Anjouan (Ndzuwani) in the Comoros is a practical gaming jurisdiction, built on the Computer Gaming Licensing Act 007 of 2005 and supervised by the Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board with AOFA oversight. A single Anjouan gambling license can cover B2C and B2B activities—online casino, sports betting, poker, bingo, eSports, live games, and game suppliers—so multiple verticals sit under one authorization. The regime is known for 0% GGR tax, 0% corporate income tax, and an IBC setup, though taxes may still apply in customer countries. The license is usually ok for international markets where offshore operators are allowed, but you must geo-block restricted jurisdictions such as the USA, UK, Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Comoros, and FATF-blacklisted states, and follow payment-processor rules. Typical timelines are 4-6 weeks to issue after due diligence; validity is 12 months with straightforward renewals. Note the governance nuance: ALSI and ACS both claim authorized roles, so confirm the active issuing channel and whether a local entity or office is required, as many applications are completed remotely.
Why Anjouan is the gaming jurisdiction everyone’s suddenly talking about
If you’ve been watching the iGaming licensing chessboard, you’ve noticed a new piece taking center stage: Anjouan. This small island in the Comoros has quietly modernized its framework and is now competing head‑to‑head with the usual suspects. Part of the momentum is timing—Curaçao’s overhaul nudged a lot of operators to look for a stable, affordable alternative. Anjouan answered with speed, clarity, and an operator‑friendly approach.
The pitch is simple: one license, broad online coverage, fast turnaround, and lean compliance overhead. For startups and scale‑ups, that’s not just convenient—it’s strategic. You get a credible gaming license in weeks, not quarters. You get clear rules without bureaucratic drift. And in a world where agility is advantage, that’s exactly what many teams need.
What the Anjouan gambling license actually covers
An Anjouan gambling license is designed for online activity. Think of it as a full‑stack permit for iGaming, wrapping casino, betting, poker, RNG‑based products, and even newer formats into one umbrella. You don’t keep stacking add‑ons every time you add a vertical; you iterate your product while keeping the same license in force.
Coverage is both B2C and B2B. Operators can legally offer games to players where permitted, while suppliers can service operators with platform tech, content, and managed services. In short, it’s a flexible license that suits product companies, platforms, and consumer brands.
B2C scope in practical terms
For B2C, the jurisdiction is ok for online casinos (slots, tables, live), sportsbooks (pre‑match, in‑play, virtuals), poker rooms, bingo/lotto, and provably fair or blockchain‑based mechanics. The important detail: your marketing and player access must respect local laws in target markets. The license gives you a lawful base in Anjouan, but it doesn’t override another country’s rules.
In day‑to‑day operations, this translates into robust GEO controls, clear T&Cs, a responsible gaming program, and a compliance function that signs off on campaigns, affiliates, and payments. Do that well, and you can scale internationally without tripping over the basics.
B2B scope for suppliers
For B2B, the license signals that your platform, RNG, wallet, or content meets baseline testing and compliance expectations set by the regulator. That reassurance matters when you pitch operators who need a clean vendor stack for their own audits and banking relationships.
Licensing as B2B in this jurisdiction is also a door‑opener for partnership programs, aggregator listings, and hosting in regulated data centers, because counterparties can diligence your status quickly.
Where an Anjouan license is ok to use (and where it isn’t)
This is the part most teams get wrong: “international” doesn’t mean “everywhere.” Anjouan allows you to operate online from its jurisdiction, but it expects you to respect blocking requirements for restricted or prohibited markets. As a rule of thumb, major tightly regulated countries either require a local license or simply don’t allow foreign operators.
Commonly restricted: the USA, UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Austria, Australia, the Comoros itself, and countries on FATF blacklists. If you plan to target any of these, you’ll need additional licensing or a completely different go‑to‑market plan. If you ignore this, payment processors and ad platforms will do the enforcement for you—often with account closures.
In practice, the Anjouan license is allowed for international expansion into “grey/white” markets that do not explicitly prohibit foreign operators and where a local license is not mandated. The compliance test is simple: geo‑block where you must, disclose your licensing clearly, and tailor your KYC/AML and responsible gaming standards to the risk level of the markets you actually serve.
Timelines, costs, and the no‑office myth
Speed is a headline benefit. If your documents are clean and your corporate structure is decided, the licensing leg usually runs 4–6 weeks, with some files wrapping in about 6–7 weeks and slower cases taking up to 2–3 months when clarifications are needed. The setup of your operating entity can be done in parallel in a few days, so you’re not waiting around to open accounts or sign vendor deals.
There’s also good news on logistics: you do not need a physical office in Anjouan, you don’t need a local director, and the entire process can run remotely. That keeps overheads lean and avoids substance requirements that don’t add commercial value to an online business. Pricing from reputable advisors tends to be transparent with an upfront breakdown—no one likes “surprise” extras when you’re budgeting for launch.
| Milestone | Typical timing (if docs ready) |
|---|---|
| Initial information intake | 30 minutes |
| Company formation (offshore/IBC) | 1–3 days |
| License assessment + submission | 1–2 weeks |
| Due diligence + queries | 2–4 weeks |
| License issuance | 4–6 weeks total (6–7 typical) |
Taxes and corporate structuring for operators
Anjouan is attractive on tax. There’s no tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR), no corporate income tax, and no VAT in the jurisdiction for licensed online activity. That’s real oxygen for early‑stage teams and a margin boost for established operators. Keep in mind, though, tax follows people and profits—if you build a team in another country or market aggressively there, local rules may create a taxable presence. Plan for that up front.
Most teams pair the license with an international business company (IBC) and keep accounts with payment providers that understand the sector. Banking and EMI onboarding still hinges on clean KYC, a transparent ownership chart, and a sensible business plan. If you need stronger operational substance for banking, you can add it where it actually helps (finance, risk, customer support), not just to satisfy a residency checkbox in the licensing jurisdiction.
The application playbook, step by step
You don’t need to drown in paperwork to do this right. You do need to be organized and responsive. A clean file moves quickly.
- Corporate setup: form the holding/operating entity that will hold the license.
- Identity and integrity: notarized passports, proof of address (under 3 months), clean criminal records, solid CVs, and bank/professional references (ideally 2+ years).
- Source of funds: a clear declaration that matches bank history and capital needs.
- Product pack: business plan (3‑year projections), verticals, markets, tech stack, vendor contracts, RNG or testing where applicable.
- Compliance suite: AML/CFT, KYC, responsible gaming, privacy/security, T&Cs, complaints/ADR, and appointment of a compliance officer.
- Domains and infrastructure: domain ownership proofs, hosting details, and security controls.
Submit, respond fast to regulator questions, and lock in your GEO policy before go‑live. That last point often saves you headaches with PSPs.
Compliance that regulators look for
Regulators don’t want perfect; they want credible, consistent, and enforceable. Show that your program is real, not a PDF no one reads.
The AML/KYC stack should align with risk‑based standards: tiered verification, sanctions screening, PEP checks where applicable, and behavioral triggers for enhanced due diligence. Fraud controls belong in both onboarding and payments. For responsible gambling, spell out limits, time‑outs, self‑exclusion, and meaningful interactions—not copy‑paste boilerplate.
People and company checks
Founders and directors must be over 18, not on sanctions lists, free of serious criminal history, and able to show a clean professional record. If someone’s background doesn’t pass, expect a rejection. Don’t bury the lede—disclose issues and explain them. Transparency builds trust, and in this jurisdiction, responsiveness goes a long way.
Platform and policy readiness
Your platform needs documented RNG integrity (if applicable), game fairness attestations, and data protection aligned with modern standards. Publish player‑facing T&Cs that match what you sent the regulator. If you alter products or add new providers, keep change logs and updated agreements. Compliance is ongoing, not a pre‑license sprint.
Renewal, ongoing obligations, and common pitfalls
Renewal is straightforward. Expect a short renewal application and an annual fee, typically completed within about a month if your operation is stable and compliant. Use renewal season to refresh policies, test your self‑exclusion lists, and re‑brief affiliates on restricted market claims.
The fastest way to get in trouble is marketing into prohibited jurisdictions or accepting players where you promised to geo‑block. Right behind that: running promos that don’t match your T&Cs, or neglecting affordability and source‑of‑funds checks on high‑risk cohorts. And yes, operating without a valid gaming license is a hard “no”—think fines, legal action, platform shutdowns, and blacklisting by payment providers.
How Anjouan stacks up vs Curaçao and Malta in 2025
Curaçao is still popular, but its recent framework changes added steps and cost. Malta remains the gold standard for deep EU access and Tier‑1 partnerships, but it’s slower and more expensive, with heavier ongoing oversight. Anjouan sits in a sweet spot: faster, cheaper, and broad enough for international growth if you respect restricted markets.
If your playbook is “launch fast, validate unit economics, then add local licenses where ROI justifies,” Anjouan is a logical first license. If your immediate goal is the UK, Spain, or Germany, you’ll still need those domestic licenses regardless—and you should plan for them on a separate track.
Practical launch strategy with Anjouan
Here’s the candid field guide I give founders: start with an Anjouan license for speed to market, build a compliance muscle that’s actually used in product decisions, and let data tell you which countries deserve a local license investment. Don’t chase every shiny market—prioritize where you can be both compliant and profitable.
Keep vendors close. Choose PSPs and aggregators comfortable with the jurisdiction, lock your GEO rules early, and train support and affiliates on “what’s allowed and what isn’t” in plain language. With that discipline, an Anjouan license becomes more than paperwork—it becomes your springboard to a sustainable international gaming business.
| Jurisdiction or market | Status with only an Anjouan gambling license | Can you legally offer gaming to residents with only this license? | Advertising and PSP reality in practice | Recommended actions for compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Prohibited | No | Card acquirers and banks reject. Aggressive enforcement. | GEO‑block entirely. Do not market in the US. Obtain state licenses if targeting any state. |
| United Kingdom | Prohibited | No | Ads blocked; PSPs require UKGC. | GEO‑block. Obtain a UKGC license to operate in this jurisdiction. |
| Australia | Prohibited | No | IGA enforcement; PSPs deny. | GEO‑block. Do not target. |
| Austria | Prohibited | No | Monopolistic features; blocks common. | GEO‑block. Avoid marketing. |
| France | Prohibited | No | ANJ enforcement; payment and ad blocking. | GEO‑block. Local license required to operate. |
| Germany | Prohibited | No | GlüStV regime; strict PSP and ad controls. | GEO‑block. Apply for German license if targeting. |
| Netherlands | Prohibited | No | KSA enforcement; heavy fines and blocks. | GEO‑block. Local license needed. |
| Spain | Prohibited | No | DGOJ rules; PSPs and ad channels closed to offshore. | GEO‑block. Obtain local license. |
| Comoros (including Anjouan) | Prohibited | No | Local residents excluded. | Block Comoros IPs in full. |
| Italy | Restricted (local license required) | No | PSPs require ADM license; ad limits. | GEO‑block or obtain Italian license. |
| Sweden | Restricted (local license required) | No | Bank/PSP forbid unlicensed operators; ad restrictions. | GEO‑block or get Swedish license. |
| Denmark | Restricted (local license required) | No | Strong enforcement; PSPs compliant. | GEO‑block or obtain Danish license. |
| Romania | Restricted (local license required) | No | ONJN blacklists; PSPs block. | GEO‑block or license locally. |
| Greece | Restricted (local license required) | No | HGC rules; PSP friction. | GEO‑block or license locally. |
| Norway | Restricted (monopoly) | No | Payment blocking orders active. | GEO‑block. Avoid marketing. |
| Finland | Restricted (transitioning) | No (monopoly in force until reforms) | PSP blocking; ad limits. | GEO‑block; reassess post‑reform. |
| Belgium | Restricted (local license required) | No | Site blocking and fines; PSPs strict. | GEO‑block or partner/license. |
| Portugal | Restricted (local license required) | No | PSP and ad restrictions. | GEO‑block or obtain SRIJ license. |
| Switzerland | Restricted (local license required) | No | DNS blocking; PSPs reject. | GEO‑block. Local partner/license needed. |
| Ireland | Restricted (local license required for betting; gaming evolving) | No for casino; betting needs license | PSPs ask for Irish authorization. | GEO‑block casino; license for betting if targeting. |
| Cyprus | Restricted (local license required) | No | PSPs require local approval. | GEO‑block or license locally. |
| Poland | Restricted (local license required) | No | DNS and PSP blocking. | GEO‑block or license locally. |
| Czech Republic | Restricted (local license required) | No | PSPs comply with blocks. | GEO‑block or license locally. |
| Malta | Restricted (local license required to target residents) | No | PSPs expect MGA for local market. | GEO‑block Malta or get MGA if targeting Malta. |
| Turkey | Prohibited | No | Strong enforcement, payment blocks. | GEO‑block. Do not market. |
| Russia | Prohibited | No | Extensive blocking; sanctions risk. | GEO‑block entirely. |
| Ukraine | Restricted (local license required) | No | Active enforcement; PSP scrutiny. | GEO‑block or license locally. |
| Kazakhstan | Restricted (local license required) | No | PSP limitations; domain blocks. | GEO‑block or obtain local license. |
| Georgia | Restricted (local license required) | No | Advertising and PSP controls. | GEO‑block or license locally. |
| Armenia | Restricted (local license required) | No | PSPs prefer local authorization. | GEO‑block or license locally. |
| Azerbaijan | Prohibited | No | Enforcement present. | GEO‑block. |
| Israel | Prohibited | No | Payment and ad restrictions. | GEO‑block. |
| United Arab Emirates | Prohibited | No | Strict prohibition; PSP blocks. | GEO‑block. |
| Saudi Arabia | Prohibited | No | Absolute ban; financial blocking. | GEO‑block. |
| Qatar | Prohibited | No | Ban enforced; PSPs reject. | GEO‑block. |
| Kuwait | Prohibited | No | Prohibited; PSP blocking. | GEO‑block. |
| Bahrain | Prohibited | No | Prohibited activity. | GEO‑block. |
| Oman | Prohibited | No | Prohibited activity. | GEO‑block. |
| Jordan | Prohibited | No | Prohibited; enforcement risk. | GEO‑block. |
| Egypt | Prohibited (practical blocks) | No | Payment/ad limitations. | GEO‑block. |
| Morocco | Prohibited (state monopoly) | No | Blocks likely; PSP friction. | GEO‑block. |
| South Africa | Restricted (sports betting only with local license; casino online banned) | No for casino; betting needs local license | PSPs restrict casino; betting PSPs require license. | GEO‑block casino; license for betting if targeting SA. |
| Nigeria | Restricted (local license required) | No | PSPs ask for NLRC/state approvals. | GEO‑block or obtain licenses (federal/state). |
| Kenya | Restricted (local license required) | No | BCLB enforcement; PSPs strict. | GEO‑block or license locally. |
| Ghana | Restricted (local license required) | No | Gaming Commission oversight; PSPs comply. | GEO‑block or license locally. |
| Tanzania | Restricted (local license required) | No | Regulated; PSPs require license. | GEO‑block or license locally. |
| Uganda | Restricted (local license required) | No | NGB control; PSPs strict. | GEO‑block or license locally. |
| Brazil | Restricted (licensing framework rolling out) | No until licensed | Ads/payments increasingly restricted. | GEO‑block or obtain Brazilian authorization when available. |
| Colombia | Restricted (local license required) | No | Coljuegos blocks/PSPs enforce. | GEO‑block or license locally. |
| Peru | Restricted (licensing active) | No until licensed | Transition rules; PSPs align with local law. | GEO‑block or secure Peruvian license. |
| Mexico | Restricted (local permit required) | No | Operate via SEGOB permit holders; PSPs verify. | Partner with local permit holder or GEO‑block. |
| Argentina | Restricted (provincial licenses) | No | Province‑level enforcement; PSPs check permits. | GEO‑block or license per province (e.g., BA City/Province). |
| Chile | Prohibited (transitioning) | No | Current bans and blocks. | GEO‑block; monitor reforms. |
| Uruguay | Prohibited | No | Government blocking. | GEO‑block. |
| Paraguay | Restricted (local authorization) | No | PSPs cautious. | GEO‑block or license locally. |
| Ecuador | Prohibited | No | Ban in place. | GEO‑block. |
| Canada (Ontario) | Restricted (local license required) | No | AGCO/IGO regime; PSPs enforce. | GEO‑block Ontario or obtain AGCO registration. |
| Canada (rest of provinces) | Gray/limited | Generally not OK to target; offshore access exists but ads restricted | PSP appetite varies; avoid local ads. | Do not target or advertise. Use clear T&Cs and block provinces that object. |
| New Zealand | Gray (offshore access; advertising banned) | Not OK to market; residents can access offshore | PSPs mixed; ad channels closed. | Do not advertise. Offer service passively or GEO‑block to reduce risk. |
| Philippines | Restricted (local/POGO license needed) | No to target locals with Anjouan license only | PSPs require PAGCOR/CEZA for POGO/locally. | GEO‑block Philippines or obtain PAGCOR authorization. |
| India | Gray/patchwork | No broad “OK”; many states ban; skill-only carve‑outs | PSPs and ads vary; high scrutiny. | GEO‑block banned states; limit to skill where lawful; seek local counsel. |
| Japan | Prohibited (casino/gambling) | No | PSPs deny; ad risks high. | GEO‑block. |
| South Korea | Prohibited | No | Tight enforcement; PSPs reject. | GEO‑block. |
| Taiwan | Prohibited | No | Enforcement present. | GEO‑block. |
| Thailand | Prohibited | No | Strong bans; PSPs block. | GEO‑block. |
| Vietnam | Prohibited for locals (limited pilots) | No | PSPs restrict; ad risks. | GEO‑block. |
| Indonesia | Prohibited | No | Strict enforcement and blocking. | GEO‑block. |
| Malaysia | Prohibited (exceptions for special licenses) | No | PSPs restrict; ad risks. | GEO‑block. |
| Singapore | Prohibited (exempt operators only) | No | PSPs reject; ads banned. | GEO‑block. |
| Hong Kong | Prohibited (monopoly) | No | Payment blocking. | GEO‑block. |
| Macau | Restricted (concessions only) | No | Land‑based focus; online barred. | GEO‑block. |
| Rest of world not listed above | Often OK for cross‑border access if no explicit ban, but confirm locally | Sometimes, if the jurisdiction does not require a local gaming license | PSP appetite depends on risk; avoid local advertising until confirmed | Run a legal check, apply robust GEO/IP blocks, clear T&Cs, and comply with AML/KYC. |
| Key facts about the Anjouan gaming license (for jurisdiction planning) | Details |
|---|---|
| Single license scope | One license can cover B2C or B2B for casino, betting, poker, bingo, lotto, live dealer, RNG, provably fair, and blockchain‑based gambling content. |
| Market reach claim | Marketed as international coverage; however, operators must follow each target jurisdiction’s law. Many markets above are not allowed or need a local license. |
| Known blocked/”do not target” jurisdictions | USA, Australia, Austria, Comoros, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, UK (must be GEO‑blocked). |
| Time to license | Commonly 4–6 weeks; some providers cite 3–7 weeks; faster cases 10–15 business days once documents are complete. |
| Physical presence in Anjouan | Not required; process can be fully remote; no local director required. |
| Taxes in Anjouan | 0% GGR, no corporate income tax, no VAT in the jurisdiction; tax may still arise where you operate or have nexus. |
| Renewal | Annual renewal; typically straightforward if ongoing compliance is maintained. |
| Core compliance for global use | KYC/AML/CFT, responsible gaming, fair play/RNG, clear T&Cs, GEO‑blocking of prohibited jurisdictions, complaint handling, and data protection. |
| Payments and banking | PSP acceptance improves with clean GEO policy, strong compliance, and transparent UBOs; many PSPs still require market‑specific licenses when you target a jurisdiction. |
| Hosting and domains | Use reputable hosting, maintain logs for GEO‑blocks, and avoid ccTLDs tied to restricted markets. |
| Advertising | Do not advertise in any jurisdiction where an Anjouan license is not sufficient or where gambling is banned. Use market‑neutral messaging until legal clearance is obtained. |