Obtaining a Gambling License in Anjouan

Anjouan (also spelled Anjoan) is one of the islands of the Comoros, an autonomous region within the Union of the Comoros. This jurisdiction attracts international companies, including those in the gambling industry, due to its business-friendly regulation and tax advantages.

An Anjouan gambling license allows for the legal operation of online gambling activities, including casinos, poker, sports betting, and other forms of iGaming. Licensing is overseen by the Anjouan Gaming Board, the regulatory authority that ensures operator compliance and player protection.

The Anjouan gambling license is an excellent choice for both startups and experienced operators looking to quickly and legally enter the international online gambling market. Low setup costs, flexible terms, and cryptocurrency support make this jurisdiction particularly appealing for business.

If you're planning to launch an online casino, sportsbook, or poker room, an Anjouan license may be the ideal solution.

Why do you need an Anjouan gambling license?

First and foremost, it builds trust with your users. A license confirms the legal status of your operations, increasing player and partner confidence.

Other key benefits include:

Access to International Markets. The Anjouan license enables you to serve clients in multiple countries (excluding restricted jurisdictions).
Low Taxes and Operational Costs. Compared to EU or Maltese licenses, Anjouan offers lower upfront investments and favorable tax conditions.
Fast Processing Time. Licensing takes between 2 to 4 weeks, significantly faster than in highly regulated jurisdictions.
Support for Cryptocurrency. Anjouan embraces blockchain technology, allowing payments in BTC, ETH, and other cryptocurrencies.
Minimal Setup Requirements. There is no need to open a physical office on the island.

Who needs an Anjouan gambling license?

Online Casinos – to legally offer games of chance (slots, roulette, blackjack, etc.)

Sportsbooks – to accept bets on sports and eSports events.

Poker Rooms – to organize online tournaments and cash games

Game and Software Developers – to legally partner with licensed operators.

Crypto Casinos – Anjouan permits the use of Bitcoin and other digital assets.

Requirements for obtaining an Anjouan gambling license

To obtain a gambling license in Anjouan, operators must meet specific criteria set by the Anjouan Gaming Board. The process is relatively straightforward compared to other jurisdictions, but it includes several mandatory steps.

Company Registration. You must register a legal entity either in the Comoros (Anjouan) or another offshore jurisdiction, if permitted by the regulator. The company must have an official legal address within the jurisdiction (which can be provided via a local registered agent).
Due Diligence Check. All company directors and beneficial owners must pass a background check. Required documents include a valid passport, proof of residential address, and a police clearance certificate.

Additional requirements include:

Minimum share capital of USD 250,000.
The gaming platform must comply with fairness standards (e.g., certified RNG systems, data protection).
Independent software certification is required (e.g., from iTech Labs, eCOGRA).
Operators must implement AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures to verify players.
Cryptocurrencies are permitted, but transaction monitoring is mandatory.

Anjouan issues a universal iGaming license, covering all major types of online gambling.

Anjouan gambling license application process

Obtaining a gambling license in Anjouan is a relatively fast and transparent process, usually taking 2 to 4 weeks, which is significantly faster than in Europe or Malta, provided all necessary documents are ready. The step-by-step process is as follows:

Preparation Phase.

The applicant defines the type of license required, gathers the necessary documents, and selects company officers.
Document Submission.

This is done via a licensed agent in Anjouan (direct submission is not allowed). The regulator then performs due diligence, financial stability checks, and software compliance reviews.
Platform launch.

After paying the license fee and receiving approval, the operator can launch their platform.

Our services for obtaining Anjouan license include:

Consultation and selection of the optimal licensing solution;
Full assistance with company registration;
Preparation and submission of documents to the Anjouan Gaming Board;
Legal support during the due diligence process;
Tax optimization and payment solution structuring;
Ongoing legal support after license issuance.

Law&Trust International provides a full range of legal and consulting services for obtaining a gambling license in Anjouan. We manage all stages of the process – from company formation to full legal support after license issuance.

FAQ

Can I obtain an Anjouan license without having an office on the island?

Yes, this is one of the key advantages of the jurisdiction. Anjouan does not require a physical presence – you can register your company via a local agent. However, you must have a legal address on the island, which the agent provides.

Are there country restrictions under the Anjouan license?

Formally, the license allows access to most international markets. However, the Anjouan Gaming Board recommends avoiding restricted jurisdictions (e.g., the USA, UK, France, Spain). It is your responsibility to verify the legal status of your services in target markets.

Can I use the Anjouan license for a crypto-only casino?

Yes, Anjouan is one of the few jurisdictions where operating exclusively with cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) is permitted. However, AML policies are still required, including player verification for large withdrawals.

Is a software audit required before applying for a license?

No, but after receiving the license, you will need RNG testing certificates (e.g., from iTech Labs or eCOGRA). Some game providers, like Pragmatic Play or Evolution, already have certified products, which speeds up the process.

Can I change the owner of the company after getting the license?

Yes, but this requires notifying the regulator and undergoing a new due diligence check for the new beneficial owner. The process typically takes 1–2 weeks.

Is the Anjouan license valid for white-label partnerships?

Yes, but only if your partner (brand) is also registered in an approved jurisdiction. All white-label operators must be listed in the application documents.

Are there minimum game content requirements for the platform?

No, but the regulator may request demo access to review the platform’s functionality. Launching with just 10–20 certified games is sufficient, provided they are legal and certified.

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