
The Anjouan gambling license has gained significant traction among online gaming operators seeking an affordable, fast, and crypto-friendly jurisdiction. Issued by the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) and administered by Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. (ALSI), this license covers a broad range of gambling activities under a single authorization. This article walks through the key facts, benefits, requirements, costs, and how the Anjouan gaming license compares to other popular jurisdictions.
| Parameter | Details |
| Issuing authority | Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) / Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. (ALSI) |
| Legal framework | Computer Gaming Licensing Act 007 (2005); Money Laundering (Prevention) Act 008 (2005) |
| Types of licenses | B2C Operator Licence, B2B Service Provider Licence |
| Permitted gambling | Online casinos, sports betting, poker, bingo, lotteries, live dealer, virtual sports, esports, prediction markets, blockchain gaming |
| License duration | 1 year, renewable annually |
| Processing time | 2 to 4 weeks (up to 8 weeks including corporate setup) |
| Application fee | EUR 17,000 |
| License issuance fee | Included in the application fee |
| Annual renewal fee | EUR 13,300 (B2C); EUR 9,500 (B2B) |
| Other fees | Due diligence EUR 1,700; Key Person EUR 2,000/person; Additional domain EUR 500 |
| Local incorporation | Not required (offshore entities from approved jurisdictions accepted) |
| Local office/staff | Not required |
| Server location | Must be hosted on ALSI-approved infrastructure |
| Taxation | 0% GGR tax, 0% VAT, 0% corporate income tax, 0% capital gains tax |
| Restricted markets | USA, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Austria, Comoros, Curacao, FATF-blacklisted countries |
| Compliance requirements | AML/KYC, anti-fraud measures, player protection, quarterly reporting, designated Compliance Officer |
Anjouan is one of the autonomous islands in the Union of the Comoros, located in the Mozambique Channel off the eastern coast of Africa. The island has positioned itself as an offshore financial and gaming jurisdiction since 2005, when the Computer Gaming Licensing Act 007 was enacted to provide a legal framework for online gambling operations.
In May 2023, Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. (ALSI) took over the administration of gaming licenses, modernizing the regulatory approach and expanding the scope of activities covered. The Anjouan gambling license is now recognized as one of the fastest-growing options for iGaming operators seeking a legitimate framework without the high costs associated with tier-1 jurisdictions.
The license covers a wide range of gambling activities under a single authorization:
● Online casinos (slots, table games, live dealer)
● Sports betting (pre-match and live)
● Poker and bingo
● Lotteries and scratch cards
● Prediction markets
● Blockchain-based gaming platforms
● Cryptocurrency-enabled gaming operations
Operators choose the Anjouan license for several practical reasons that directly impact their launch timeline, operating costs, and market reach.
● International coverage. A single gaming license in Anjouan grants access to a broad global market. The jurisdiction's geographic position also provides a strategic advantage for operators targeting African and Asian markets, which are among the fastest-growing regions in online gambling.
● Low costs. The total first-year investment starts at approximately EUR 22,000 to 25,000, including company incorporation, license fees, and compliance costs. This is a fraction of what Malta (EUR 150,000 to 300,000+) or the Isle of Man (GBP 50,000 to 100,000+) requires, making it accessible to startups and small- to mid-size operators.
● Zero tax across all categories. Operators pay 0% gross gaming revenue tax, 0% VAT, 0% corporate income tax, and 0% capital gains tax. There is no withholding tax on international payments. This is the most favorable tax structure available among licensed gambling jurisdictions.
● Fast issuance speed. License approval typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, with the complete process (including company formation) requiring 4 to 8 weeks. This is dramatically faster than Malta (3-6 months) or Curacao (3-4 months), allowing operators to go live quickly. An Anjouan igaming license can be obtained in a timeframe that matches the pace of modern business.
● Cryptocurrency friendliness. The framework explicitly permits cryptocurrency-enabled gaming operations, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. While transaction monitoring is mandatory, the regulatory approach is accommodating toward digital asset integration rather than restrictive.
● High standards with lean operations. Despite the lower cost and faster processing, the regulatory framework requires AML/KYC procedures, RNG certification from accredited labs, player protection mechanisms, and quarterly compliance reporting. No physical office, local staff, or local director is required, enabling truly remote operations.
The Anjouan regulatory framework offers two license categories, each designed for a specific role within the gaming ecosystem. Operators should select the appropriate type based on whether they serve end users or provide services to other licensed operators. Both categories fall under the gambling license Anjouan framework.
● B2C Operator License. Issued to entities offering internet gaming services directly to consumers. This license authorizes the operation of gaming platforms across all permitted verticals, including casino, sports betting, poker, and lottery. It is the standard choice for operators who want a gambling license in Anjouan to run player-facing platforms—annual fee: EUR 17,000 (initial), EUR 13,300 (renewal).
● B2B Service Provider License. Issued to critical service suppliers providing platform software, gaming engines, payment solutions, or other technical services to licensed B2C operators. This category includes compliance and technical integrity obligations specific to the supplier's role, with an annual fee of EUR 9,500.
The application process requires demonstrating corporate legitimacy, financial capacity, and operational readiness. Below is a comprehensive list of the Anjouan gaming license requirements for prospective operators.
● Company Registration. Applicants must register a legal entity either in the Comoros (Anjouan) or another approved offshore jurisdiction such as Belize, Costa Rica, or the Marshall Islands. The company must have an official legal address within the chosen jurisdiction, which can be provided through a local registered agent—incorporation in Anjouan costs approximately EUR 3,000 -200.
● Due Diligence Check. All company directors and beneficial owners must pass a thorough background check. Required documents include a valid passport (certified copy), proof of residential address (utility bill dated within 90 days), police clearance certificate, CV/resume, and professional references from a banker and an accountant (both with a minimum of 2 years' relationship). Minimum age for key persons is 18, with no relevant criminal record in the past 3 years.
● Minimum share capital of USD 250,000. Note that this figure is cited in some regulatory sources but contradicted by others that list no large capital requirement. Applicants should confirm the current requirement directly with ALSI, as this may depend on the specific license type and business structure.
● The gaming platform must comply with fairness standards, including certified Random Number Generator (RNG) systems and data protection measures. A minimum of 10 to 20 certified games is typically acceptable for initial launch. Obtaining a gaming license in Anjouan requires third-party verification of game integrity.
● Independent software certification is required from accredited laboratories such as iTech Labs or eCOGRA. These certifications verify that games operate fairly and that payout percentages match published rates.
● Operators must implement AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures to verify players, monitor transactions, and report suspicious activity. Beneficial owner disclosure is mandatory.
● Cryptocurrencies are permitted for deposits and withdrawals, but transaction monitoring is mandatory. Operators must maintain systems capable of tracking and flagging unusual patterns in digital asset transactions.
The fee structure for an Anjouan gaming license is transparent and significantly lower than most comparable jurisdictions. Below is a breakdown of all major costs.
| Cost Category | Amount |
| License application / initial fee | EUR 17,000 |
| Initial due diligence and compliance | EUR 1,700 |
| Key Person Authorization (annual, per person) | EUR 2,000 |
| Additional domain (annual, per domain beyond initial 2) | EUR 500 |
| Complex structure additional fees | EUR 250 to 500 |
| Annual renewal fee (B2C) | EUR 13,300 |
| B2B Supplier annual fee | EUR 9,500 |
| Company incorporation (Anjouan) | EUR 3,000 to 3,200 |
| Corporate maintenance (annual) | EUR 2,500 to 5,000 |
| Total estimated first year | EUR 22,000 to 25,000 |
Gross gaming revenue tax is not required for operators who have obtained an Anjouan online gambling license. There is zero tax on gambling operations, including 0% GGR, 0% VAT, 0% corporate income tax, and 0% capital gains tax.
To help operators evaluate the Anjouan online gaming license against other options, here is a comparative overview across the most important decision factors.
| Anjouan | ||
| Emerging | Tier 1, gold standard | Tier 1, premium |
| EUR 22,000-25,000 | EUR 150,000-300,000+ | GBP 50,000-100,000+ |
| 0% | 5% | 0-1.5% |
| 0% | 5% effective | 0% |
| 2-4 weeks | 3-6+ months | 4-6 months |
| Emerging | Highest globally | Very high |
| None | Office + staff | Office + 2 directors |
| High | Low | Low-Moderate |
| Yes (explicitly) | Limited | Cautious |
The Anjouan gambling jurisdiction has established itself as one of the most accessible and cost-effective options for online gaming operators. With a first-year investment starting below EUR 25,000, zero taxation across all categories, processing times measured in weeks rather than months, and explicit support for cryptocurrency operations, it addresses many of the pain points operators face in more established jurisdictions. For businesses that need to launch quickly, minimize costs, and maintain legitimate regulatory standing, the Anjouan egaming license offers a balanced combination of affordability, speed, and compliance. Those looking at the Aregister and NJOUAN license should begin with company formation in an approved jurisdiction and prepare their compliance documentation in advance to take advantage of the fast processing timeline.
A company holding a gambling services license gains a strong market reputation, earns trust among players and business partners, and has the legal right to cooperate with other market participants. But the main advantage is clear: licensed online operators can legally conduct any operations and activities related to gambling, including accepting online bets.
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