18/10/25
Anjouan, an autonomous island within the Union of the Comoros, has strengthened its gambling license regime. Updates include the introduction of a B2B Recognition Certificate system from July 2025, clarified compliance expectations, and continued emphasis on low-tax, multi-vertical licensing.
📜 Regulatory Framework & Official Standards
The Anjouan gambling license, grounded in the Computer Gaming Licensing Act 007 (2005), remains overseen by the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority (AOFA) through Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. Operators are publicly listed on the official License Register, allowing regulators and users to verify authorised platforms.
The license continues to function as an all-in-one permit, covering casinos, sports betting, lotteries, poker, e-sports, and blockchain-based games under a single authorisation. This consolidated model remains one of Anjouan’s main attractions.
In July 2025, a significant update took effect: B2B service providers (including software suppliers, platform providers, RNG certifiers, and payment processors) must now hold either a Recognition Certificate or a full B2B license in order to serve Anjouan-licensed operators. This measure reflects growing alignment with international regulatory expectations.
Fees vary by service provider but are generally cited at EUR 15,000–17,000 for initial licensing, with annual renewals in a similar range. Some operators may encounter lower upfront processing costs depending on structuring, but the official guidance is to prepare for mid-five-figure obligations.
The regulator maintains a favourable tax regime: 0% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR) and no corporate income tax or VAT for qualifying International Business Companies (IBCs). Licenses are typically issued within 4–6 weeks, although some providers advertise faster approval in straightforward cases.
⚖️ Analysis & Comparison
Anjouan has positioned itself as a competitive alternative to Curaçao, particularly as Curaçao tightens its own regulatory framework. Reports from the industry indicate that start-ups and mid-sized operators are increasingly considering Anjouan due to its cost-effective structure and relatively swift processing.
Compared to tier-one jurisdictions such as Malta, Gibraltar, or the UK, Anjouan’s main trade-off remains recognition and prestige. While its license grants legitimacy in many emerging markets, it does not provide direct access to highly regulated European jurisdictions. Operators targeting such markets may eventually need a dual-licensing strategy, using Anjouan as a first step before transitioning to EU or UK licenses.
The updated compliance measures, especially for B2B providers, demonstrate that Anjouan is moving beyond its prior reputation as a “light-touch” regulator. The aim is to balance operator attractiveness with stronger AML/KYC safeguards. However, official sources do not confirm rigid requirements such as “60-day renewal deadlines” or automatic audits - these appear more as good-practice recommendations than binding rules.
For businesses, the key comparative advantage remains the single-license model: instead of applying for separate vertical authorisations, operators can consolidate their entire gaming portfolio under one license.
🔍 Evidence, Illustrations & Applicability
• Case example – a multi-vertical operator: A company offering sports betting, live dealer casino, and lotteries can operate all three under a single Anjouan license. This reduces costs and administrative burden compared to Malta or the Isle of Man, where separate applications may be required.
• B2B provider impact: From July 2025, a software studio supplying slots or RNG systems to an Anjouan-licensed operator must itself hold a Recognition Certificate or B2B license. Without this, operators risk breaching license conditions, potentially leading to penalties or non-renewal.
• Start-up strategy: A new gaming venture in Asia or Africa may leverage Anjouan’s cost-efficiency to establish operations before scaling into jurisdictions with stricter access requirements. However, investors often factor in long-term prestige, meaning eventual transition to an EU or UK license may be necessary.
• Restricted markets: Operators are expressly prohibited from serving residents in countries such as the USA, UK, France, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands. Regulators reserve the right to verify geoblocking mechanisms. Failure to comply may result in suspension.
• Market scale: By mid-2025, Anjouan had recorded over 800 active licenses and more than 2,000 operational sites, marking a rapid expansion of its footprint in the online gambling sector.
✅ Conclusion
The 2025 update to Anjouan’s gambling license regime reflects a measured tightening of standards: the introduction of B2B recognition requirements, stronger compliance oversight, and clearer renewal processes. At the same time, Anjouan has retained its core advantages: affordability, speed, tax neutrality, and a single license across verticals.
For many operators, this makes Anjouan a practical gateway jurisdiction - but one that still requires careful structuring and legal oversight to ensure ongoing compliance and market suitability.
If your business is considering applying for, migrating to, or maintaining an Anjouan gambling license under the 2025 framework, NUR Legal is ready to advise you on licensing, regulatory compliance, and strategic positioning.
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Kätrin Särap