Anjouan Gaming License - Review & Best Casinos
Vienne Garcia| Anjouan Gaming License Facts | |
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| Supervisory authority: | Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority (AOFA) |
| Established: | 2001 |
| Location: | The Autonomous Island of Anjouan (Comoros) |
| License administrator: | Anjouan Licensing Services Inc |
| Website: | anjouangaming.com |
| Contact: | Contact form |
| Complaints: | Submit online |
| Best Casino: | Instaspin |
| Best Bonus: | $1,500 + 400 Free Spins at Spinoli |
Our top recommendation to our readers in any of the reviews that we write, before games, bonuses, and even cashouts, is to check that the casino is licensed.
Having a casino license is the absolute first step in safe gaming, and a complete non-negotiable.
But not all licenses are created equally. And in recent times you may have noticed a new one popping up - the Anjouan Gaming License - and found yourself wondering what it is, what it's about, and why we're suddenly seeing it. Or perhaps more importantly, is it trustworthy?
So before we go into the details of where it comes from and how it's evolved, we'll already say that an Anjouan license is an increasingly common site amongst online casinos.
While we too were a bit surprised to see a trend towards adapting it, through our vast research and experience, we can totally see why - and how it's likely to become even more popular going forward.
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The History of the Anjouan Gaming License
Anjouan is a small, autonomous, volcanic island in the South West Indian Ocean. With a population of under half a million, in a relatively remote location, and with few natural resources beyond ylang-ylang, vanilla, and cloves farming, its government was on the lookout for ways to diversify its economy, and create jobs and economic opportunities for its citizens.1
As such, the Anjouan Gaming License was born, established by the Anjouan government to regulate and oversee online gaming activities.
Anjouan is a tiny island in the Indian ocean, perhaps best known as a supplier of ylang-ylang, a key ingredient in most perfumes.MoreLess
Technically, Anjouan has been offering gaming licenses since the late 1990s. However, the specific regulations and framework for online gaming that are now in use were only later formalized in 2005 with the enactment of the Anjouan Betting and Gaming Act.2
While slowish in gaining traction, these licenses are now becoming popular with startup casinos and smaller operators in particular. And as iGaming regulations and markets evolve, they're reach and coverage are primed to grow from there.
Anjouan Licensing Requirements
An Anjouan gaming license allows online casino operators to offer their services to players in various jurisdictions around the world.
While it's certainly newer and still less recognized than a Malta license or Curacao eGaming license, that is only a matter of time. And not because it is any more laxed in terms of the level of accountability it requires of operators.
The regulatory standards include procedures to prevent terrorist funding, money laundering, and other illicit financial activities. Plus measures to ensure the financial fitness of the casino itself, an assessment of its ability to deliver a fair gaming experience, and its commitment to providing unbiased dispute resolution services.
The licensing process
Though this internet gaming license can be obtained online, it is still demanding, requiring a fair bit of paperwork and KYC documentation on the casino's part.
In addition to demonstrating its business legality and transparency, the casino must be able to pass various compliance checks along the way. Plus due diligence is also performed on all key people within the company.
This means the casino management will need to provide things like:
- Valid proof of identity documents
- Bank references
- Police clearance
- Details on the gaming content it will provide
- RNG testing certificates
- Its full Terms & Conditions offered to players covering responsible gaming, KYC, and underage gambling policies amongst other things
- And a local representative to liaise with the Anjouan gaming authorities
The goal is for the casino to be able to prove it is a sustainable business, with an actual gaming platform that meets the requisite technical and security standards. All of course, in order to protect players in the long term. In other words, the more stringent the better in our opinion, so we're on board.
Anjouan Gaming is the sole authorized license administrator.MoreLess
Benefits of an Anjouan Gaming License
Although a certification, the unique advantages offered are most felt by the online gambling operators themselves, who benefit in a number of ways.
- More cost-effective. An Anjouan license is cheaper to purchase than one from other similar bodies. Plus, operators can enjoy income tax-free, VAT-free profits on gross gaming revenue with it.
- Quicker and simpler. The application process is online. If all the required information is submitted complete, it can take as little as a few weeks to approve, making it a quick way to get licensing, without compromising on quality.
- Globally recognised. The Anjouan license is a recognised gaming certification, valid around much of the world, allowing casinos to reach an international audience.
- Comprehensive coverage. In addition to casino gambling, it covers sports betting, bingo, poker, and more. It can also be used for both B2C and B2B operations, meaning the online casino itself, or the game developers.
- Regulatory support. Beyond providing straight up licensing services, the regulatory authorities here offer continuous support and guidance to licensees to stay current and legal in the ever-changing iGaming landscape.
- Crypto friendly. Its flexible regulatory framework works well with accommodating crypto banking (and other evolving technologies), as does its quick licensing process and lower licensing fees that match the medium in terms of performance and intent.
These benefits, while clear for the casino, can actually impact players directly and circuitously in a few positive ways. A few examples of the player benefits include:
- Enhanced confidence. With stringent operator conduct demands and support for disputes provided, players can feel safe and assured that there is accountability when they see that a casino is Anjouan licensed.
- Increased innovation. The favorable regulatory environment in Anjouan can encourage innovation in gaming products. And since its potential coverage is comprehensive, may lead licensees to more easily offer a wider variety of games and betting options, for greater diversity, and earlier adaptation of new technologies.
- Safety and security. With an obligation to keep player data secure, maintain safe systems, and ensure fair and random games, the Anjouan license offers protection to players.
That being said, there are a few limitations to an Anjouan Gaming License. The most obvious one is that it may not be recognised in all jurisdictions, for example, currently in Australia, France, and a number of others - though of course this list is subject to change based on local compliance laws.
Others might say that its being newish is a downside, but technically it's been around a while.
Anjouan B2C and B2B Gaming Licenses
As we briefly mentioned in the benefits section, Anjouan offers two different avenues of licensing and regulation.
The first is B2C (business to consumer) licensing. This is the one that an online casino operator would take out. The business of course being the casino, and the consumer being you, i.e. the player. It is the type of license hence that you would see in a casino footer, applied to either the website itself, or its holding company, as is often the case - like how Spinoli Casino is owned and operated by Next Global Era, which in turn has a license from Anjouan.
Validation of the Spinoli Casino license MoreLess
The second option is B2B (business to business) licensing. This is applicable to businesses that act as suppliers to the online casinos, like the game providers. That is, the software houses who actually develop games, which require licensing too.
How Does the Anjouan License Compare to Curacao or Malta Gaming Licenses?
Since the Curacao and Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) are the licensing bodies we come across most frequently in our casino reviews, it's worth comparing a bit to understand the differences.
Not that these distinctions would make much of a difference to players. Likely you wouldn't even notice.
Anjouan vs. Curacao casino licenses
To-date, there is no denying that Curacao has paved the way to become perhaps the most widely recognised e-gaming licensor, accepted by game developers, payment providers, and players alike.
This is partially because the Curacao one has simply been around for longer, and has a more established regulatory framework. However, this leaves space for Anjouan to be a little less rigid in its operations, demonstrated in how it streamlines processes, while minimizing bureaucracy for the casino.
Another difference is the price point. Because of its popularity, and associated costs as a bigger operation, Curacao generally charges casinos a higher licensing fees. Since price is important, especially for new casinos and smaller operators, a cheaper fee is likely to increase the prevalence of Anjouan licensing, which in turn will increase its standing.
And while Curacao currently has broad global recognition, Anjouan certainly could break into more markets, which in any event, are constantly evolving in terms of regulation.
As for compliance, both earn good grades when it comes to combating illicit financial activities.
So which certification an online casino ultimately uses may be a matter of its specific goals and needs. A larger, more established casino may still opt for the Curacao route, while a smaller startup that needs a quick and cost-effective path may choose the Anjouan route. The success of Anjouan licensed casinos may then prove inspiring to budget conscious big operators.
As such, as time passes, "brand" recognition can change. The more casinos that choose to use an Anjouan license, the more familiar it will become, and players will likewise become more certain in trusting it.
Anjouan vs. Malta casino licenses
While we could do other comparisons, we'll just do one more with MGA to show you how the Anjouan license measures up.
So again like with Curacao licensing, next to the one given by the Malta Gaming Authority it is still less mature (if you will), with a less rigid regulatory framework, and of course recognition. As such, it's not quite as respected.
Both are globally acknowledged, although Malta's arguably particularly in Europe. And again here the Anjouan license trumps the "establishment" with the benefit for online casino operators of lower licensing fees and associated costs.
All of this goes to say, that while there will be some differences in terms of perception by players, and the paperwork involved for operators, the way you'll experience the different licenses is pretty much the same.
How to File a Complaint with the Anjouan Authorities
The thing that really matters to you as a player is that the body granting the license acts essentially as a gatekeeper. That is, that the casino is accountable to a governing body, should a conflict or dispute arise.
So while you should initially try and resolve any issue with the casino itself - whether it has to do with a deposit, withdrawal, or bonus terms - if unsuccessful, you can absolutely escalate to Anjouan Gaming.3
Just like a court of law really, you'd submit your complaint with evidence. Then the gaming authority would ask the casino for its rebuttal, after which a decision would be made which is final and binding, reached based on objective facts and the relevant terms and conditions.
Why Choose an Anjouan Licensed Casino
You don't necessarily need to go out looking for an Anjouan licensed casino per se. The exact licensing body really doesn't play a role in terms of the overall experience you should expect, beyond assuring you that you're in safe hands.
As such, you should choose an online casino to gamble at based on your priorities. For example if you're looking for crypto gaming, a larger than usual selection of slots, a big welcome bonus, or quick cashouts, these are the more important deciding factors that you can better assess through our casino reviews, alongside your personal preferences. Then simply check that the casino is licensed and regulated by a respected gaming authority, and you're good to go.
Where to Find Anjouan Licensed Providers
There are actually quite a few online casinos with an Anjouan license. And the number is growing steadily4, as it becomes more popular with operators, for all the benefits we've outlined above.
Spinoli Casino is one standout we've reviewed recently, and of course any of the operators we recommended above are also great picks.
The Expert Roundup on Anjouan Computer Gaming Licensing
The Anjouan gaming license is steadily gaining in popularity.
It is quicker and more cost-effective for operators, while offering a more flexible and adaptable regulatory environment well-suited to the evolving iGaming industry. Catering to the full range of online gambling activities (casino, sportsbook, poker, and all), it is highly inclusive, with minimal restrictions for reaching a global audience, making it valid almost everywhere. Plus, it's inherently crypto-friendly which is important in today's market.
These factors explain why many online casinos are choosing it. While for you as a player we'll just add that it has some basic safeguards. That means if a casino has an Anjouan license, that's fine. But better check it out yourself and only rely on recommended operators.
References:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anjouan
[2] https://anjouangaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Gaming-act-2005.pdf
[3] https://anjouangaming.com/dispute-terms-conditions/
[4] https://anjouangaming.com/license-register/
I've been working in the online casino landscape in Malta for more than 10 years and have seen how the industry works from customer service roles to the backend of the business. While I am lucky enough to call myself a native on the sunny island called Malta, I also enjoy travelling and have travelled across Canada! After wandering through the great white north, I have decided to share my knowledge and now work with Canadian players to compile accurate casino reviews to help players navigate through the hundreds of gaming sites online.