Is the Anjouan license the right choice for your iGaming business?
If you’re thinking of launching an online casino or starting any iGaming venture, one of your first and most important decisions is where to get licensed. The right license can shape everything from how fast you go live to how much profit you keep and how easily you can partner with payment processors and game providers. With shifting regulations and costs in traditional jurisdictions, a growing number of operators are eyeing new options. Lately, the Anjouan license is generating buzz—and for good reasons. But is it the right fit for you? Let’s break it all down, step by step.
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Why Anjouan is now in the spotlight
Anjouan, part of the Comoros Islands in the Indian Ocean, is no newcomer to iGaming. Its gaming regulatory authority has issued licenses since 2005. But in 2024 and 2025, Anjouan’s blend of affordability, fast processing, flexibility, and improving reputation has pushed it onto the radars of both startups and businesses migrating away from pricier, stricter regimes like Malta and Curaçao.
The key benefits of an Anjouan license
Affordable entry and ongoing costs
Upfront cost is typically a major hurdle for startups. Anjouan offers one of the lowest initial licensing fees in the sector—around €19,600. Maintenance is also budget-friendly. There’s no need to set up a physical office or hire local staff. Compare that with Malta or Curacao (which has hiked fees and expanded compliance costs in recent reforms) and the gap is clear.
But it doesn’t stop at licensing. Anjouan charges zero gaming tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR) and has a 0% corporate tax rate. That means you keep a bigger share of your revenue and can invest savings into marketing or technology—key drivers of early-stage growth.
Fast, predictable approvals
Speed is often overlooked until you’re racing to get your platform live. While a Malta or Curacao license can take many months, Anjouan typically issues gaming licenses within 4-6 weeks, assuming your documents are prepared. The process involves basic compliance checks, KYC (Know Your Customer), and some due diligence on your business model and promoters. There’s no endless paperwork or last-minute surprises.
One license—the “all-in-one” approach
Most jurisdictions require you to secure separate licenses for different verticals. Anjouan’s model, by contrast, covers everything from online slots to sportsbook, at no extra cost. This lets you get creative and test new revenue streams—lotteries, virtual sports, live dealer games—without extra admin or red tape.
Crypto and innovation-friendly
As trends like crypto betting and blockchain-powered games grow, regulatory flexibility becomes critical. Anjouan’s framework allows crypto integration without fuss, making it forward-thinking and responsive to tech shifts.
Global scope
An Anjouan license lets you target players worldwide (except in restricted markets). This is a major perk for startups looking at Latin America, Asia, and Africa—regions with high iGaming growth and limited regulatory friction. It also provides a path for businesses seeking “backup” licenses, protecting against sudden restrictions in other jurisdictions.
Compliance, but not overwhelm
Unlike some low-cost licenses, Anjouan enforces basic standards around player safety, AML (anti-money laundering), and responsible gambling. That’s enough to gain trust with B2B partners, payment gateways, and players—without burying you in bureaucracy.
How does Anjouan compare to Curaçao and Malta?
Recent changes have shifted the playing field. Curaçao now requires a local managing director, stricter audits, and has sunsetted its old, cheaper sub-license model. Malta, always the “gold standard” in reputation, asks for significant financial outlay and ongoing GGR taxes.
If you prioritize industry prestige and want access to Tier-1 markets like Western Europe, Malta is hard to beat—but carries much higher costs and is less accessible for small teams and startups. Curaçao, previously beloved for simplicity, has moved upmarket and now requires more from applicants.
Anjouan fills the gap for those who want:
- A low-barrier, fast path to market
- One license for all iGaming verticals
- Flexibility to innovate (especially with crypto)
- No corporate tax or gaming tax
- Simplified compliance and lower ongoing costs
As of 2025, over 500 operators have chosen Anjouan, far outpacing some more established but restrictive regions.
What’s actually required to get an Anjouan iGaming license?
The process is refreshingly straightforward. You’ll need:
- A business entity incorporated in Anjouan
- Copies of directors’ and owners’ passports, CVs, police clearance
- Proof of address and domain ownership
- Responsible gaming and KYC policies
- RNG (random number generator) certification, if using games of chance
No need for physical offices. No huge capital requirements. The whole process, with professional help, takes from a couple of weeks to just over a month.
Are there any downsides or limitations?
Anjouan’s reputation is rising but it isn’t yet on par with Malta or Isle of Man in payments and banking. Some Tier-1 payment processors may still prefer Malta or Curaçao, though this is changing as Anjouan builds a track record.
It’s also important to remember that compliance standards (while evolving) still lag behind the strictest “white-label” jurisdictions. That means easier access, but also a need for extra diligence on your own policies to reassure partners and banks.
Who should consider Anjouan?
- Startups & small teams: You get to market fast, with minimum costs and admin.
- Operators targeting emerging markets: The flexibility and global reach are perfect.
- Entrepreneurs prioritizing innovation: Crypto or new game verticals? You won’t be held back.
- Businesses seeking a secondary “backup” license: Hedge against regulatory shifts elsewhere.
Is the Anjouan license the right choice for you?
If you’re aiming to launch or scale an iGaming platform in 2025, especially with a focus on cost control, speed, and innovation, the Anjouan online gaming license deserves serious consideration. It’s not just a shortcut—it’s a practical, future-focused solution if prestige isn’t your only concern.
With Anjouan, you’re not locked into bureaucratic systems or weighed down by unnecessary costs. Instead, you access a compliant, internationally recognized license that can get you started—and scaled up—without burning a hole in your budget.
If you’d like guidance or help with the process, reach out to a licensing advisor who knows the market. Getting this decision right is the fastest way to earning players’ trust, securing solid partnerships, and building a sustainable iGaming business from day one.
