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In the competitive world of iGaming, holding a valid Anjouan gaming license signifies legality and trust. For operators, affiliate marketers, investors, and compliance officers, ensuring that an Anjouan gaming license is valid is paramount to avoid legal repercussions and uphold industry standards. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Anjouan gaming licenses, detailing why and how to verify their validity effectively.
Related Reading: For a complete overview of the application process and costs, see our detailed guide on Gambling Licence in Anjouan: Requirements, Process of Applying.
An understanding of the Anjouan gaming license involves recognizing its pivotal role in the gaming sector, particularly for operators aiming to establish credibility and legal compliance in offshore jurisdictions. The Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority (AOFA) oversees the issuance of these licenses, which serve as a linchpin in legitimizing online gaming activities.
According to Anjouan Licensing Services Inc., the exclusive and official authority for gaming licenses on the autonomous island of Anjouan, the organization has over 26 years of experience in the industry and serves as the sole authorized license administrator and the official representatives of the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority and the Anjouan Gaming Board. [Source: Anjouan Gaming Official Website]
The significance of obtaining an Anjouan gaming license lies in its contribution to enhancing a gaming business’s reputation for regulation and compliance. As stated by the regulatory authority, “Having an Internet Gaming License from the Autonomous Island of Anjouan for B2C operations demonstrates that an operator has met the strict compliance and fair play requirements which will enable the offering of games to players in jurisdictions all over the world.” [Source: Anjouan Gaming]
If you’re wondering why a gambling licence is crucial for your online business, it’s important to understand that licensing provides legal authorization, financial transparency, and opens doors to industry partnerships that are essential for sustainable growth.
Issued under strict criteria, these licenses mandate adherence to international standards of fair play and financial responsibility. Prospective licensees must demonstrate not only financial stability but also a commitment to player protection and anti-fraud measures.
The roles of the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority extend beyond mere licensure. According to Gaming Control Anjouan, “Our licenses are duly authorized by the offshore finance authority of Anjouan, ensuring that our licensing process adheres to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.” [Source: Gaming Control Anjouan]
The Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board (ABGB) serves as the national authority overseeing the licensing and regulation of gambling businesses in Anjouan, with a focus on online gambling companies. According to Tetra Consultants, “The board’s objectives include protecting and safeguarding players from unfair practices, enforcing ethical and security standards among licensed operators, and shielding vulnerable groups such as problem gamblers and minors.” [Source: Tetra Consultants]
The legal framework that surrounds Anjouan gaming licenses is robust, designed to align with global best practices in financial services regulation. This framework provides a structured approach for handling disputes, enforcing legal gambling practices, and safeguarding player interests.
For entities involved in iGaming, adhering to such a framework is not merely about obtaining a license but maintaining operational standards that meet stringent regulatory expectations. As highlighted by the official licensing authority, obtaining an Anjouan license provides a “Strategic Advantage: Being licensed by Anjouan demonstrates your commitment to operating within a legitimate and structured regulatory environment. This enhances your reputation with clients and partners, building trust and fostering long-term business relationships.” [Source: Anjouan Gaming]
Collectively, these elements form the cornerstone of what makes an Anjouan gaming license a respected artifact in the iGaming universe. It not only facilitates market entry for new operators but also augments the trust and confidence players place in a gaming platform.
When evaluating licensing options, operators often compare Anjouan with other jurisdictions. Our comprehensive guide on the Top 10 Jurisdictions to Launch Your Licensed Gambling Business provides detailed comparisons across Malta, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Panama, and other compliance-ready frameworks.
For operators seeking European market access, the Malta Gambling Licence remains the gold standard, offering EU-wide recognition and regulatory prestige. However, Anjouan provides a more cost-effective and faster alternative for operators targeting non-EU markets.
Similarly, operators interested in Caribbean jurisdictions may also consider Curaçao gaming licenses, which have been a popular choice for over 70% of globally known online casinos.
To effectively verify an Anjouan gaming license, one must utilize the official Anjouan gaming license register efficiently. The process begins with accessing the official register maintained by the government of Anjouan. These registers are crucial for maintaining transparency and ensuring the legitimacy of licensed operations.
According to the official Anjouan Gaming website, the License Register serves a critical function: “Each licensee listed here has undergone our rigorous vetting process, ensuring compliance with Anjouan’s strict regulatory standards. This register is part of our commitment to maintaining a fair, safe, and transparent gaming environment for all players.” [Source: Anjouan Gaming License Register]
The register provides the following information for each licensee:
The official register explicitly warns: “If an operator claiming to be licensed does not appear here then they are not a license holder in good standing and should be avoided.” [Source: Anjouan Gaming License Register]
When accessing the official register, it’s imperative to ensure complete accuracy of the license number and the corresponding details of the operator. Any discrepancies in information can signal potential issues with the license’s validity. As such, it’s essential to cross-reference all available data meticulously.
Moreover, direct communication with the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority is highly recommended. This step is vital, especially when discrepancies arise, or if there is any doubt about the information presented in the register.
According to Anjouan Gaming’s License Support Services, “If you need to verify the status of a license, our support team can provide official confirmation.” [Source: Anjouan Gaming License Support]
Practical tips for using the Anjouan gaming license register include:
To verify the validity of an Anjouan gaming license, one must engage with various checks and utilize specific tools tailored for this purpose.
According to Casino Guru’s comprehensive analysis of the Anjouan licensing authority, “The validity of an operator’s gaming license can be checked in one of two ways. Casinos with a license from Anjouan Gaming can display a validator seal on their website, usually in the footer at the bottom of the page. Clicking on this logo will open up the validator page, which contains information such as the name of the operator, its address, e-mail address and a list of registered websites.” [Source: Casino Guru]
Important Security Note: Casino Guru emphasizes that “It is vital to check that the URL of the validator page starts with ‘https://verification.anjouangamingboard.org/validate?domain=‘ to ensure the validator is legitimate.” [Source: Casino Guru]
The validator page displays critical information, including:
Casino Guru notes that “Some operators do not display a validator seal on their website, but thankfully it is also possible to check the Licensee Register on the Anjouan Gaming website to see if the operator and casino website are listed.” [Source: Casino Guru]
Industry analysis from SOFTSWISS reveals a concerning issue: “In April 2024, the Gaming Control Anjouan website stated that there are 19 licensees. However, it was impossible to verify the current status of these licences because all verification links led to a 404 error. While this issue may be link-related, players should have an alternative method to confirm licence validity directly with their chosen brand.” [Source: SOFTSWISS]
This highlights the importance of using multiple verification methods and contacting operators directly when online verification tools are unavailable.
For conclusive validation, industry experts recommend:
Understanding the duration and maintenance of Anjouan gaming licenses is crucial for all stakeholders in the iGaming industry.
According to MGL Solutions, a licensed gaming consultancy, “License is valid for one year and must be renewed annually to maintain compliance.” [Source: MGL Solutions]
The same source warns about the consequences of non-compliance: “Operating without a valid gaming license can lead to heavy fines, legal action, business closure, and blacklisting by payment providers.” [Source: MGL Solutions]
The renewal process is designed to be straightforward. MGL Solutions explains: “To renew an Anjouan gambling license, operators must submit an application for renewal and pay the required annual renewal fee. The process is straightforward, typically completed within 1 month, and does not involve extensive documentation or additional checks beyond ensuring ongoing compliance.” [Source: MGL Solutions]
According to Tetra Consultants, licensees have specific ongoing obligations: “Licensees must notify the ABGB of any changes in beneficial ownership within 7 days.” [Source: Tetra Consultants]
Additionally, operators must maintain:
This proactive approach to license maintenance serves not only as a regulatory mandate but also as a best practice, ensuring that all stakeholders operate within a framework of integrity and transparency.
In the realm of online gaming, adherence to compliance standards is paramount, particularly when validating the legality of operators under the jurisdiction of Anjouan.
As explicitly stated by the official Anjouan Gaming register: “If an operator claiming to be licensed does not appear here then they are not a license holder in good standing and should be avoided.” [Source: Anjouan Gaming License Register]
To verify legitimacy, the authority advises: “To verify the legitimacy of a gaming operator, simply search for their name or license number in the register.” [Source: Anjouan Gaming License Register]
According to Casino Guru’s analysis, “If a player has a dispute with an operator, they should first try to resolve it with the operator directly. If the situation still cannot be resolved, the player has the option to file a complaint with Anjouan Gaming.” [Source: Casino Guru]
Important complaint guidelines include:
It’s worth noting a current limitation: “Anjouan Gaming does not currently offer a way for players to exclude themselves from all licensed operators at once, and states on its website that self-exclusion requests should be submitted to the operator.” [Source: Casino Guru]
When faced with a compliance discrepancy:
Staying updated on Anjouan’s gaming regulations is critical for all stakeholders within the industry.
According to industry analysis from Legarithm, Anjouan’s regulatory framework includes specific compliance requirements: “Core requirements include KYC on owners and directors, clean criminal records, source-of-funds proofs, a business plan, AML/KYC/Responsible Gaming policies, RNG or provider certificates, domain control, and either registering a new entity or using an existing company.” [Source: Legarithm]
The Anjouan Gaming validation pages specify restricted territories: “Under this license, apart from its own diligence and legalities, the license holder is not authorized to offer its services in the territories of Australia, Austria, Comoros, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, USA, all FATF Blacklisted countries, and/or any other jurisdictions deemed prohibited by the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority.” [Source: Anjouan Gaming Validation Page]
SOFTSWISS confirms this restricted list: “The licence offers broad international reach, with only a limited list of excluded territories like Australia, Austria, Comoros Islands, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, USA, all FATF Blacklisted countries, and any other jurisdictions banned by Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority.” [Source: SOFTSWISS]
Important: For operators wishing to target the UK market, a separate gambling licence in Britain is required from the UK Gambling Commission. Similarly, operators targeting the Indian market should review the complex regulatory landscape outlined in our guide to gambling licence in India.
Legarithm recommends operators: “Check restricted countries: align your GEO IP engine, T&Cs, and bonus rules. Validate the agent: are they authorized to submit your application? Get references.” [Source: Legarithm]
According to SOFTSWISS’s industry analysis: “With the changing landscape of international gambling licences, Anjouan may as well become a viable alternative to the Curacao gambling licence or simply join the number of trusted international gambling jurisdictions.” [Source: SOFTSWISS]
In verifying Anjouan gaming licenses, it is imperative to adopt a meticulous approach, ensuring compliance with both local and international regulatory standards.
Industry best practices suggest a multi-tiered verification process:
1. Initial Due Diligence
2. Documentation Verification According to Tetra Consultants, legitimate operators should have submitted:
[Source: Tetra Consultants]
3. Ongoing Monitoring Compliance officers should frequently review the status of gaming licenses to guard against any changes that might affect compliance.
Legarithm recommends building a comprehensive trust verification system: “Build the trust loop: license logo linked to a live validation page; domain matches; publish your complaints/ADR flow.” [Source: Legarithm]
Additional technology recommendations include:
Building a relationship with the Gaming Board of Anjouan facilitates quicker response times when verifying information or addressing compliance issues. Regular communication and engagement with regulatory bodies are essential best practices recommended by compliance professionals in the field.
For context on legitimate license costs, MGL Solutions provides the following breakdown:
| Fee Type | Amount (EUR) |
|---|---|
| License Fee | €13,300 |
| Due Diligence Fee | €1,700 |
| Compliance Officer Fee | €2,000 |
| Total Government Fees | €17,000 |
[Source: MGL Solutions]
Tax Benefits: As highlighted by multiple sources, Anjouan offers “No tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR), maximizing profitability and operational efficiency.” [Source: MGL Solutions]
However, Legarithm cautions: “Many promoters highlight ‘no tax on GGR,’ ‘no corporate income tax,’ and ‘no VAT’ at the Anjouan level. Remember that tax obligations can arise where your management sits, where your servers are, and where your players live.” [Source: Legarithm]
For a detailed breakdown of costs and the full application process, visit our complete guide: Gambling Licence in Anjouan: Cost, Advantages, Requirements, Process of Applying.
Anjouan has emerged as a popular jurisdiction for cryptocurrency-based gaming platforms. According to our comprehensive guide on Crypto Casino Licenses, Anjouan offers a cost-effective licensing option for small operators, with an efficient application process and no physical presence requirements.
This makes Anjouan particularly attractive for blockchain casinos seeking:
Operators interested in crypto gaming should also consider other crypto-friendly jurisdictions covered in our comprehensive licensing guides.
For operators evaluating their options, several alternatives to Anjouan licensing exist:
If obtaining your own license seems complex, consider a White Label Gambling License arrangement. This model allows you to “rent” a license from companies with the necessary permits, enabling quick market entry with minimal initial investment.
The Nevis Gaming License has rapidly gained recognition as one of the most advanced gaming licenses. With the Nevis Gaming Ordinance 2025, operators can obtain their license in as little as 8-12 weeks, similar to Anjouan’s timeline.
For operators seeking maximum credibility and EU market access, the Malta Gambling Licence remains the industry gold standard, though with higher costs and longer application timelines.
Understanding the proper verification methods for an Anjouan gaming license is critical for maintaining legal compliance and ensuring business operations are beyond reproach. We’ve covered the essential steps and best practices, including:
Consistently staying informed on the latest regulatory changes will help iGaming entities remain compliant and competitive. For more guidance on selecting the right jurisdiction for your gambling business, explore our complete guide on the Top 10 Jurisdictions to Launch Your Licensed Gambling Business.
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Global Law Experts is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to clients around the world. With a vast network of highly skilled and experienced lawyers, we are committed to delivering innovative and tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clients in various jurisdictions.
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