Most people assume that global iGaming operators set up in places like Malta or Curaçao, thanks to their established reputations. But there’s a quiet revolution happening in the Indian Ocean: Anjouan, a small island within the Comoros archipelago, is rapidly gaining ground as a licensing haven for the online gambling industry. In the face of tightening regulations and rising prices in other traditional jurisdictions, Anjouan’s low-cost and streamlined license is drawing operators of all sizes looking for affordable, effective routes to market.
If you’re an iGaming entrepreneur or a company seeking flexibility, cost savings, and a quick launch, it’s hard to ignore what’s happening in Anjouan. Let’s break down how this tiny jurisdiction has become the new darling of global gambling operators—and why its license is making such waves in 2025.
Why operators are leaving traditional hubs for Anjouan
The online gambling world has seen big shifts lately. Curaçao, once famed for its easy and affordable licensing, introduced major reforms post-2023—raising fees, increasing compliance requirements, and making their process longer. Malta remains a gold standard, but its costs are a barrier for startups, and tax rates reduce profits quickly. These changes left many operators—the established and the aspiring—searching for new options that deliver credibility without throttling their bottom line.
What makes Anjouan’s gambling license so attractive?
1. Low costs, high value
The biggest draw is simple: price. Anjouan offers what is arguably the lowest upfront and annual maintenance fees on the market. This reduction in cost lets businesses focus investment on user acquisition, marketing, and tech, rather than regulatory overhead. There’s no gaming tax on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)—it’s zero. No VAT. No income tax. Almost all profits from foreign players remain in your business.
2. One license, all verticals
Instead of juggling multiple licenses for casino, betting, poker, and crypto gambling, a single Anjouan license covers it all—whether you’re B2C or B2B. This “all-in-one” approach saves legal fees, simplifies compliance, and shortens the time needed to launch or expand. For operators wanting to test multiple products or pivot quickly, it’s a serious advantage.
3. Speed to market
Time is precious in iGaming. While navigating Malta or Curaçao can take months (sometimes longer), many operators report that the Anjouan license process takes just 3–6 weeks when documents are in order. That’s a game changer for startups with limited runway, or established companies needing to seize fast-moving opportunities.
4. Global reach (with a few sensible limits)
With an Anjouan gambling license, operators can serve customers almost anywhere—except a handful of restricted jurisdictions such as the USA, UK, France, Spain, and Germany. For many, this opens the door to high-growth regions like Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia. Clear rules mean no wasted time or resources chasing markets where entry isn’t viable.
5. Startup-friendly requirements
There’s no need to open a local office or hire resident staff. Application paperwork, such as proof of ID, business plan, and responsible gaming documentation, is lean by industry standards. This suits startups and entrepreneurs, allowing global launches without local red tape.
6. Crypto and innovation welcome
Anjouan’s licensing regime actively accommodates cryptocurrency payments and blockchain-based games—areas where older, more traditional jurisdictions often operate with skepticism or lengthy delay. If you’re building a crypto casino or supporting Web3 gaming, this is an especially attractive option.
Success stories: Real businesses thriving with Anjouan licenses
- Startup casino launches in weeks: One gaming entrepreneur shifted from Malta’s lengthy process to Anjouan and was fully operational—licensed and live—within a month. Lower costs meant more budget for marketing, and their platform posted 300% user growth in the first year.
- Established sportsbook expands globally: A European bookmaker expanded to Africa and Asia using an Anjouan license, bypassing regional regulatory barriers and achieving a multi-market launch without breaking the bank.
- Crypto gaming pioneer finds legitimacy: Unable to secure license approval for blockchain products in other hubs, a crypto gaming studio licensed in Anjouan and scaled up, attracting global partnerships and users at five times their initial projections.
How does the Anjouan license process work?
Obtaining the license is a straightforward journey:
- Register your company in Anjouan: This sets your organizational foundation.
- Prepare and submit documents: Key personnel ID, proof of address, business plan, AML/KYC, and fair gaming policies are required.
- Background checks and due diligence: Standard screening ensures operators meet legal standards.
- Pay license fees: Among the lowest worldwide.
- Get licensed: Once approved, you’re ready to go. The license is valid for one year and can be renewed with basic updates.
Ongoing compliance includes annual reporting, maintaining fair play practices, and staying abreast of AML requirements. The process is designed to minimize delay and bureaucracy, while still upholding responsible gaming principles.
What should operators watch out for?
While Anjouan’s approach is highly operator-friendly, no jurisdiction is perfect. Some payment providers and banks may look for more established regulatory brands. Operators can’t serve countries on Anjouan’s restricted list. And the license doesn’t offer the same instant prestige as Malta or the UK. But for startups and agile operators, the benefits often far outweigh these tradeoffs—especially when the focus is on cost efficiency, speed, and flexibility.
Why Anjouan is ideal for 2025 and beyond
The global iGaming market is moving fast. As regulatory climates shift, costs rise, and technology evolves, operators need licensing solutions that remove obstacles rather than create new ones. The Anjouan license is affordable, quick, and broad in coverage. For businesses launching new products, scaling into emerging regions, or trying to maximize every dollar, it represents a fresh path to growth.
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