This page walks you through Anjouan gaming license verification using the island’s official License Register. The register claims to be the sole authorized license administrator for Anjouan and lists current operators, with an example update dated 15 November 2025. Each entry shows the licensee name, license number, issue/expiration dates, status (active/suspended/revoked), authorized activities, and all Authorized URLs. Verify by searching the operator’s legal name or number, matching every brand domain to the Authorized URLs, and confirming the status and dates are current and the activities align with what the site offers. If anything is missing or inconsistent, use the verification email: they will confirm the company name, company and license number, date of issue, and whether the license is in good standing (no other details for data protection reasons). Given conflicting public claims about who issues/administers the license and regulatory criticisms (including the 2024 FATF report on Comoros and past Central Bank alerts), treat URL mismatches, status discrepancies, or country‑restriction violations as red flags.
Anjouan gaming license verification: what it really means right now
If you’ve seen a casino footer name‑dropping Anjouan, you’ve probably also seen a seal, a license number, and a promise of “global coverage.” Nice words. But verification is not a logo; it’s a process. In the Anjouan context, it means confirming that a specific legal entity holds a current license, for defined activities, on specific URLs, and that the license is in good standing under the island’s gaming authority.
Anjouan’s licensing ecosystem is unusual. You’ll encounter an official License Register that lists licensed gaming operators and their authorized URLs, alongside service providers that position themselves as the sole or exclusive license administrators. You’ll also run into critics pointing to national‑level doubts about the legal foundation of offshore regimes. In other words: there’s a register you can check, there are operators relying on it, and there’s noise you should filter with a clean, documented verification workflow.
The moving pieces you’ll see
- The License Register for Anjouan Gaming publishes licensee details: company name, license number, dates, status (active/suspended/revoked), authorized activities, and authorized URLs. If an operator claiming to be licensed is not on the register, they’re not in good standing. That’s your first and most important signal.
- Application and administration are often handled by named corporate agents that present themselves as the exclusive or official interface with the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority/Gaming Board. Practically, your verification still starts at the register and ends with evidence you can keep on file.
A practical, repeatable verification workflow
Treat verification like a mini audit. You want objective records you could show to a bank, a partner, a regulator, or a court. The steps below work for players, affiliates, B2B vendors, and payment teams.
Step 1: Start at the official license register
Search by the operator’s legal name or by license number as shown on the site’s footer or T&Cs. You should see a canonical entry with the fields you expect: licensee name, unique license number, issue/expiry dates or current status, authorized activities, and authorized URLs.
If you cannot match the legal name or number, stop there. A claim that cannot be reconciled with the register is not a valid license verification.
Step 2: Confirm the authorized URLs and the live domain
Authorized URLs in the register must match the domains the operator actually uses for real‑money play. If the register shows brand-a.com and the live site is brand-a.xyz, that’s a mismatch until the registry updates the list. Licensed operators can run multiple domains, but they must appear on the authorized list for full comfort.
Pro tip: capture the register page as a PDF with a timestamp and archive the live site footer, T&Cs, and “About” pages. Consistency is your friend.
Step 3: Cross‑check status, dates, and scope of activities
An entry that says “Active” (or “Valid”) is necessary but not sufficient. Make sure the scope covers what the operator actually offers—casino, sports betting, poker, live dealer, lotteries, etc. If a site is pushing sports betting but the register only lists casino, press pause and ask for clarification.
Dates matter. If the license appears newly issued, expect a clean compliance story. If it’s older, ask about renewals and any interim suspensions. Where available, review the “authorized activities” field closely—this is your map of what’s permitted.
Step 4: Get a direct confirmation from the authority
When stakes are higher—payment onboarding, B2B integration, affiliate master deals—send a short verification request to the register’s support channel and reference the license number, legal name, and URLs. Ask four yes/no questions: company name, license/number confirmation, issue/expiry dates, and whether the license is in good standing. Authorities typically confirm these basics and nothing beyond, citing data protection. Keep the reply on file with headers.
Step 5: Validate the company behind the site
A credible gaming license sits on a real legal entity. Request or find:
- Full legal name and jurisdiction of incorporation
- Company number and registered address
- Directors/shareholders (high‑level), or at least a compliance contact
Match that data to the register entry. Check the site’s terms for the contracting entity. If the site uses a trading name, the legal entity still needs to tie back to the licensee.
Red flags and common pitfalls
Fake seals happen. Cloned seals and badge images linking nowhere are a classic tell. Click the seal—if it doesn’t resolve to a license verification page with the same company name and license number, assume nothing.
Watch for URL drift. Operators launch new domains and forget to update the authorized list. That’s curable, but until the register shows the live domain, your verification is incomplete.
Mind the restricted markets. Many Anjouan license texts exclude offering services in jurisdictions like Australia, Austria, Comoros, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, the USA, and any FATF‑blacklisted country. If a site gleefully accepts players from those places, you’re staring at a compliance problem, licensed or not.
Silence in disputes is a signal. Repeated player reports of non‑payment, confiscations after deposits from “restricted” IPs, or no response from a purported regulator are all risk flags. One complaint is noise; a pattern is data.
Reconciling the controversy you’ve heard about
If you’ve read critiques, you know there’s debate about the legal footing of island‑level offshore regimes versus national‑level laws in the Union of the Comoros. Public sources point to national prohibitions on gambling and historic central bank warnings disavowing certain “offshore” licensing activities. At the same time, there is a living License Register and operators presenting Anjouan credentials in the market.
What to do with that? Take a risk‑based approach anchored in documentation. Verify the register entry. Confirm authorized URLs. Get a written confirmation. Keep evidence. And don’t treat any single island license—Anjouan or otherwise—as a passport to offer services everywhere. Local law still rules the customer’s country.
For operators: build your posture around substance
If you rely on an Anjouan license, pair it with:
- Clear geo‑blocking and a published restricted‑countries list aligned with your license terms.
- A visible and responsive complaints channel, plus responsible gaming tools.
- Payment and AML controls that meet mainstream standards, not minimums.
That’s how you de‑risk banking and partner conversations in a world that reads the headlines as well as the footers.
For players and affiliates: trust the paperwork, not the pitch
Verify the license, capture the evidence, test small withdrawals, and read the restricted countries list before you promote or play. If you can’t reconcile the license claim to the register and the URLs, walk away.
Geo‑restrictions, responsible gaming, and why “licensed” is not “universal”
An Anjouan license can permit a wide range of activities, but it never overrides local law. Many countries require their own approvals or bar foreign operators outright. A serious operator enforces those lines. If you see marketing into clearly restricted markets or KYC that looks optional, the compliance DNA is off.
Responsible gaming is also part of the verification story. Look for self‑exclusion, deposit limits, reality checks, and a named ADR or complaints process. Licenses live longer when player protection is real.
AML/CFT checks you should expect
Honest KYC is normal. Expect ID and source‑of‑funds requests for higher limits, screening for sanctioned jurisdictions, and transaction monitoring. If you never see a check, that’s not a perk; it’s a red flag.
Build an evidence file you can rely on
If a dispute arises, your best ally is the audit trail you built on day one. Save:
- PDF of the License Register entry with timestamp
- Screenshots of the site footer, T&Cs, and the “responsible gaming” page
- A copy of the license confirmation email from the authority
- Deposit/withdrawal records, chat transcripts, and any KYC notices
- For crypto, the transaction hashes and wallet addresses
With that file, a bank, payment processor, or mediation forum can act on facts, not vibes.
Quick answers to the questions I get most
Does a seal on a website equal verification? No. It’s marketing until you match the license number, legal name, and live URLs to the License Register and obtain a written confirmation for higher‑risk relationships.
Can an Anjouan license cover multiple brands or domains? Often yes, but only if those URLs are explicitly listed as authorized. If a brand is missing, ask the operator to update the register before you proceed.
What if the register says the license is “suspended” or the status is unclear? Treat it as not in good standing until you receive an official status update in writing. Risk doesn’t pause itself.
How do I handle conflicting information online about the Anjouan regime? You don’t have to solve the constitutional debate. Apply the same verification standard you’d use anywhere: official register entry, URL match, scope match, written confirmation, and robust geo/AML controls in practice.
Your take‑home verification checklist
- Find the operator in the Anjouan License Register and save the entry.
- Match legal name, license number, activities, and authorized URLs to the live site.
- Confirm status is active/valid and dates make sense.
- Get a direct written confirmation for material partnerships or payment onboarding.
- Verify restricted countries are listed and enforced; test responsibly.
- Keep an evidence pack with all artifacts, including any support replies.
Follow that playbook and “Anjouan gaming license verification” becomes a calm, documented exercise—not a leap of faith.
| Area | What to verify | How to check | Where to check | Evidence to keep | Risks and caveats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary registry match | Company name, license number, status (active/suspended/revoked), date issued/expiry, authorized activities (casino, sportsbook, poker, etc.), authorized URLs | Search exact company name and license number; confirm status is “active” and URLs match the brand/domain in use; check dates and activity scope | Anjouan Gaming License Register (official register of licensees in good standing; updated 15 November 2025 per notice) | Screenshots of registry entry; registry permalink; timestamped notes | If an operator claiming an Anjouan gaming license is not listed, it is not in good standing per the register. Registry wording may vary on “date issued” vs “date of expiration.” |
| Secondary confirmation | Independent email confirmation of license details | Email the register/admin to confirm company name, company number, license number, date issued, status | Regulator support email published on the register; escalation email for fraud reports ([email protected]) | Regulator email reply headers; PDF confirmation if provided | Data protection limits: regulator states only basic confirmations are shared. Delays in response are possible. |
| Authorized URLs | Domain(s) listed on the license match the live site | Compare registry “Authorized URLs” with the live domain; ensure redirects and mirror domains are also listed | Registry entry; operator’s website footer and T&Cs | Screenshots of URL list; WHOIS snapshot; SSL cert details | Many scams show a real license number but run on an unlisted domain. Mismatch = fail verification. |
| On‑site disclosures | License statement in footer, correct legal entity, license number, AOFA/ABGB wording, country restrictions | Read the website footer and legal pages; match legal entity and license number to the register; check restricted countries text | Operator’s website (footer, T&Cs, Responsible Gaming) | Screenshots of footer/T&Cs; copy of restriction clause | Look for generic or copy‑pasted texts, old logos, or wrong regulator names. Missing legal entity is a red flag. |
| Prohibited jurisdictions | Countries where services are not allowed | Confirm the site blocks or disallows: Australia, Austria, Comoros, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, USA, all FATF‑blacklisted countries, and any AOFA‑prohibited jurisdictions | Operator’s T&Cs; geo‑blocking behavior; KYC flow | T&Cs excerpt; geolocation test log | Taking players from barred countries is a breach. Later confiscation of winnings often stems from this. |
| Activity scope | B2C vs B2B and allowed games | Match “Authorized activities” to what is offered (e.g., casino, live dealer, sportsbook, lotteries, bingo) | Registry entry; product pages | Screenshots of product lineup; registry activity field | Offering products outside scope (e.g., sportsbook without authorization) is non‑compliant. |
| Company identity | Registered legal entity, jurisdiction of incorporation | Request certificate of incorporation; match with registry legal name; check directors/UBOs if available | Business registry extract; operator disclosures | Certified corporate docs; KYC cover sheet | Some intermediaries license brands not owned by the applicant. Ensure control aligns with the license. |
| Renewal and standing | Annual renewal paid; no suspension/revocation | Check “status” and dates; ask for current “letter of good standing” | Registry; regulator confirmation | Renewal invoice/receipt; letter of good standing | Lapsed renewals are common. “Valid certificate” images can be outdated. Trust registry over images. |
| Technical footprint | Hosting, SSL, payment flows | Verify HTTPS, valid SSL, consistent corporate identity in payment descriptors | Browser dev tools; payment receipts | SSL chain; payment descriptor screenshot | Servers may be hosted anywhere; location doesn’t prove or disprove licensing. |
| Dispute route | How complaints are handled | Follow operator’s complaint steps; then write regulator if unresolved; keep full audit trail | Operator support; regulator support channel | Ticket IDs; regulator complaint email | Player reports suggest slow/limited response at times; no formal ADR body is advertised. |
| AML/KYC basics | KYC checks, source of funds triggers, PEP/sanctions screening | Attempt withdrawals; assess KYC prompts; review AML policy | Operator compliance pages; support | KYC emails; policy copies | Inconsistent KYC (accept deposits, block cash‑out) is a recurring risk sign. |
| Conflicting public record | Legality in Comoros vs island regime claims | Note reports that gambling is prohibited under the Comorian Penal Code (FATF 2024 MER) and Central Bank warnings about AOFA recognition | FATF MER 2024; Central Bank public notices (as summarized in industry sources) | Copies of public notices | Regulatory structure is contested at the union‑state level; operators should factor legal uncertainty into risk. |
| Intermediaries and “official” bodies | Anjouan Licensing Services Inc., Anjouan Corporate Services Ltd., AOFA/ABGB naming | Verify who actually administers the license and who only assists with applications | Registry “About/Contact”; corporate websites | Engagement letters; invoices | Multiple entities claim exclusivity. Treat “exclusive” marketing with caution; rely on the register. |
| Sample quick check (5 minutes) | Fast pass/fail verification | 1) Find operator in register; 2) Match license number and status; 3) Confirm domain in “Authorized URLs”; 4) Check prohibited countries in T&Cs; 5) Screenshot everything | Registry; operator site | 5 screenshots; note timestamps | Any mismatch → fail. Ask the operator to fix or provide regulator confirmation. |
| Deeper due diligence (30–60 minutes) | Evidence pack for partners/payments | Add: corporate docs, letter of good standing, payment flow test, KYC test, dispute test email | Operator; regulator; payment receipt | ZIP of all artifacts | Payment providers often require this pack to underwrite risk. |
| Document list to request | Minimum docs to validate | License certificate (current year), letter of good standing, corporate extract, list of authorized URLs, AML/KYC policy, responsible gaming policy | Operator; regulator | PDFs with hashes; certification page links | Accept only signed or registry‑verifiable docs. |
| Timing and renewals | Expected timelines | Formation 1–3 days; license 4–7 weeks; renewal within ~1 month processing | Intermediary timelines; registry | Project plan; emails | Timelines vary with due diligence; missing KYC causes delays. |
| Example from public notices | A site stating “Licensed by the Offshore Finance Authority of the State of Anjouan under the Computer Gaming Licensing Act 007 of 2005; operating status: VALID” | Treat claims as unverified until matched to the register; confirm URL appears on the license; verify status | Registry entry for the named company/URL | Side‑by‑side comparison screenshots | Marketing badges are easy to fake. Only the registry match counts for verification. |
| Player self‑protection | Quick player checklist | Verify license on the register; confirm your domain is authorized; read T&Cs on restricted countries and KYC; test a small withdrawal first | Registry; operator site | Notes of checks; small payout proof | If support ignores disputes, stop playing and report to the register. |
| Operator self‑check | Keep license in good standing | Maintain authorized URL list; update T&Cs; enforce geo‑blocks; keep renewal current; respond to complaints | Internal compliance calendar | Change log; renewal receipts | Non‑listed mirror domains can trigger payment and partner offboarding. |
| What cannot be verified | Items outside public scope | Player fund segregation, RNG audits, internal controls unless voluntarily published | Not publicly available | N/A | Regulator states limited data sharing for privacy; rely on contractual audits if needed. |
| Red flags in Anjouan license verification | Signs of trouble | License number reused by multiple unrelated brands; unlisted domains; T&Cs missing restrictions; stock certificate images; no response from “regulator” | Registry; site review | Evidence pack | Treat any one red flag as a stop signal until resolved. |
| Sanctions and blacklists | Global risk filters | Ensure no service to FATF‑blacklisted countries; screen against OFAC/EU/UK sanctions | Compliance tools; T&Cs | Screening logs | Offering services in blacklisted regions undermines the license and payments access. |
| Glossary | anjouan, gaming, license, verification | anjouan: autonomous island in the Union of the Comoros; gaming: online gambling activities; license: authorization to operate; verification: matching claims to the official register and evidence | N/A | N/A | Use registry evidence over marketing claims in every case. |