"Anjouan licenses are often misunderstood," says an industry participant familiar with crypto-based gaming platforms. While these licenses are real and statutory, they carry obligations under a lighter regulatory framework compared to Malta or the UK, resulting in a regulatory environment that balances oversight with flexibility. Anjouan's remote gambling regulations have been in place since 2005, providing a legal basis through the Computer Gaming Licensing Act and anti-money laundering laws.
The jurisdiction employs a two-tier supervision model: the Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board oversees gaming integrity and technical compliance, while the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority handles financial supervision, including anti-money laundering and suitability assessments. This structure allows for suspension or revocation of licenses if operators fail to comply, ensuring regulatory teeth behind the authorization. The licensing authority processes applications and maintains the registry of licensed operators.
Distinct from many other regions, Anjouan grants a single full license covering multiple gaming verticals such as online casinos, sportsbooks, live casinos, poker, lotteries, and virtual games. This unified authorization applies to both operators and suppliers, making it attractive for crypto-first startups and platforms seeking lower fees and faster approval: a typical license costs around €17,000, which is substantially less expensive than alternatives like Curacao or Malta.
Despite its broad scope, the license does not cover certain protections expected in more stringent jurisdictions. It mandates anti-money laundering obligations, responsible gaming measures, and fit-and-proper evaluations of owners and directors. However, it lacks deposit protection guarantees, independent dispute resolution bodies, and comparable player recourse mechanisms to Tier-1 regulators. Recent regulatory enhancements introduced recognition certificates for business-to-business suppliers and strengthened anti-money laundering enforcement, reflecting an evolving regulatory landscape that aims to address compliance gaps.
