The online gaming industry has experienced sustained global growth, with operators increasingly recognising the importance of operating within a defined regulatory framework. For businesses seeking a credible, efficient, and cost-effective licensing solution, the Anjouan Internet Gaming Licence offers a practical path to regulated operations.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the application process administered by Anjouan Licensing Services Inc., the exclusive and official licence administrator for internet gaming licences issued under the laws of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan.
Understanding the Anjouan Licensing Framework
Internet gaming licences on the Autonomous Island of Anjouan are issued under The Computer Gaming Licensing Act 007 of 2005, which establishes the legal framework for the regulation, supervision, and enforcement of internet gaming activities. The Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority (AOFA) serves as the primary regulatory body, with Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. acting as the sole authorised administrator.
The framework covers both Business-to-Consumer (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B) licensing, enabling operators to offer gaming services directly to consumers or to provide technology, platforms, and services to the wider gaming industry.
Eligibility Requirements
Before initiating the application process, prospective applicants should ensure they meet the following foundational requirements:
- Corporate Entity: The applicant must be a legally incorporated company with valid registration in a recognised jurisdiction. Sole proprietorships and unincorporated entities are not eligible.
- Beneficial Ownership Disclosure: Full disclosure of all ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) holding 10% or more of the entity is required. All UBOs are subject to due diligence and background verification.
- Key Personnel: Directors, officers, and individuals in key management positions must be identified and are subject to fit-and-proper assessments.
- Financial Capacity: Applicants must demonstrate adequate financial resources to support the proposed gaming operations, including capitalisation, liquidity, and solvency requirements.
- Technical Infrastructure: The operator must have, or have committed arrangements for, technically sound gaming infrastructure including servers, security protocols, and random number generation (RNG) systems where applicable.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Initial Enquiry and Pre-Assessment
The process begins with an initial enquiry submitted to Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. During this stage, our team provides preliminary guidance on licence types, applicable requirements, fee structures, and expected timelines. This consultation phase is designed to help applicants understand the regulatory expectations before formal submission.
Step 2: Application Submission
Upon completing the pre-assessment phase, applicants submit the formal application package through our secure digital platform. The application package includes:
- Completed application forms for the company and all key individuals
- Corporate documentation: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, shareholder register, and organisational chart
- Identification documents for all directors, UBOs, and key personnel (passports, proof of address)
- Business plan detailing the proposed gaming operations, target markets, projected financials, and marketing strategy
- Technical documentation covering the gaming platform architecture, security measures, data protection policies, and RNG certification (if applicable)
- AML/CTF compliance programme documentation
- Responsible gaming policy
- Financial statements or evidence of adequate capitalisation
Step 3: Due Diligence Review
All applications undergo a thorough due diligence review process. This includes background checks on all disclosed individuals, verification of corporate structures, source of funds assessments, and evaluation of the proposed operational model against regulatory standards. The due diligence process is a critical component of the licensing framework and is designed to ensure that only suitable applicants are granted licences.
Step 4: Technical Assessment
The technical infrastructure of the proposed gaming operation is assessed against defined standards. This includes evaluation of the gaming platform, server security, data encryption, player account management systems, and compliance with fair play requirements. Operators using third-party platforms or game providers must provide evidence that these suppliers meet applicable technical standards.
Step 5: Licence Decision and Issuance
Upon successful completion of all review stages, the licence decision is communicated to the applicant. Approved applicants receive their Anjouan Internet Gaming Licence together with the applicable licence conditions, compliance obligations, and ongoing reporting requirements. The licence includes a unique seal identifier and validation credentials that can be displayed on the licensed website.
Timeline and Fees
The standard application process is designed to be completed within a reasonable timeframe, typically ranging from several weeks to a few months depending on the complexity of the application and the completeness of submitted documentation. Delays most commonly result from incomplete submissions or outstanding due diligence requirements.
Licence fees are structured to be commercially proportionate and are communicated during the pre-assessment phase. Fees typically include an application fee, an annual licence fee, and any applicable processing charges. Detailed fee schedules are provided upon formal enquiry.
Ongoing Compliance Obligations
Holding an Anjouan Internet Gaming Licence carries defined ongoing obligations, including:
- Regulatory Reporting: Periodic submission of operational reports, financial statements, and compliance summaries
- AML/CTF Compliance: Maintenance of robust Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting
- Responsible Gaming: Implementation and maintenance of player protection measures including self-exclusion mechanisms, deposit limits, and responsible gaming communications
- Technical Standards: Ongoing compliance with technical requirements including platform security, data protection, and fair play standards
- Licence Conditions: Adherence to all specific conditions attached to the licence, including market restrictions and permitted gaming activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of gaming activities are covered by the licence?
The Anjouan Internet Gaming Licence covers a broad range of online gaming activities including casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, lottery, eSports wagering, and cryptocurrency-based gaming platforms, subject to the specific conditions of the licence.
Can I operate in any jurisdiction with an Anjouan licence?
The Anjouan licence authorises international internet gaming operations, subject to certain territorial exclusions. The licence does not extend to the provision of gaming services in Australia, Austria, the Comoros, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, FATF blacklisted countries, and other jurisdictions excluded by the AOFA. Operators are responsible for ensuring compliance with local laws in the markets they serve.
How long does the licence remain valid?
Licence validity periods and renewal requirements are defined in the licence conditions issued upon approval. Licence holders are required to maintain ongoing compliance throughout the licence period and to submit renewal applications in advance of expiration.
Is there a public licence register?
Yes. Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. maintains a public Licence Register listing all currently licensed operators, including their licence status, issue dates, and authorised domains. Additionally, each licensed operator receives a validation seal that links to a real-time licence verification page.