Anjouan Gaming Licence: The Fast, Low-Cost Licence Everyone Is Asking About

Since Curaçao reformed its licensing regime, one name has come up in almost every startup conversation: Anjouan. The licence issued by the autonomous island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros has become the go-to option for operators who want to launch quickly and cheaply. It is a legitimate licence with real advantages, but it is also one that needs to be understood clearly before you build a business on it.

How the licence works

Anjouan issues a single online gaming licence covering casino, betting, poker, lottery and other games under one authorisation. Licences are granted through the island’s offshore finance authority, and applications are typically submitted via approved local agents. The operator needs an Anjouan company (an International Business Company), a registered agent and basic corporate documentation.

Speed and cost

The two headline benefits are time and money. Applications are commonly processed in a few weeks, and total first-year costs, including company formation and licence fees, are a fraction of what Malta, the Isle of Man or even reformed Curaçao require. There is no gaming tax and no local substance requirement beyond the registered agent, which keeps ongoing costs predictable.

Compliance expectations

Anjouan requires applicants to submit AML and KYC policies, responsible-gambling procedures and evidence of game fairness, and licensees are expected to maintain these in practice. Supervision is lighter than in established European jurisdictions, and that is precisely the trade-off: the licence is easier to obtain, but it carries less weight with counterparties.

The limitations to weigh

Three practical issues matter. First, banking and payment processing: a number of acquirers and PSPs accept Anjouan licensees, but the pool is narrower than for Malta or Isle of Man operators, and terms may be less favourable. Second, game suppliers: some tier-one studios do not integrate with Anjouan-licensed brands. Third, market access: like every offshore licence, it does not permit operation in locally regulated markets, and operators must manage geo-blocking carefully to avoid enforcement.

Who should use Anjouan

Anjouan is a sensible first licence for a startup testing a product in grey markets, for crypto-focused operators and for businesses that plan to migrate to a higher-tier licence once revenue justifies it. It is a poor fit for operators targeting institutional partnerships, listing or EU markets. We frequently structure staged strategies that start with Anjouan and graduate to Malta or Curaçao.

Talk to our licensing team before choosing: the cheapest licence is only cheap if it supports the business you intend to build.