by implementing compliance programs that exceed minimum requirements, staying informed about international regulatory developments, and maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and regulatory expectations.
Operators can significantly reduce these limitations through strategic business practices and operational excellence. Obtaining third-party certifications from recognized bodies like eCOGRA or iTech Labs dramatically boosts credibility and demonstrates commitment to fair gaming beyond basic requirements. Implementing robust compliance programs that exceed minimum standards, particularly in AML/KYC procedures, helps build trust with financial partners and demonstrates operational maturity.
Transparent operations remain essential—clearly publishing Return to Player percentages, maintaining transparent terms and conditions, handling player disputes fairly and promptly, and providing responsive customer support all contribute to building a positive reputation that overcomes perception issues. Diversifying payment options beyond traditional banking by integrating e-wallets, prepaid cards, and cryptocurrency solutions provides operational resilience against banking restrictions. Partnering with reputable game providers and investing in premium website design and user experience helps position the operation as professional and trustworthy. As the business grows and becomes profitable, many successful operators ultimately transition to premium jurisdiction licenses, using this as an effective stepping stone for initial market entry and business development.
Maintaining your license in good standing and understanding renewal procedures
The Anjouan gambling license is issued for an initial term of 12 months from the date of issuance, with specific dates clearly displayed on the official certificate. Operators must carefully track renewal deadlines to ensure continuous legal operation, as the license becomes invalid upon expiration. There's a 30-day grace period past expiration before the Gaming Board proceeds with suspension actions, though you should never rely on this grace period and instead submit renewals well in advance.
Operating any form of online gambling without a valid license is illegal and constitutes serious grounds for penalties, potential criminal liability, and permanent loss of licensing eligibility. All websites must prominently display the license number in accordance with regulatory requirements, typically in the footer of every page. This public display allows players to verify the legitimacy of operations and demonstrates commitment to regulatory compliance and transparent business practices.
You should submit your renewal application to the Gaming Board at least 60 days before expiration to allow adequate processing time and avoid any operational interruptions. The renewal process requires updated due diligence documentation on all directors and shareholders to confirm ongoing suitability for holding an Anjouan gaming license. You'll need to submit a comprehensive compliance report covering the previous year's operations, detailing regulatory adherence, player complaints and resolutions, and any significant operational changes or incidents.
Financial statements and audit reports form a critical part of renewal applications, demonstrating financial stability and proper management of player funds throughout the operating period. The renewal submission must include confirmation that no material changes have occurred to business structure, ownership, or operations, or alternatively, full disclosure of any such changes. The renewal fee is 21,000€ annually, significantly lower than costs in premium jurisdictions. The Gaming Board typically processes renewals within 2-3 weeks, allowing for seamless continuation of operations.
The Gaming Board maintains a progressive enforcement framework for addressing violations. Minor violations typically result in an official warning letter serving as notice and opportunity to remedy the situation. For more serious violations or repeated minor infractions, the Board may impose financial penalties ranging from 1,000€ to 50,000€, depending on severity and impact. Sometimes, rather than immediate financial penalties, the Board may impose additional conditions or operational restrictions that must be satisfied for the license to remain valid.
Temporary suspension is a serious enforcement action where operations must cease until identified issues are resolved to the Board's satisfaction. The most severe penalty is revocation—permanent cancellation for serious violations like fraud, criminal activity, or systematic non-compliance. The Board may publish regulatory actions taken against license holders, creating additional reputational consequences beyond direct penalties. This public accountability mechanism helps maintain industry standards and protect players by ensuring transparency about enforcement actions.
Certain violations can trigger suspension or revocation, requiring operators to maintain vigilant compliance. Failure to pay annual renewal fees or other charges constitutes grounds for immediate suspension. Material misrepresentation in the original application or in ongoing reporting represents a serious breach of trust that typically results in revocation. Serious violations of Anti-Money Laundering or Know Your Customer requirements can lead to immediate suspension pending investigation and potentially permanent revocation.
Failure to protect player funds, honor legitimate withdrawal requests, or maintain adequate segregation of player balances is treated with utmost seriousness, often resulting in immediate suspension. Criminal activity or fraud involving the licensee, its directors, or key management constitutes automatic grounds for revocation. Operating in prohibited jurisdictions or accepting players from restricted markets violates fundamental licensing conditions. Repeated non-compliance with Board directives, failure to submit required reports, or ignoring regulatory warnings demonstrates a pattern of disregard that leads to progressive penalties culminating in suspension or revocation. Insolvency or demonstrated inability to meet financial obligations typically results in suspension or revocation to protect players and maintain industry integrity.
Successful long-term operation requires consistent attention to regulatory requirements and proactive compliance management. Timely renewal submission stands as the most basic but critical requirement—submit applications and payments well before deadlines, ideally 60-90 days in advance to allow for any unexpected delays. Regular reporting obligations must be met without exception, with all required quarterly and annual reports filed accurately and on time to maintain positive standing with the Board.
Material changes to business structure, ownership, key personnel, or operations must be reported within 30 days as required by license conditions. Financial responsibility remains paramount—maintain adequate capitalization to support gaming operations and ensure comprehensive player fund protection through segregated accounts and appropriate safeguards. Gaming systems must remain current with required certifications, security updates, and technical standards throughout the license term.
Professional conduct in all dealings with the Gaming Board includes responding promptly to inquiries, providing requested information completely and accurately, and demonstrating respect for regulatory directives. Player protection obligations extend beyond minimum requirements—handling complaints fairly and promptly, maintaining effective responsible gaming tools, and demonstrating genuine commitment to player welfare enhance both regulatory standing and business reputation. Continuous improvement through staying current with industry best practices, implementing enhanced compliance measures, and maintaining awareness of regulatory developments positions operators for long-term success and potential progression to premium licensing jurisdictions as operations mature and expand.
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