Anjouan’s gaming license is administered by Anjouan Licensing Services Inc., the official representative of the AOFA and the Anjouan Gaming Board, and it is a single, all‑inclusive authorization for both B2C operators and B2B suppliers across casino, sports betting, poker, lotteries, and blockchain titles. The application process is straightforward: form an Anjouan IBC, compile clean KYC for all principals, a three‑year business plan, and core AML/KYC/Responsible Gaming policies, and document your platform and game providers. Most applications can be completed fully remotely with no need for a local office or resident director, and typical timelines run 4–8 weeks, with 1–1.5 months achievable when documents are complete and responses are fast. Regulators run fit‑and‑proper checks, verify source of funds, and review technical and security controls before issuing the license. The jurisdiction promotes a tax‑neutral profile for international operations (no GGR, corporate income tax, or VAT under the Anjouan model), but taxes and local rules in target countries still apply. Operators must also geoblock restricted markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Austria, Comoros, and FATF‑blacklisted countries.
Why Anjouan is attracting iGaming operators
If you’re mapping out a new online casino, sportsbook, or poker room, time and certainty are your best friends. Anjouan has built a reputation for both. The island’s regulatory framework for internet gaming is lean, predictable, and geared toward international operators who want to move from idea to go-live without wrestling a maze of bureaucracy. You get a clear rulebook, an approachable regulator, and a licensing pathway that does not punish you for building efficiently.
Cost also matters. Compared with heavyweight European hubs, Anjouan’s overall spend—formation, legal, license fees, and ongoing compliance—tends to come in lower, while still giving you a credible, recognized license. That combination is why you’ll see startups, scale-ups, and even seasoned brands running B2C platforms and B2B supply under the Anjouan umbrella.
The types of licenses and who they fit
Anjouan accommodates both operators and suppliers. That sounds simple, but it’s strategic: the framework supports full-service platforms that face players, as well as businesses that build the plumbing behind them—platforms, RNGs, live studios, and risk engines.
A single authorization can cover a broad suite of verticals. That includes casino, sports betting, poker, lotteries, and newer formats like crash games and blockchain-backed titles, provided your risk controls and player protections match the activity.
B2C operations
For B2C projects, the license is your permission slip to accept registrations and wagers from allowed markets. The regulator will look for clear terms and conditions, a live responsible gaming program, workable KYC flows, and technology that can actually enforce your policies. If you plan to aggregate third-party content, have those vendor agreements ready; if you’re using proprietary RNG, keep your certification evidence at hand.
The benefit is credibility with payment partners and affiliates. Many PSPs and ad networks are comfortable onboarding anjouan-licensed operators when the compliance stack is sound and restricted markets are blocked correctly.
B2B suppliers
If you’re a platform, games studio, odds service, or payments facilitator in the iGaming value chain, the B2B route signals that your product and processes meet a tested standard. Expect to present testing certificates, a change-management policy for code releases, uptime and incident logs, and your AML/CFT approach for enterprise clients. The right B2B license helps you sign enterprise contracts faster and pass client audits with fewer headaches.
The Anjouan gaming license application process, step by step
The process is orderly and documented. If you prepare well, you minimize back-and-forth and win time.
Before you start, remember that rules can evolve. Some steps vary depending on your business model, banking footprint, and the regulator’s current guidance. Always confirm the latest checklist and fees directly or through a competent advisor.
Pre-application strategy and scoping
Start with scope. Define what you’ll offer, where you’ll operate, and how you’ll onboard and pay players. That goes into a short, punchy business plan with 36-month projections. It doesn’t need to be a novel, but it must be coherent—products, markets, tech, people, and money.
Map target geographies and carve out restricted ones. If you intend to block the United States, the United Kingdom, EU states with monopoly rules, or FATF-blacklisted countries, state it clearly and describe your GEO-IP and payment filters. Regulators notice when an applicant knows its risk limits.
Corporate setup and structuring
Most applicants use an International Business Company (IBC) aligned with Anjouan’s framework. In many cases, you can complete formation remotely. There is usually no need to appoint a resident director or maintain a physical office for gaming purposes, but confirm current requirements at the time you apply because rules can change and certain banking partners may still ask for local elements.
Think ahead on tax. An IBC structure can be tax-neutral for non-Comoros income, but your ultimate liability is driven by where management sits, where your servers run, and your shareholders’ residence. If your home country has CFC rules or management-and-control tests, plan substance accordingly.
Compliance documentation you will need
The regulator will vet the people behind the business and the mechanics of how you’ll operate. Expect to prepare personal and corporate files that demonstrate fitness and proper governance.
For individuals, you’ll compile proof of identity, proof of address, a clean criminal record, CVs highlighting relevant experience, and source-of-funds declarations. For the company, you’ll provide formation documents, a short business plan, AML/CFT and KYC policies, responsible gaming measures, T&Cs, game/software descriptions, and proof that you own your domain.
Submission, due diligence, and regulator questions
Once filed, the authority runs due diligence. They verify identity, cross-check sanctions lists, assess your plan, and may ask for clarifications. Well-prepared applications often move swiftly; incomplete ones stall. Respond to queries in days, not weeks, and keep answers consistent with your original submission.
If you rely on third-party suppliers—platforms, live dealers, risk tools—submit those contracts or LOIs. If you operate proprietary tech, provide your RNG certification or testing evidence and your release process. Transparency here buys you time later.
Technical readiness and soft-launch testing
While the application is in motion, build your environment. Configure KYC tiers, deposit and withdrawal controls, dispute handling, and self-exclusion features. Set up GEO-IP, VPN detection, device fingerprinting, and payment blocks for prohibited territories. Document how you monitor alerts and who signs off exceptions.
A short soft-launch plan helps. Outline test accounts, RNG seed checks, pricing sanity checks for sportsbooks, uptime targets, and incident response. Show the regulator you can run a fair and resilient platform on day one.
Approval, conditions, and go-live
Approvals may include conditions—finalizing a PSP, adding a compliance officer, or updating a policy clause. Clear them fast. When the license is issued, align your homepage footer, legal pages, and responsible gaming links with the license display requirements. Update your affiliate materials and notify PSPs that you are live. Keep a log of the exact build and policies in force at go-live; it’s invaluable for later audits.
What documents to prepare and how to get them right
Strong documentation is your fast track. Authorities don’t want perfect prose; they want documents that are authentic, recent, and consistent. Date everything, use the same spellings and addresses across files, and certify copies where required.
If a document is not in English, have it translated by a qualified translator and, when requested, notarized or apostilled. Keep the paper trail tidy—versioned PDFs in a secure folder with a clear naming convention will save you hours when the first follow-up arrives.
| Document | Practical purpose |
|---|---|
| Certified passport copy | Confirms identity and citizenship of controllers |
| Proof of address (3 months) | Confirms residence for due diligence and KYC |
| Police clearance | Demonstrates clean criminal record |
| Bank or professional reference | Shows track record and banking relationship |
| CV/resume | Evidence of gaming or risk-management experience |
| Source of funds statement | Legitimacy of capital and project financing |
| Business plan (36 months) | Products, markets, team, and financial runway |
| AML/CFT and KYC policies | How you prevent misuse and verify players |
| Responsible gaming policy | Player protection, limits, and self-exclusion |
| RNG/test certificates | Fairness of proprietary games or engines |
| Supplier agreements | Legitimacy of third-party content and platforms |
| Domain ownership proof | Control over the website that faces players |
Timelines, fees, and realistic budgeting
Timelines vary with preparedness. A well-assembled application can often pass within 4–8 weeks from submission. Some providers report faster outcomes when every document is perfect and the business model is straightforward. Others take longer where there are complex ownership chains, new crypto flows, or additional checks. Plan for contingency and avoid promising investors a launch date you can’t keep.
Budget beyond the headline fee. You will incur corporate formation, legal drafting, license application and issuance fees, annual renewals, policy updates, testing or certification costs, and technology expenses for KYC, anti-fraud, and geo-blocking. PSP onboarding and chargeback reserves can also consume cash early. Good operators hold at least six months of operating runway before expecting steady revenue.
Restricted markets, AML/CFT, and responsible gaming
A credible program starts with honest geo-targeting. Block restricted countries in your application and your production stack. Typical no-go zones include the United States, the United Kingdom, certain EU states, and jurisdictions on sanctions or FATF blacklists. Use GEO-IP, velocity rules, and payment BIN filters to enforce it—and routinely test your blocks.
Your AML/CFT playbook should match your risk. Define player risk tiers, set document triggers, and monitor deposits, velocity, chargebacks, and unusual gameplay. Train staff on red flags and document how you file suspicious activity reports where applicable. On the player-protection side, make deposit and loss limits easy to set, publish clear T&Cs, and implement a clean self-exclusion path with enforced cooling-off periods.
Banking, payments, and tax positioning
Banking for gaming is all about fit. Present your license, compliance stack, and markets to PSPs who understand iGaming risk. Expect to mix methods: cards, instant bank transfers, local wallets, and—if aligned with your policy—crypto rails with on/off ramps tied to robust blockchain analytics. Keep reconciliation tight; payment reporting is the first thing partners use to gauge your professionalism.
On tax, Anjouan’s framework can offer a tax-neutral platform for non-local income, which is attractive. But your real bill depends on management-and-control tests, CFC rules, and where you or your shareholders reside. Keep minutes, board calendars, and operating logs aligned with your chosen substance model, and take local tax advice in any country where you have executives, servers, or marketing teams.
Renewals, changes of control, and ongoing obligations
The license is not a “set it and forget it” artifact. Budget for annual renewal fees and expect to refresh key documents on a cycle—policies, certificates, and, when applicable, management disclosures. If your ownership changes, directors rotate, or you add high-risk products, notify the regulator promptly and submit any required approvals before making changes live.
Maintain a compliance calendar. Include policy reviews, staff training, penetration testing, vendor audits, and disaster-recovery drills. Keep a tidy incident register and close findings with corrective actions. This kind of discipline is what keeps renewals smooth and your reputation strong with PSPs and partners.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
The fastest way to slow an application is inconsistent paperwork. If your address differs across your passport, bank statement, and utility bill, you’ve just bought yourself a week of follow-up. Match details across every file before you submit.
Another trap is vague market strategy. “We serve the world” is not a plan. List allowed and blocked countries, describe your controls, and explain how affiliates and PSPs are briefed. Finally, do not wait on payments. Negotiate with at least two PSPs early, set realistic fraud thresholds, and prepare for reserves. Cash flow and chargeback leakage can sink a young platform faster than any compliance issue.
Quick comparison with other popular jurisdictions
Anjouan competes well on speed and cost. Malta and the Isle of Man offer deep banking networks and prestige, but expect longer timelines, higher fees, and heavier auditing. Curaçao has historically been quick, and it is now modernizing its framework; that will likely mean stronger oversight and, in turn, higher ongoing effort.
Your decision is not purely about the label on the license. It’s about where your players live, which PSPs you want, how much governance you can carry, and the kind of investor story you are telling. Many teams start in Anjouan to validate their product, then layer additional approvals as they scale into regulated local markets.
FAQ in plain English
How long does the application process take? If your documents are complete and your structure is simple, many applications clear in 4–8 weeks. Complex ownership, crypto flows, or missing files can extend that.
Do I need a physical office or local directors? Applications are often completed remotely and do not require a physical office or local directors. That said, confirm the current rule set and be mindful that some banks or PSPs may ask for additional substance.
What activities can a single license cover? Typically, casino, sports betting, poker, lotteries, and similar online products can fall under one authorization, as long as controls are matched to the risk.
Can I target any country once licensed? No. You must respect national laws. Block restricted markets and comply with sanctions and FATF guidance. Regulators expect you to evidence geo-blocking and payment filters in production.
What happens at renewal? You pay the renewal fee and confirm ongoing compliance. If your structure or product line changed, expect to update your files. Timely, clean renewals keep payment partners comfortable.
What about taxes? The local framework can be tax-neutral for non-local income, but your home-country rules prevail. Get tax advice on CFC, management-and-control, and personal residency before you launch.
What does the regulator care about most? Clean people, clean money, and fair play. That means fit-and-proper owners, transparent source of funds, workable AML/KYC, player protection, tested RNG, and truthful market targeting.
| Area | What it means for your Anjouan gaming license | Required documents and actions | Typical timeline | Notes and tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulator and structure | Licenses are administered by Anjouan Licensing Services Inc., the exclusive authority acting for the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority (AOFA) and the Anjouan Gaming Board. | Engage the official platform or a reputable licensing advisor. Confirm scope (B2C or B2B) before you start. | Initial response usually same day; onboarding within days. | The authority promotes a modern, streamlined application process with transparent handling. |
| License model (B2C/B2B) | Single all‑inclusive internet gaming license with B2C and B2B variants. | Choose B2C (operators facing players) or B2B (platforms, content, and key suppliers). | Decision at pre‑application. | One license can cover multiple verticals under the same entity. |
| Covered activities | Online casino, sports betting (incl. live/virtual), poker, lotteries, live dealer, skill and RNG games, and blockchain‑based games. | List all verticals in your application and business plan. Add supplier agreements or testing for each. | Included in main review. | Add new verticals later by notifying the regulator and updating documentation. |
| Jurisdiction advantages | Fast, cost‑effective, and globally recognized. Efficient application process. | Prepare a complete file to benefit from speed. | End‑to‑end often 4–6 weeks; some cases 6–7 weeks; conservative plan 2–3 months. | Lower total cost than Malta/Isle of Man; designed to reduce red tape. |
| Eligibility (fit and proper) | Shareholders, directors, UBOs must be suitable and financially sound. | Age 18+, clean criminal record, not on sanctions lists, good reputation, declared source of funds. Bank relationship history (often 2+ years). Professional reference (lawyer or accountant). | Due diligence runs in parallel with file review. | Any adverse finding or incomplete KYC can delay or derail the application. |
| Corporate setup | Typically an Anjouan International Business Company (IBC) holds the license. | Incorporate IBC, draft Memorandum & Articles, appoint directors, disclose UBOs. | Company formation 1–3 days (with a prepared file). | No resident director or physical office is generally required for licensing. Some advisors still suggest local presence for banking or operations. |
| Taxes | No tax on gross gaming revenue, no corporate income tax, and no VAT in Anjouan for IBC income earned outside Comoros. | Keep tax advice aligned with where management or customers are located. | Ongoing. | You may still have tax obligations in other countries. Plan cross‑border taxes early. |
| Restricted and prohibited markets | You must block certain countries and respect local laws in target markets. | GEO‑IP blocks and controls for jurisdictions such as Australia, Austria, Comoros, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, the UK, the USA, and FATF‑blacklisted countries. | Configure blocks before go‑live. | Market access is international but not universal. Always check each country’s rules. |
| Core documentation (people) | Personal KYC for all controllers and owners. | Notarized passport copy, recent proof of address (≤3 months), bank statement showing relationship (often 2+ years), professional reference, CV, criminal record/police report, source‑of‑funds declaration. | Collect in 1–2 weeks with good preparation. | Ensure English translations and notarizations where needed. |
| Core documentation (company) | Corporate identity and structure. | Certificate of incorporation, M&A, share registry, director/UBO registers, registered agent details. | Usually ready at or after incorporation. | Keep all corporate records consistent with the application. |
| Business plan | The backbone of your application. | 3‑year financials, products, target markets, marketing plan, risk framework, staffing, technology stack, vendors, and roadmap. | Draft 1–2 weeks; refine during submission. | Clear, realistic assumptions speed up review. |
| Compliance policies | Required policies to show controls and player protection. | AML/CFT policy, KYC/Onboarding policy, Responsible Gaming policy, Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Complaints/ADR, Risk and Sanctions screening procedures. | Drafting 1–2 weeks; finalize before submission. | Appoint a Compliance Officer and name them in the file. |
| Technical and security | Demonstrate a secure, fair, and reliable platform. | SSL/TLS, secure hosting, DDoS protection, anti‑fraud, access controls, audit logs, backups, and incident response. Player fund safeguards and payment security. | Implement during application. | Keep evidence: architecture diagrams, security summaries, vendor SLAs. |
| Games and software | Prove fair play and licensed supply chain. | Game descriptions, supplier agreements, RNG certification for proprietary games, version control, change management. | Parallel to due diligence. | Use reputable, certified providers where possible to reduce review friction. |
| Website and domains | You must control the brand and domains. | Proof of domain ownership, display of license details, age gates, restricted market notices, clear T&Cs and RG tools. | Before pre‑approval. | Prepare staging access for the regulator if requested. |
| Application steps | The end‑to‑end process for an anjouan gaming license application. | 1) Scope and pre‑check 2) Incorporate IBC 3) Compile forms and pack 4) Submit and pay application fee 5) Due diligence and clarifications 6) Configure platform, GEO‑IP, and policies 7) Approval in principle 8) Pay license fee and issue 9) Go‑live and monitor. | 4–6 weeks typical; plan 2–3 months as a buffer. | A complete pack often avoids second‑round questions and saves weeks. |
| Fees and costs (categories) | Expect government, corporate, and compliance costs. | Government application and license fees, due diligence fees per person, IBC setup and annual renewal, registered agent, policy drafting, testing/certification, hosting, compliance officer, GEO‑IP/AML tools, PSP onboarding, legal/consulting. | Varies by size and complexity. | Total cost is typically far below top‑tier EU regulators. Ask for a full breakdown. |
| Due diligence and background checks | The regulator validates who you are and how you operate. | Respond quickly to information requests. Provide bank and professional references, financial statements, and proof of funds. | Often 2–4 weeks within the overall process. | Keep all names and addresses consistent across documents to avoid rework. |
| Banking and payments | The license supports PSP onboarding but is not a guarantee. | Prepare a PSP KYC pack, risk policies, chargeback controls, and fraud monitoring tools. Consider multiple PSPs and crypto options. | PSP onboarding 2–6 weeks, in parallel. | Start PSP talks early; each provider has its own risk rules. |
| Data protection | Align privacy with your target markets. | Privacy Policy, data mapping, GDPR compliance if you target or process EU data, security measures, retention rules. | Draft with policies. | Collect only what you need; secure storage reduces risk and queries. |
| Responsible gaming and player safety | Show you protect players and act fairly. | Age verification, self‑exclusion, deposit and loss limits, reality checks, clear bonus rules, complaint handling. | Implement before launch. | Document processes and train support staff. |
| GEO/IP and market access controls | Compliance by design. | IP blocking, device and BIN filters, country‑based payment controls, restricted list updates. | Configure pre‑approval. | Test your blocks regularly and log decisions. |
| Ongoing obligations | Keep the license in good standing. | Maintain AML/KYC and sanctions screening, monitor transactions, keep records, notify regulator of material changes, supplier oversight, publish up‑to‑date T&Cs. | Continuous; reporting as requested. | Treat compliance as an always‑on function, not a one‑time task. |
| Renewal | Annual renewal with continued compliance. | Renewal request and fee, confirmation of unchanged structure or updated documents, compliance attestations. | Commonly completed within about 1 month. | Calendar the renewal 60 days in advance to avoid lapses. |
| Timelines at a glance | Realistic expectations for planning. | With a clean, complete file: company 1–3 days; license 4–6 weeks; allow 6–7 weeks in many cases; outer bound 2–3 months. | See left. | “Days” approvals happen only when everything is perfect; plan prudent buffers. |
| Common pitfalls | Issues that slow or block the application. | Incomplete KYC, weak business plan, missing policies, no RNG evidence, unclear source of funds, claiming access to restricted markets, no PSP strategy. | Avoid with a pre‑submission audit. | A single missing document can add weeks; use a checklist. |
| Who this suits | Operators and suppliers wanting speed and reach. | Startups, established operators expanding, B2B platforms/content, crypto‑friendly projects with strong AML controls. | N/A | If migrating, plan data and player wallet migration under change control. |
| What it does not grant | Limits of the license. | Not a pass for locally regulated markets (e.g., UK) that require their own license; not for land‑based gambling. | N/A | You must follow advertising and consumer rules in each target country. |
| Submission channel | Where to start the application process. | Apply through Anjouan Licensing Services Inc.’s platform or work via an experienced advisor who interfaces with the authority. | Intake within hours to days. | One modern application interface; clear pricing and staged milestones are common. |
| Go‑live checklist | Final steps before launch. | License certificate display, GEO blocks active, policies published, KYC flows tested, payment routes live, monitoring dashboards, incident response, support SLAs. | Final week before launch. | Run a soft launch with capped limits to validate real traffic and controls. |