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Anjouan Issues 1,300+ iGaming Licenses After 2023 Reform

Anjouan Issues Over 1,300 iGaming Licenses Since 2023 Overhaul – Operators Use Jurisdiction as Entry Point for Multi-Market Expansion

Key Takeaways

• Anjouan has issued more than 1,300 new iGaming licenses since its regulatory overhaul in 2023, linked to over 2,000 live websites.
• The updated framework was introduced after the pandemic as part of efforts to diversify national income beyond tourism.
• The license is positioned as low cost, quick to obtain, and flexible across multiple gaming verticals.
• Some operators retain the Anjouan license alongside additional licenses when expanding into other regions.

Regulatory Overhaul in 2023 Marked Turning Point for Anjouan

Anjouan has offered iGaming licenses for many years. However, the jurisdiction gained broader industry attention only after a comprehensive regulatory overhaul in 2023. According to industry consultant Ron Mendelson, Director of Fast Offshore, the changes followed the pandemic, when authorities sought new sources of national income that were not solely dependent on tourism.

The revised framework was described as fully overhauled, streamlined, and modernized. Authorities aligned the structure with international best practices and standards, aiming to make the license more practical for operators, players, and third party service providers. Since the reform, more than 1,300 new licenses have been issued. These licenses are associated with over 2,000 live websites, with additional growth reported.

The figures indicate a rapid increase in activity compared to previous years, when the jurisdiction had a lower profile within the global iGaming sector.

License Structure Designed for Cost Efficiency and Speed

According to Mendelson, the Anjouan license is currently positioned as one of the lowest cost options available in the market. Both setup and ongoing maintenance costs are described as comparatively low. The stated objective is to allow operators to allocate more resources to operational areas such as games, marketing, and user experience.

The timeframe for obtaining a license is also highlighted as relatively short. Approval can take from a few days to several weeks, depending on the applicant’s circumstances. This shorter processing period is presented as a key factor for startups and smaller operators seeking to enter the market without extended delays.

The framework allows operators to run multiple verticals under a single license. Activities can include live gaming, esports, and blockchain gambling without the need for separate certifications for each segment. This consolidated structure reduces administrative complexity for companies managing diverse portfolios.

Use as Gateway License for Emerging Markets

The growth in issued licenses is linked to operators targeting regions such as Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Some license holders reportedly use Anjouan as their primary regulatory base for serving these markets, offering both crypto and fiat payment options.

In certain cases, operators choose to retain the Anjouan license even after expanding into additional jurisdictions. Others use it as a first step before applying for a second or third license elsewhere. The decision to add another license may depend on strategic objectives, such as entering Europe or the United States, or increasing perceived regulatory coverage.

This dual licensing approach reflects differing compliance strategies among operators. Some maintain parallel licenses, while others may eventually discontinue one in favor of another. The Anjouan license can therefore function either as a standalone authorization for specific regions or as part of a broader multi license structure.

Recognition and Partnerships Within the Industry

Although Anjouan may not have the same longstanding recognition as jurisdictions such as Curacao or Kahnawake, its profile has increased as more operators adopt the license. The license is described as a formal authorization issued by a recognized jurisdiction, allowing operators to display regulatory credentials on their websites.

Holding a license enables operators to work with game studios, payment providers, and other service partners that require formal authorization before entering into cooperation agreements. This requirement is particularly relevant for platforms offering both crypto and fiat transactions, where third party providers often expect documented regulatory status.

The regulatory update was positioned as addressing previous limitations in the framework. By aligning processes with international standards, authorities aimed to increase both operational clarity and external acceptance among service providers.

Consultancy and Ongoing Compliance Management

Fast Offshore, a Costa Rica based consultancy led by Mendelson, reports assisting numerous operators with obtaining and maintaining Anjouan licenses. Services described include incorporation, compliance management, audits, updates, and renewals.

The consultancy also supports operators that seek additional licenses in other jurisdictions. In such cases, businesses may either continue operating under multiple licenses or transition from one to another, depending on their expansion strategy.

The broader trend described in the article indicates that Anjouan is increasingly used at the early stages of market entry. For some operators, the jurisdiction remains a long term base. For others, it serves as an interim solution while preparing for expansion into markets with different regulatory requirements.

Our Assessment

Since its 2023 regulatory overhaul, Anjouan has issued more than 1,300 iGaming licenses connected to over 2,000 live websites. The framework is structured as a low cost, flexible, and relatively fast licensing option that allows multiple gaming verticals under one authorization. Operators use the license either as a primary base for targeting regions such as Latin America, Asia, and Africa, or as part of a broader multi license strategy when expanding into additional jurisdictions. The growth in license numbers reflects increased adoption following the updated regulatory structure.