Last updated: 15 June 2026 · Reviewed for the 2026 regulatory framework
If you run an online casino, sportsbook, or game-supply business and you are weighing an offshore licence, Anjouan keeps coming up — and for good reason. It is one of the faster, lower-cost routes to a recognised gaming authorisation. But “fast and affordable” does not mean “no requirements.” The Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board has tightened its expectations in 2026, and operators who treat the application as a formality are the ones who get stuck. This guide lays out exactly what you need to qualify, document by document, and what changed this year.
Who issues the licence — and why that matters
The Anjouan Gaming Licence is issued by the Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board (ABGB), which handles sector-specific gambling oversight, while the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) provides the financial-regulatory layer — chiefly fit-and-proper checks and AML/CFT supervision. The whole regime sits under the Computer Gaming Licensing Act 007 of 2005. Our Anjouan gaming license service handles the full application end to end.
Knowing this two-body structure is not trivia. It tells you why the application asks for both gaming documentation (your platform, game types, RNG) and financial due diligence on the people behind the company. You are being assessed by two lenses at once.
Eligibility: the corporate structure you need first
Before a single gaming document is reviewed, you need a vehicle to hold the licence. In practice that means:
- A company incorporated in the appropriate Anjouan/Comoros structure (your corporate-services provider sets this up alongside the application).
- At least one director and identifiable ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) — all of whom face fit-and-proper review.
- A registered presence and contact channel the regulator can use.
There is no published minimum share-capital figure the way EU regimes set one, but expect the regulator to want evidence the operation is funded enough to run responsibly. Typically, requirements range from €40,000 to €1,000,000, depending on the particular licence type and/or jurisdiction.
The document checklist
This is the part most searches are really after. Expect to compile:
- Corporate documents — certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, register of directors and shareholders.
- UBO and director KYC — certified passport copies, proof of address (usually under three months old), and a professional or banking reference.
- Clean criminal record / police clearance for each director and UBO.
- Source-of-funds evidence — documentation showing the funds behind the venture are legitimate.
- Business plan — the games or betting products offered, target markets, and projected operations.
- Technical documentation — platform details, game types, and RNG or fairness certification where applicable.
- AML/KYC policy — covering player onboarding, monitoring, and reporting.
- Responsible-gaming policy — player-protection measures, self-exclusion, limits.
Missing or stale documents (an expired proof of address is the classic culprit) are the single most common cause of delay.
AML/KYC and fit-and-proper: the real bar
Because AOFA supervises the financial side, your AML/CFT framework is scrutinised, not rubber-stamped. You need a documented policy, a named compliance contact, and onboarding procedures that screen players and flag suspicious activity. The fit-and-proper test looks at each UBO and director: criminal history, financial integrity, and relevant experience. An applicant with an undisclosed adverse record is far more likely to be rejected than one who discloses and explains it.
What changed in 2026
Two developments matter this year:
- Certificate Verification Framework — effective 1 April 2026. The authority now publishes a way to verify licence certificates, so operators and their payment and platform partners can confirm a licence is genuine.
- B2B Recognition Certificates. Software and platform suppliers can now obtain recognition in their own right, rather than forcing everything through a B2C operator licence.
Both changes point the same direction: Anjouan is professionalising. The licence is still accessible, but the paperwork and AML expectations are firmer than the “cheap and easy” reputation suggests. See how it stacks up in our Anjouan vs Curaçao comparison along with Kahnawake example which is getting more popular now.
Timeline and cost (so you can plan)
Most applicants who submit a clean, complete file see the process completed in roughly 4–8 weeks from submission. The headline cost starts from around €17,828 per year, though your total depends on company setup, due-diligence fees, and ongoing compliance. Annual certificate renewal runs separately (around €13,300/year), plus roughly €500/year for each web address beyond the two the licence covers.
The biggest variable is not the regulator — it is you. A complete, well-documented application with credible UBOs and a real AML policy moves quickly. An incomplete one stalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main requirements for an Anjouan gaming licence?
A compliant company structure, full KYC on every director and UBO, police clearance, source-of-funds evidence, a business plan, technical/RNG documentation, and written AML/KYC and responsible-gaming policies. The application is reviewed by the ABGB (gaming) with AOFA (financial/AML) oversight.
How long does it take to get an Anjouan gaming licence?
Typically 4–8 weeks from submission of a complete file. Incomplete documentation is the usual reason for prolongation.
Who regulates gambling in Anjouan?
The Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board (ABGB), under the financial supervision of the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA), under the Computer Gaming Licensing Act 007 of 2005.
What changed for Anjouan licences in 2026?
A Certificate Verification Framework took effect on 1 April 2026, and B2B Recognition Certificates were introduced for software and platform suppliers, alongside reinforced AML/KYC checks.
Can a software provider get licensed, or only operators?
As of 2026, B2B suppliers can obtain a B2B Recognition Certificate rather than relying solely on an operator licence.
Before you apply
Anjouan remains one of the more practical offshore gaming jurisdictions, but the 2026 framework rewards operators who come prepared. Get the corporate structure, KYC, and AML policy right before you submit — that is what turns a 4-week approval into reality instead of a 4-month back-and-forth. Talk to our Anjouan licensing team to get started.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Gaming regulation and fees change; confirm current requirements with the Anjouan regulator or a qualified adviser. See our Editorial Policy.
Source: Anjouan Gaming (regulator).
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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional before acting. Editorial Policy.
