Among many other offshore jurisdictions, Anjouan is becoming a popular choice for online betting sites and digital gaming organizations worldwide. The reason for this attraction is that the island offers a very flexible legal environment besides a simple licensing process.
While most European territories set stricter rules and have significantly increased their police activities, Anjouan provides operators with a more elastic framework to get access to foreign markets.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how the Anjouan system works, the criteria operators have to meet, and how market participants are overseen by authorities.
Quick Overview of the Framework
| Category | Local Approach |
| Supervisory Bodies | AOFA and Anjouan Gaming Board |
| Activities Covered | Sports wagering, poker, lotteries, crypto-based platforms |
| Crypto Usage | Permitted with transaction monitoring |
| Technical Standards | RNG checks and software audits |
| Player Protection | Age checks and self-restriction tools |
| Tax Environment | No tax on gross platform revenue |
| Main Benefits | Flexible structure and faster market entry |
| Main Risks | Limited recognition in some countries |
Legislation and Regulatory Authorities
Administratively, Anjouan is one of the three islands that form the Union of the Comoros Islands. The main legislation regulating online betting on the island is the Betting and Gaming Act of 2005.
Two authorities basically share the supervisory role:
- AOFA which is in charge of authorizing the issuance of licenses and carrying out the main executive function of the state;
- Anjouan Gaming Board is responsible for ensuring sector-specific standards and the behavior of operations.
These two bodies are responsible for the regulation and supervision of operators offering:
- slot games;
- sportsbooks;
- poker;
- lottery;
- B2C platforms;
- software and platform providers.
It is worth mentioning that this offshore system mainly targets foreign operations rather than local ones.
Scope of Anjouan Licensing
The availability of many options to be included in the license package is one of the main reasons Anjouan keeps enticing platform owners.
The licensing framework allows for:
- web betting;
- live dealer games;
- sports and esports betting;
- poker;
- lottery;
- fantasy sports;
- white-label;
- crypto-based platforms.
If an operator wants, they may run different gambling brands or even multiple websites under a single licensing framework, thus making brand expansion and general operations management a lot easier.
Additionally, this system provides a great entry point to the market for startups and at the same time it removes most of the bureaucratic hurdles usually encountered in Europe.
Core Standards Operators Must Follow
Operators will be expected to keep their structures open and well-organized.
Identity Verification and Anti-Fraud Procedures
Platforms must have verification systems in place to identify customers in order to prevent illegal transactions and abuses of the system.
Generally, these measures are:
- checking the identity of users;
- verifying the origin of the funds;
- monitoring any suspicious activities;
- tracing transactions;
- having stricter controls on the move of crypto assets.
Those procedures are most intensely scrutinized by relevant agencies when it comes to platforms which accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other similar digital currencies.
Ownership and Management Review
Authorities check the history of founders, directors, and beneficial owners before issuing a license.
Typically, the verification consists of:
- passport photos;
- statement of residential address;
- reference from a bank;
- personal history of employment;
- papers proving the lawful source of funds.
This examination aims to exclude persons connected with fraud or illegal activities.
Platform and Software Standards
Technical infrastructure should fulfill certain fairness and protection standards that have been recognized.
Typically, these are:
- RNG certified;
- protected databases;
- securely encrypted data transmission;
- external independent audits of software;
- maintenance of stable payout systems.
In most cases, dedicated third-party labs will be tasked with checking the fairness and systems’ operational stability.
Player Protection Measures
Operators should also put measures in place to promote responsible gambling.
Typical features would be:
- systems for checking the player’s age;
- possibility to limit oneself voluntarily;
- controls for limiting deposits;
- placement of responsible-use warning signs;
- use of mechanisms to identify problem gambling or behavior.
How to Get a Permit
Getting Ready
Firstly, operators gather all the necessary documents including:
- proof of ownership;
- details of the platform;
- methods of verification;
- policies for operations;
- plans for development.
Being well-prepared can be one of the main factors in avoiding unnecessary waiting times during the evaluation phase.
Making a Submission
As a rule, documents are handed over through a local agent who has been authorized by the operators to deal with the officials.
Filing directly with the authorities is quite a rare occurrence.
Assessment of Eligibility
The officials during their examination will take into account:
- clarity of ownership;
- composition of the platform;
- level of technological preparedness;
- financial capacity;
- business model.
Additional documents might be requested in case of the need for further clarifications.
Authorization and Operation
Once approval is granted and the required state fees are settled, the operator may begin activities within the scope permitted by the issued gambling license in Anjouan.
Typically, good documentation paves the way for the process to move swiftly.
Constant Supervision and Checks
Platform owners will always have to be under the watch of the regulators.
The regulatory body is entitled to ask for:
- the latest ownership proof;
- activity reports;
- audited transactions;
- AML materials;
- software audit records.
In case of major infractions, the actions taken by the authorities are likely to be:
- halt operations;
- sanction;
- license withdrawal;
- publication of the enforcement notice.
Tax Environment and Payment Flexibility
The stability of Anjouan’s fiscal policy is a great reason why it should still be considered as one of the most attractive locations.
Territory related major perks usually are:
- no taxation on gross platform income;
- offshore business exempt from VAT;
- the state fees are quite low;
- support for worldwide payment channels;
- digital asset friendly.
B2B Segment and Recent Changes
The government has brought a sharper focus on software providers and platform suppliers.
There is a new separate recognition scheme for B2B suppliers mainly for those that provide:
- platform technology;
- aggregation services;
- payment tools;
- software infrastructure.
The revised policy also permits the recognition of some foreign licenses if operators have a good professional record.
Key Advantages of the Anjouan Model
Main strengths include:
- fast licensing time;
- minimal paperwork;
- crypto friendly region;
- relatively low level of compliance;
- extensive coverage of activities;
- permission of multi-brand structures;
- lower administrative and compliance costs.
For fresh market entrants, these factors will be responsible for mitigating entry barriers in comparison to more rigid European systems.
Risks and Practical Limitations
- Anjouan does not have as high a profile in the market as some of the best-known European licensing authorities;
- Some financial institutions, payment providers, and other partners may be more cautious when dealing with offshore entities;
- Having a permit in Anjouan doesn’t guarantee market access everywhere.
- Some countries have local regulations so strict that offshore operators are prohibited from making domestic players their target.
Assistance of a Specialist
The proper legal support enables you to sidestep unwanted delays and set up a solid and stable working structure right from the start.
Eternity Law International assists clients through the whole procedure, including:
- handling ownership documentation;
- liaising with local authorities;
- facilitating software and payment integration;
- providing ongoing operational guidance, etc.
To get more information about our services, contact us.
FAQ
Who regulates gambling in Anjouan?
The Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority together with the Gaming Board supervises licensing and compliance.
How strict are compliance requirements?
They include AML/KYC, due diligence, and software certification, but are generally lighter than EU jurisdictions.
Can crypto be used?
Yes, but operators must implement transaction monitoring and AML controls.
What happens if rules are violated?
The regulator may suspend or revoke the license.
Is the license globally valid?
It allows global operations, but with geo-restrictions in certain countries.
- Quick Overview of the Framework
- Legislation and Regulatory Authorities
- Scope of Anjouan Licensing
- Core Standards Operators Must Follow
- How to Get a Permit
- Tax Environment and Payment Flexibility
- B2B Segment and Recent Changes
- Key Advantages of the Anjouan Model
- Risks and Practical Limitations
- Assistance of a Specialist
- FAQ