Anjouan iGaming Licence
The Anjouan gaming license might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of online gambling jurisdictions, but that’s rapidly changing. Despite being in the shadows for several years, this under-the-radar license is now stepping into the spotlight.
So, what’s driving this sudden surge of interest? The last two years have brought sweeping changes to major international licenses, like those in Curaçao and Malta. As a result, savvy operators looking to either establish or expand their presence are exploring new horizons. Among the rising alternatives, the Kahnawake and Isle of Man licenses have long been favored. But now, Anjouan is emerging as a strong contender, thanks to its extensive reach, cost-effectiveness, and streamlined application process.
But what exactly is the Anjouan gaming license? How much does it cost, and what types of gaming does it cover? In this article, we dive deep into these questions, continuing our series on iGaming licenses.
Anjouan: A Brief History and Overview
To understand the present, it's essential to delve into the past. For iGaming operators, knowing the historical and economic context of a jurisdiction can offer crucial insights into its current stability and future potential.
Anjouan, once known as Ndzuwani, is a volcanic gem in the Indian Ocean, part of the Union of the Comoros Islands, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes.
Centuries ago, Persian and Arab traders heavily influenced the island, leaving a lasting imprint on its culture, religion (Islam), language (a blend of Arabic and Swahili), architecture, and economy. Anjouan flourished as a vital stopover for ships navigating between Africa, Asia, and the Arab world long before the Suez Canal was carved into existence.
After being colonized by France in 1886, Anjouan remained under French sway until the Comoros archipelago declared independence in 1975. However, the island’s history is marred by political turbulence, including several attempts to secede from the union.
Today, despite its undeniable allure as a potential tourist hotspot, ongoing political instability has stunted Anjouan’s development. Since 2001, the presidency of the Comoros has rotated among the three islands every five years, an attempt to balance the union's economic and political forces.
Anjouan’s economy has historically relied on agriculture, supplying ylang-ylang, vanilla, and cinnamon to the perfume and culinary industries. But agriculture alone has proven too unpredictable to ensure long-term economic stability.
Facing these challenges, Anjouan's leaders have sought to diversify the economy, and establishing a robust gambling industry has become one of their boldest moves.
Anjouan’s Regulatory Landscape
When it comes to gambling regulation, three key bodies hold sway in Anjouan:
- Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) This entity oversees the broader financial services sector, including gaming, ensuring adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) best practices.
- Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. (ALSI) As of August 2024, ALSI has taken over the administration of gaming licenses, focusing on streamlining the application process, bolstering legal compliance, and supporting gaming businesses' operational needs.
Anjouan marked a significant milestone in 2005 with the enactment of the Computer Gaming Licensing Act 007, which officially ushered in its gaming licensing era.