Licenses for online casinos,
betting, skillgaming, lotteries etc.
Full-support for gaming projects
Anjouan issues a gambling license for offshore B2C and B2B operators and regulates international remote gaming activities.
Anjouan operates a statutory remote gambling regime since 2005 and provides licensing under the Computer Gaming Licensing Act 007 of 2005 and the Money Laundering (Prevention) Act 008 of 2005. The Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board (ABGB) supervises gaming operations and ensures technical integrity. The Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) conducts financial supervision and enforces AML/CFT compliance. Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. (ALSI) administers applications and manages licensing procedures.
Anjouan/Comoros Gambling License Factsheet
The licensing framework defines a dual regulatory model where ABGB controls gaming operations and AOFA evaluates financial suitability. ALSI processes applications and performs compliance checks for license issuance.
| Feature | Details and Requirements |
|---|---|
| License processing time | 1-2 months (typically 3-6 weeks with professional guidance) |
| Licensing model | Standard individual B2B or B2C licenses issued directly (no sub-licensing) |
| License application fee | 17,828 EUR (inclusive of due diligence and initial compliance fees) |
| Annual renewal fee | Approximately 15,000 EUR (includes mandatory compliance officer fee) |
| B2B Provider Requirement | Mandatory local B2B license or Recognition Certificate for all suppliers (€9,500/year) |
| Minimum capital requirement | No statutory minimum (250,000 EUR recommended for operational credibility) |
| Taxes | 0% GGR tax for IBC companies; 0% corporate tax on offshore profits |
| Resident employee | Not required; authorized local representative is mandatory |
| Office requirement | Registered legal address in Anjouan |
| Server requirement | Primary or mirrored servers with player data must be in Anjouan |
| Domains | Up to 2 domains included; additional fees for extra URLs |
| Permitted verticals | Casino, Sportsbook, Bingo, Lottery, Poker, Live Dealer, eSports |
| Restricted countries | USA, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Austria, and Comoros |
| AML/KYC | Mandatory AML, CFT, KYC, and Responsible Gaming policies |
The license operates on an annual basis and requires yearly renewal to maintain legal status. The jurisdiction permits cryptocurrency transactions and supports digital asset integration. Anjouan requires all B2B providers to obtain a B2B License Recognition Certificate for legal operation.
Anjouan targets operators entering Asia, Latin America, and Africa and requires compliance with restricted jurisdictions. Operators must implement alternative verification methods when official license validation systems are unavailable. The license does not override national laws in jurisdictions such as the UK or France, where local authorization remains mandatory.
Advantages of the Anjouan Gambling Licence
Anjouan provides a licensing framework that combines low taxation, fast processing, and unified authorization for iGaming operations.
Fiscal Efficiency and Tax Neutrality
Anjouan applies 0% GGR tax and exempts offshore profits from corporate taxation. Anjouan eliminates withholding tax on dividends and removes VAT obligations on international earnings. This tax model increases operator margins and supports reinvestment.
Unmatched Speed and Accessibility
ALSI processes applications within 2 to 4 weeks and reduces administrative delays through streamlined procedures. Anjouan minimizes bureaucratic steps and accelerates market entry.
Comprehensive “All-in-One” Coverage
Anjouan issues a single license covering Casino, Sportsbook, Poker, Bingo, Lottery, Live Dealer, and eSports activities. The framework supports both B2C operators and B2B suppliers. The jurisdiction permits cryptocurrency payments including Bitcoin and USDT.
Broad International Coverage
Anjouan enables access to emerging markets while enforcing restrictions on USA, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Austria, Comoros Islands, and FATF blacklisted countries.
Regulatory Stability and High Standards
ABGB enforces AML/CFT compliance and requires player protection measures. The jurisdiction integrates with major providers such as Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and NetEnt. The licensing cost structure maintains affordability at approximately EUR 17,000.
Obtaining a Gambling License in Anjouan
The Anjouan gambling license is a versatile “all-in-one” authorization suitable for both B2B and B2C activities. The process is designed as a seven-step journey to transition an operator from planning to launch as efficiently as possible. A critical prerequisite is that both servers and player databases must be hosted on Anjouan.
The 7-Step Licensing Process
This timeline typically takes between 3 to 6 weeks from the moment of final document submission.
- Step 1: Pre-Screening & Suitability: A rigorous check of all key individuals to identify potential “red flags” before official submission.
- Step 2: Payment of Initial Fees: Settlement of application and due diligence fees (approx. 17,828 EUR).
- Step 3: Submission of Formal Application: Handing over the full documentation package via a licensed local agent.
- Step 4: Financial & Ethical Assessment: A deep-dive review by the ABGB and AOFA regarding financial stability and AML policies.
- Step 5: License Issuance: Successful applicants receive a unique license number and are added to the official register.
- Step 6: Activation & Annual Fees: Payment of the first-year compliance fees to activate the license for banking and PSP sectors.
- Step 7: Commencement of Operations: Finalizing technical integrations; the platform must be operational within 6 months.
Requirements and “Fit and Proper” Standards
ABGB evaluates all stakeholders and requires compliance with suitability criteria.
- Stakeholders must be over 18 and demonstrate professional integrity.
- Applicants must have no record of fraud or financial crime within 3 years.
- Authorities perform sanctions and PEP screening.
Mandatory Documentation Package
All documents must be notarized, in English (or with certified translations), and dated within the last 90 days.
| Category | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Personal Identity | Certified high-resolution passport copy; Comprehensive CV/Resume. |
| Address Proof | Recent utility bill (gas, water, electricity) or bank statement (<3 months old). |
| Financial Credibility | Bank reference letter (relationship >2 years); Signed Source of Wealth/Funds declaration. |
| Professional Standing | Reference letter from a lawyer or accountant (>2 years); Original Police clearance certificate. |
| Technical & Business | 3-year business plan; Detailed game descriptions; RNG certificates (GLI/iTech Labs); Proof of domain ownership; Internal AML/KYC policies. |
How to Start a Gambling Company in Anjouan
Anjouan requires company incorporation in parallel with licensing.
Corporate Setup Steps
- Operators appoint a local agent to obtain a registered address.
- Operators open accounts with EMIs or offshore banks.
- Operators allocate recommended capital of 250,000 EUR.
- Operators integrate PSP systems with encryption standards.
- Authorities issue a Certificate of Incorporation after submission.
Fees and Fiscal Environment
Anjouan applies 0% GGR tax, exempts offshore corporate income from taxation, and does not impose VAT on international operations.
Fee Structure Overview
| Cost Category | Indicative Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Licence Application (Initial) | €17,000 – €17,828 |
| Annual Compliance & Due Diligence | €1,700 |
| Annual Key Person Authorisation Fee | €2,000 |
| Additional Domain Fee | €500 (per domain) |
| Licence Renewal (Annual) | €13,300 |
| Complex Structure Surcharge | €250 – €500 |
Types of Gambling Authorizations in Anjouan
Anjouan defines licensing categories based on operational roles within the iGaming ecosystem.
B2C (Business-to-Consumer) License
B2C license holders provide gambling services directly to players and manage KYC and responsible gaming compliance.
B2B (Business-to-Business) License
B2B license holders supply software and platforms and must obtain a Recognition Certificate for integration approval.
Hybrid and White-Label Solutions
Anjouan permits hybrid models and allows white-label structures where primary licensees remain legally responsible.
License Renewal and Maintenance
Anjouan requires annual renewal to maintain license validity.
Renewal Requirements
- Operators confirm unchanged or approved corporate structures.
- Operators update AML/KYC policies to current standards.
- Operators submit operational reports on wagers and balances.
- Authorities verify continued suitability of stakeholders.
Timeline and Costs
Authorities complete renewals within 5–10 business days and require initiation 30–60 days before expiration. Operators must cease activity if renewal is not completed.
| Item | Estimated Annual Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Standard Renewal Fee | €13,300 – €15,000 |
| Additional Domain Fee | ~€500 per URL (after the first two) |
| B2B Recognition (if applicable) | €9,500 |
Advantages of the Anjouan Renewal System
Anjouan performs full due diligence at the initial stage and simplifies renewal procedures by focusing on compliance continuity.
Technical and Operational Compliance Standards
Anjouan enforces technical requirements for data protection and operational transparency.
Data Security and Encryption
ABGB requires 256-bit AES encryption for transactions and mandates age verification and fraud detection systems.
Server Mirroring and Auditability
Anjouan requires real-time server mirroring within the jurisdiction to enable regulatory audits and ensure data integrity.
Territorial Restrictions and Geo-Blocking
Operators must implement GEO-IP blocking and VPN detection to restrict access from prohibited jurisdictions.
| Restricted Category | Prohibited Jurisdictions |
|---|---|
| Tier-1 Regulated | USA, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Austria. |
| Local Market | Union of the Comoros (Anjouan, Moheli, Grande Comore). |
| High-Risk | Countries on the FATF Blacklist (e.g., North Korea, Iran). |
Anjouan maintains offshore licensing status by enforcing technical standards and jurisdictional restrictions.
Why SBSB FinTech Lawyers Choose Anjouan
Anjouan provides fast licensing, low taxation, and flexible regulatory conditions. SBSB FinTech Lawyers support operators in obtaining licenses and achieving compliance.
For more information and to initiate the licensing process, contact SBSB FinTech Lawyers.
Official Sources & Primary Legislation
Primary Acts
ALSI – Anjouan Licensing Services Inc.
- Official ALSI Website
- Anjouan Laws Overview
- License Register
- Player Support & Disputes: File a Complaint, Submit Dispute, Dispute Terms & Conditions
AOFA – Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority
ABGB / Gaming Control
Get in touch with us
Roman Baranovskyi
Senior lawyer
Valeriia Kozel
Customer manager
Customer reviews
