Why do businesses open companies and invest in gambling in Anjouan?

Anjouan is an offshore jurisdiction that has recently introduced an online gambling license to investors, but its popularity quickly skyrocketed due to the many benefits associated with starting a gambling venture in the country. We aim to look more deeply into the main reasons why so many foreign investors invest in the online gambling business in Anjouan.

What is the current legal and regulatory framework for gambling in Anjouan?

For the Anjouan gambling license, the regulatory framework is as straightforward and comprehensive as it could be. It is based on the Betting and Gaming Act of 2005, as well as the Computer Gaming Licensing Act of 1999, which helps local authorities regulate all activities associated with computer-based gaming, mainly the ones that involve the so-called games of chance. The regulatory authority for online gambling activities on the Island of Anjouan is the Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board (ABGB), which controls web-based gambling and issues the corresponding licenses to businesses.

What are tax advantages or incentives offered by the Anjouan to attract gambling businesses?

As for the taxation system, Anjouan has a very beneficial environment. In order to apply for an online gambling license, one must first incorporate the so-called IBC (International Business Company) in Anjouan. IBCs specifically are not subject to any taxes in Anjouan. As long as you offer online gambling services outside the country, your gross gaming income will not be taxed. It provides a solid basis for bigger investments into improving and expanding your business by offering new products and services to customers, as well as securing strong business partnerships.

What is the scale and scope of the existing gambling industry in Anjouan?

At the moment, Anjouan offers two distinct licenses for online gambling services: a B2B Gaming License and a B2C Gaming License. A huge advantage of both these permits is the scope of services it allows for. Under a gaming license in Anjouan, you will be able to open an online casino or a sports betting platform, as well as engage in such activities as lottery, raffles, online poker, and sports betting. In addition, the jurisdiction allows for other unique business types that are getting more and more popular around the world, such as crypto casinos, play-to-earn games, Web3 projects, and so on.

What types of gambling activities are currently permitted or prevalent?

Anjouan offers a very flexible online gambling license that allows for a major scope of different activities. If you opt for a simple online casino or a sports betting platform, these are included first and foremost. In the case of more complex business models, such as crypto casinos as P2E platforms, you can also offer these services under the same umbrella. With crypto casinos, however, it might be required to additionally obtain a crypto license, especially if you plan to offer games with an element of luck in them.

What are the perceived benefits for the Anjouan economy of hosting gambling businesses?

Anjouan's economy benefits significantly from the presence of gambling businesses, primarily through the diversification of its business sector. Traditionally reliant on agriculture, the island nation decided to expand its economic portfolio by embracing the online gambling industry. Anjouan aims to attract foreign gambling operators and thus integrate naturally into the global iGaming sector. This shift helps the country generate substantial revenue and position itself as a competitive iGaming licensing hub on the world map.

What is the level of transparency and oversight in the Anjouan gambling sector?

Anjouan’s main gambling industry regulator, the ABGB, implements Know Your Customer (KYC) and due diligence requirements to ensure that operators adhere to good business practices. Additionally, license applicants must provide proof of financial stability and business legitimacy before being granted permission to operate. In this way, the authorities ensure stable oversight of online gambling activities and associated companies in Anjouan.

Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations is another important factor in maintaining transparency. Gambling businesses are required to establish internal AML-CFT policies, including the verification of player identities, transaction monitoring, and the reporting of suspicious activities. Sometimes, it might be required to hire a responsible AML Officer who would monitor the company’s compliance with AML-CFT regulations and policies.

What other factors contribute to Anjouan's appeal for gambling businesses?

Anjouan’s cost-effective licensing process is one of its main attractions for gambling businesses. Compared to jurisdictions such as Malta, Gibraltar, or the Isle of Man, obtaining a gambling license in Anjouan is faster, cheaper, and gradually more cost-effective. This makes it particularly appealing for startups and smaller operators that may not have the budget required to establish online gambling businesses in onshore locations. 

Another factor that enhances Anjouan’s appeal is the efficiency of its licensing process. While some gambling jurisdictions require months of rigorous checks and bureaucratic procedures with lots of documentation, Anjouan’s approval process typically takes between 4 and 8 weeks. This swift timeline allows operators to launch their platforms more quickly, which lets them enter the global market sooner. The simplified requirements of the regulator also mean that businesses can avoid excessive and prolonged administrative processes.

Conclusions

Overall, Anjouan for online gambling licensing is an excellent mix of light regulatory conditions, a quick and cost-effective procedure, and a transparent reputation. The license is flexible, allowing for multiple iGaming and sports betting business types under the same umbrella, as well as more modern crypto gambling, P2E, and Web3 projects. While certain obligatory compliance requirements still exist, if you use the assistance of a lawyer in the licensing process, obtaining your coveted permit in Anjouan should not pose a hassle.