Nestled in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean lies the enchanting Island of Anjouan, a gem within the Union of Comoros. Anjouan, one of the archipelago’s most captivating islands, is not only a haven for those seeking the serenity of tropical paradise but also a burgeoning hub for business and innovation. In addition to the allure of Anjouan, its charm and opportunities, it has a new gaming license regime that has captured the attention of the global gaming industry.

In the dynamic landscape of iGaming, Curacao has long been a favored licensing destination, thanks to its accessible entry-level license, cost-effective setup and maintenance, and accommodating reporting standards, making it an attractive choice for various gaming operators. In the passing year iGaming operators were grappling with impending regulatory changes in Curacao and the uncertainty surrounding its implementation. The Curacao Government’s slated Gaming Reform on September 1st of this year promises more stringent compliance, anti-money laundering measures, stricter reporting obligations, substance prerequisites, and subsequently much higher operating costs. This shifting landscape has left many operators questioning their future on the island and actively exploring alternative regulatory avenues to navigate the uncertainty.

Enter the Island of Anjouan, with its newly introduced iGaming license with many similar characteristics of Curacao that some might say ‘by design’. For startups and entrepreneurs aiming to launch an online gaming business, the recently modernized and streamlined Anjouan Gaming License is poised to become one of the most popular choices henceforth. 

Anjouan stands out as an exceptionally accessible jurisdiction, boasting short processing times and offering a single, comprehensive license that covers a wide spectrum of games of chance, including Casino, Sports, Poker, Bingo, Lotto, Provably Fair Games, Blockchain-Based Games, and more. Its competitive pricing further enhances its appeal, making it an ideal destination for newcomers and those venturing into the online gambling industry for the first time. 

Advantages of the Anjouan Gambling License

Anjouan gambling license offers a multitude of advantages for operators, ranging from operational benefits to corporate and fiscal incentives. 

Firstly, the process for acquiring an Anjouan license is swift, with the potential for approval in as little as several weeks, making it ideal for entrepreneurs on tight schedules. Moreover, the setup and maintenance costs in Anjouan are budget-friendly, especially appealing to startups and industry newcomers. 

Secondly, the application process is streamlined and devoid of excessive bureaucracy, simplifying the licensing procedure significantly. Anjouan stands out as one of the quickest and easiest jurisdictions to obtain a gaming license from, allowing entrepreneurs to test their concepts and products before venturing into more challenging licensing territories. 

Thirdly, an Anjouan license provides comprehensive coverage, encompassing all types of iGaming activities under a single license such as: sports betting, online casino, lotto, online poker, eSports, live games, scratch cards and games of chance, which provides unparalleled cost-effective flexibility. 

Lastly, perhaps the most enticing benefit, operators with an Anjouan gambling license are not subject to any gaming tax on their gross gaming revenue (GGR), offering a highly favorable tax environment compared to many other jurisdictions. 

Overall, the Anjouan gambling license is a strategic choice for startups looking to establish their online gambling presence efficiently, affordably, and with plenty of room for growth and diversification.

Anjouan Licensees are obligated to adhere to the regulations stipulated by the 2005 Anjouan Betting and Gaming Act which legalizes and regulates online gambling, including internet gaming, sports betting, casino games, lottery, and bingo. While the licensees have freedom to market their interactive gaming services as they choose, they must ensure that their marketing efforts do not tarnish Anjouan’s reputation or encourage underage gambling. Additionally, licensees are required to establish procedures to identify potentially at-risk players, offer them information about counseling and support services, and stay informed about international developments that may impact the legality of their operations in prohibited regions. Operators failing to pay renewal fees in timely manner risk getting their license suspended.

Anjouan licensees must prohibit cash transactions related to players’ accounts, and to prevent their services from being misused for money laundering, licensees must follow strict procedures outlined by the Anjouan Gaming Board, covering player identification, record-keeping, identification and reporting of suspicious transactions, payment processing, and staff training. They are also required to designate a senior representative as a money laundering reporting officer who will promptly notify the Gaming Board of any suspicious transactions.

Moreover, licensees must produce regular compliance reports, appoint a compliance officer, and notify the board of any changes in beneficial ownership or significant incidents that may impact their license or Anjouan’s reputation as an interactive gaming jurisdiction. Licensees should also promptly update the Gaming Board on any relevant changes in the information they have provided, and they must attend Gaming Board meetings upon reasonable notice for specified purposes. 

Why choose Porat Group?

When it comes to securing your Anjouan Gaming license, Porat Group stands out due to our experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies of Anjouan regulations, ensuring a smooth and successful licensing process.

Following the receipt of the license, we can also provide ongoing legal and regulatory support, as well as to manage communications with local regulators and other required services providers to help maintain and grow your business.

On top of this, we also provide a broad scope of required operational value: ongoing opening and maintenance of bank accounts and other payment solutions (card processing, wires, alternative payments/crypto), connections to various technologies, assistance with hiring internal or external management and staff, strategic and management consultations (due to our experience and network in the industry), etc.  

Contact us today for more details.

Written by Genia Gurevich, Adv. 
Senior Associate