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17th February 2025

Anjouan Gaming License – A Comprehensive Guide On How To Get Anjouan License In 2025

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The Anjouan gaming license is an attractive option for online gaming operators due to its low fees, minimal taxes, and streamlined application process. Originating from the Union of Comoros, this license covers multiple gambling activities under a single permit. If you’re considering embarking on a casino software development project or building a betting site, understanding the benefits and requirements of the Anjouan gaming license could be crucial for your business.

  • The Anjouan gaming license offers a streamlined application process, allowing operators to obtain a license in as little as three weeks with minimal bureaucracy and competitive fees.
  • Operators benefit from no gaming taxes on revenue, with a single license covering various forms of gambling, including casinos and sports betting, which simplifies compliance.
  • The Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board regulates gaming operations, ensuring compliance with international standards, including anti-money laundering measures, and maintaining the industry’s integrity.

Understanding the Anjouan Gaming License

The Anjouan gaming license is an internationally recognized license popular with online gaming operators due to its accessible and streamlined application process.

Anjouan stands out with lower licensing fees and minimal taxation on gaming revenues, especially when compared to top gambling licenses such as Malta and the Isle of Man. Anjouan’s legal framework aims to ensure fair gaming practices and compliance with international standards.

Operators under Anjouan gaming licenses benefit from a supportive regulatory environment that emphasizes data privacy and business confidentiality. The Anjouan gaming license is also increasingly sought after by gambling startups due to its modernization and flexibility in licensing for various gaming activities. What’s also convenient is that applying for an Anjouan gambling license involves minimal bureaucracy and affordable fees.

What about the possibilities? Anjouan gaming license allows operators to engage in multiple forms of gambling, including casinos and sports betting, under a single permit, as stipulated by the Computer Gaming Licensing Act. It is granted by an official authority dedicated to regulating gaming operations on the island, ensuring compliance with gambling licensing and internet gaming license legal standards.

The Anjouan online gaming license is designed to offer legal protection and stability for businesses within the evolving landscape of online gaming regulations, including the Anjouan internet gaming license.

What Is an Anjouan Online Gambling License?

The Anjouan online gambling license is an authorization granted to gambling service providers by the Anjouan gaming authority. This allows operators worldwide to conduct online gambling, covering various types of gaming activities such as casinos and sports betting under a single permit. An Anjouan license confirms the service provider’s compliance with stringent regulatory requirements and gives operators international credibility.

History and Overview of Anjouan Gaming License

Anjouan, part of the Union of Comoros, has been granting gaming licenses since the late 1990s as part of a strategy to attract businesses and diversify its economy. The development of the Anjouan gaming license reflects the Island’s goal of creating a favorable environment for online gambling by streamlining application processes and reducing costs.

Before becoming a thriving online gambling jurisdiction, Anjouan’s economy relied primarily on agriculture. The island was a renowned supplier for the perfume and culinary industries offering products like ylang-ylang, vanilla, and cinnamon. However, due to the unpredictable nature of agriculture, the government sought alternatives that could provide long-term financial stability to the region.

The Anjouan Betting and Gaming Act was passed in 2005 and it it has played a crucial role in formalizing gambling regulation on the autonomous island while making it one of the most sought-after destinations for operators seeking an international gambling license.

In the past, the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) was the body responsible for overseeing the financial services sector on the Island, which included overseeing compliance with the gambling laws and maintaining best practices. However, this duty was shifted to the Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. (ALSI) in May 2023. This agency is focused on improving the efficiency of the licensing process while enhancing legal compliance and supporting the operational needs of gaming businesses.

Gaming license holders in Anjouan report to the Anjouan Banking and Gaming Supervision Authority (ABGB). This is the agency responsible for maintaining compliance in the industry.

Key Functions and Powers of the Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board

The Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board (ABGB) is the primary regulatory authority overseeing the gaming industry in Anjouan. The ABGB’s role extends to monitoring gaming operations and enforcing gaming regulations to maintain the integrity of the industry. Some of the core responsibilities of this board are highlighted below:

  • Receiving reports from gaming license holders
  • Ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering regulations
  • Implementing responsible gaming policies
  • Protection of vulnerable groups such as minors and players prone to gambling addiction

Types of Anjouan Gambling Licenses

Anjouan offers only one type of license known as the universal online gambling license. This covers all forms of Internet gambling activities, including sports betting, casinos, live casino games, and even blockchain-based games. The license is issued to both B2C and B2B businesses whether they’re gambling software developers and software providers, or gambling platform operators.

The comprehensive license is valid for one year and can be renewed annually. It offers flexibility for operators to engage in multiple gaming activities under a single permit, simplifying compliance and operational management. However, sublicensing is not permitted, ensuring direct accountability and compliance for licensees.

Benefits of the Anjouan Gambling License

  • No Gaming Taxes
  • Single License for All Activities
  • Quick Processing Times
  • Competitive Licensing Fees

Tax Benefits

The Anjouan Gaming Licence offers a significant advantage with its policy of imposing no gaming taxes. This allows operators to maximize their profits by reinvesting them back into their business, facilitating growth and expansion without the burden of additional tax costs. This tax-free environment is particularly appealing to startups and established companies looking to enhance their financial performance in the competitive online gambling industry.

Single License for All Activities

One of the most attractive features of the Anjouan license is its ability to cover all types of online gambling activities under a single permit. This includes casinos, sports betting, and other gaming services. By simplifying compliance requirements, operators can focus on expanding their offerings and reaching a broader audience without the need to obtain multiple licenses for different activities. This comprehensive licensing system streamlines operations and reduces administrative overhead.

Quick Processing Times

Anjouan is renowned for offering one of the quickest processing times in the industry. It takes just 3 weeks to process an application as long as all the required documents have been submitted.

The streamlined application process allows businesses to start operations swiftly. This efficiency is crucial for operators eager to enter the market and begin generating revenue without delays.

Competitive Licensing Fees

The licensing fees in Anjouan are highly competitive, making it an attractive option for startups and smaller operators with limited budgets. These affordable fees lower the entry barrier for new businesses and encourage innovation within the industry. This cost-effectiveness positions Anjouan as a favorable jurisdiction for companies seeking a cheaper alternative to other jurisdictions.

Licensing Requirements

Applicants trying to figure out how to secure a gambling license must get familiar with the licensing requirements laid out by the Anjouan Gaming and Betting Board. First, they need to provide documents including a certified passport, police clearance, and proof of web domain ownership to obtain an Anjouan gaming license. Designed to minimize bureaucracy, the application process expedites approval.

Applicants must also undergo a fit and proper test to ensure the integrity of the licensee, including verification of the background and conduct of the ultimate beneficial owner and other stakeholders of the business.

Application and Timelines

The application process for an Anjouan gaming license can typically be completed in as little as three weeks if all documentation is submitted correctly. The timeline includes conducting integrity checks on all owners and key stakeholders, paying registration fees, and submitting the necessary documents to the Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board.

Anjouan Gaming License Application Process Step-by-Step

For anyone trying to figure out how to start an online gambling website with an Anjouan Gaming license, you will find that the whole process is pretty straightforward. Before you begin, carry out an integrity check on key stakeholders to ensure they meet the standard set by the Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board. You should also get all the necessary documents in order. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process from start to finish:

1. Legal Entity Registration

In Anjouan, a gaming license can only be obtained by a fully registered company recognized as a legal entity. Once the requirement has been met, the certificate of incorporation will be issued by the Registrar of International Business Companies.

2. Documentation

In preparation for the application process, you need to gather all the necessary documents that will be submitted as part of the gambling license application. This includes corporate paperwork for the company such as incorporation documents, company strategy documents (KYC, AML, and responsible gambling), and contracts with developers. Other corporate documents include proof of web domain ownership and RNG testing certificates.

In addition to the corporate documentation, you will also need to provide the personal records of all of the company’s stakeholders. This includes notarized copies of their passport, police certificates from their country of origin, recent utility bills, Curriculum Vitae (CV), bank reference letters, and so on. 

3. Pay Associated Fees

The next step is to apply for a gambling license which begins by paying all associated registration fees. These fees are part of the initial costs of obtaining the gaming license and are necessary to proceed with the application process. The payment ensures that the application is officially recognized and can be evaluated by the Anjouan authorities.

4. Assessment and Approval

Once the application is submitted, the Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board conducts a comprehensive assessment of the financial stability and ethical integrity of the applicants. This evaluation process ensures that the business is capable of operating in a legal and compliant manner. If the application meets all the regulatory requirements, the license is approved and granted for an initial duration of one year.

5. Start Operations

After obtaining the license, the licensee is legally allowed to start operations. This step marks the beginning of the gaming business’s journey under the Anjouan gaming license. The license permits operators to engage in various forms of gambling activities, providing them with the opportunity to explore and expand their offerings in the online gaming market.

Costs and Taxes Overview

The financial aspects of obtaining an Anjouan gambling license include registration fees starting at around EUR 17,000, with an annual renewal fee of approximately EUR 13,300. Anjouan offers significant tax advantages, such as a zero tax rate on gross gaming revenue, making it cost-effective for operators.

Payment Solutions and Corporate Structure

Setting up a corporate structure in Anjouan involves registering an International Business Company (IBC). The legal company registration begins with the appointment of a local representative or registered agent who has been approved by the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority.

Then you need to open a corporate bank account and transfer the authorized capital requirements. Operators may also need to set up additional payment accounts to facilitate transactions and manage their operations effectively.

Next, you can proceed to submit the necessary documents in line with the International Business Companies Act. Some of the required paperwork for this process includes the Articles of Association, a business description, a Memorandum of Association, as well as relevant financial records.

Jurisdictional Restrictions

Operating under an Anjouan gambling license provides broad international coverage, but casino operators and bookmakers offering services in international markets must be aware of jurisdictional restrictions in other regions where they operate. This is particularly true for licensing jurisdictions with stricter regulations compared to that of Anjouan. Compliance with local gaming regulations and applicable laws in different jurisdictions is crucial to avoid legal issues.

Remote Gambling in Anjouan

Anjouan has become a popular option for online gambling startups due to its modernized licensing process. Online gambling business operators can leverage the jurisdiction’s business-friendly policies to legally provide remote gaming services in international markets worldwide where as long as online gaming is permitted. They also don’t need to set up a physical business location in Anjouan to hold this license.

However, to keep the license, operators must maintain high standards of player protection and responsible gaming practices. For more details on iGaming development and how to start a casino app, check our dedicated guides.

Regulatory Framework and Compliance

Anjouan’s regulatory framework is designed to ensure that gaming operators adhere to stringent legal obligations and compliance requirements, fostering a secure and trustworthy gaming environment. Operators must comply with comprehensive anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, which are crucial in preventing financial crimes and ensuring the integrity of gaming operations. These AML measures require operators to implement robust systems for monitoring transactions and identifying suspicious activities, thereby safeguarding against illicit financial activities.

In addition to AML regulations, Anjouan places a strong emphasis on responsible gaming initiatives. Operators are required to establish policies that promote responsible gaming, protecting vulnerable players and minimizing the risks associated with gambling addiction. This includes implementing measures such as self-exclusion programs, setting betting limits, and providing resources for players seeking help with gambling-related issues.

Online gambling business operators must also adhere to strict data protection and privacy laws, ensuring the confidentiality and security of player information. Regular audits and compliance checks are conducted by the Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board to ensure that operators maintain high standards of operation and adhere to all regulatory requirements.

By meeting these legal obligations and compliance requirements, gaming operators in Anjouan can maintain their licenses and operate in a legal and compliant manner, contributing to the jurisdiction’s reputation as a reliable and trusted hub for online gambling.

Ongoing Maintenance and Compliance

License holders in Anjouan have to renew their licenses annually and adhere to a set of ongoing compliance requirements. Operators must implement internal controls aligned with international practices, including anti-money laundering regulations and responsible gaming measures. Regular audits and risk assessments are mandatory to identify and address any operational vulnerabilities.

Anjouan license holders must also submit annual reports to the regulatory authority, including financial statements and compliance evidence. Quarterly updates on key performance indicators and business changes may also be required.

License renewal involves paying annual fees and submitting updated documentation, such as a police clearance certificate and proof of web domain ownership. Timely submission is essential to avoid operational disruptions.

Operators are encouraged to continuously improve and train their staff on regulatory developments and industry trends, maintaining compliance and fostering integrity.

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Why Choose the Anjouan Gaming License?

The Anjouan Gaming License stands out due to its affordability, efficient regulatory practices, and supportive environment for startups. With no gaming taxes and a streamlined licensing process, operators can quickly launch their platforms and start operations.

The jurisdiction is known for high compliance standards, including anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gaming initiatives, making it a reliable choice for gaming companies. Anjouan continues to adapt its regulatory framework to meet the evolving needs of the iGaming industry, promising a bright future for license holders.

Do you want to find out more about other gambling licenses? Check out our articles on:

Key Considerations for License Applicants

Prospective licensees must ensure that both their servers and player databases are hosted in Anjouan to meet regulatory compliance. Additionally, applicants must be over 18 years old and have no relevant criminal history in the past three years. All submitted documents must be in English. If they are not, they should be accompanied by certified translations and dated within the last 90 days.

The application process may include comprehensive reviews and interviews to discuss business strategies. Applicants are also required to provide detailed descriptions of gaming content along with third-party testing certificates to demonstrate compliance.

Explore our detailed guide for more on how to start an online gambling business.

Conclusion

The Anjouan Gaming License combines affordability with efficient regulatory practices, making it an attractive option for iGaming operators. The streamlined process ensures that operators can receive their licenses from the Anjouan gaming authority in a matter of weeks, minimizing delays in launching their platforms.

Anjouan’s tax policies favor gaming companies by not imposing corporate taxes on their gross gaming revenue, enhancing profit margins for operators. The future also looks promising as Anjouan continues to adapt its regulatory framework to meet the evolving needs of the iGaming industry.

For those interested in comprehensive software development solutions to support their gambling operations, contact us!

FAQ

01. How do I apply for an Anjouan license?

To apply for an Anjouan license, you need to register your business, submit your application to the Anjouan Commission, and pay the required fees. The application process can be completed online, simplifying the process considerably.

02. What are the requirements for obtaining an Anjouan gambling license?

Applicants must submit documentation that proves their financial capability and commitment to comply with anti-money laundering regulations, KYC, and player protection standards. Additionally, the stakeholders must demonstrate good conduct and pass the necessary background checks for ethical conduct.

03. How long does the licensing process take?

The Anjouan gaming license process can be completed in as little as 3 weeks, as long as all the required documents are submitted on time. The processing time can be as short as 10-15 business days, depending on document submission speed.

04. What are the costs associated with obtaining a license?

The total cost for acquiring a gaming license in Anjouan generally includes an application fee of 1,000 EUR, a due diligence fee of 1,000 EUR per director, and a first-year administration fee of 1,500 EUR. The cost of obtaining a license generally starts at around 17,000 EUR.