Anjouan Gaming License: A Viable Alternative to Curacao?

In the rapidly evolving world of online gaming and the upcoming changes to the Curacao regulatory regime, obtaining the right license is essential for companies looking to establish a strong presence in the market. The Anjouan Gaming License offers a comprehensive solution to meet the gaming needs of companies across various verticals. This license, issued by the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority, provides a wide range of opportunities, including casino, poker, betting, lottery, software provision, and White-Labeling services. Whether operating in a business-to-consumer (B2C) or business-to-business (B2B) capacity, the Anjouan Gaming License is designed to cater to diverse operational requirements.

Where is Anjouan located?

Anjouan is one of the islands that make up the Union of the Comoros, a country located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. It is the second-largest island in the archipelago and is known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Anjouan has its own regional government and is recognized as an autonomous island within the Union of the Comoros.

Corporate Requirements and Licensing Process

Companies from around the world can now apply for the Anjouan Gaming License, opening up opportunities for global participation in the online gaming industry. The license has a duration of one year and is renewable annually thereafter, providing companies with the flexibility to adapt to evolving market conditions.

The licensing process consists of three main areas, each crucial for ensuring a robust and compliant operation. Firstly, a thorough fit and proper test is conducted on the directors, shareholders, and ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) of the applying company. This test aims to establish the integrity and suitability of key individuals associated with the company.

Secondly, companies must meet specific system and server requirements to ensure efficient and secure operations. Compliance with these technical prerequisites is necessary to safeguard player data and maintain a seamless gaming experience.

The third area focuses on anti-money laundering (AML), compliance, and operational policies and procedures. Companies must demonstrate their commitment to adhering to industry regulations and best practices. Moreover, the software and technical setup of the gaming platform undergo scrutiny to ensure a fair and transparent gaming environment.

Gaming License Categories

The Anjouan Gaming License covers a broad spectrum of gaming activities, providing ample opportunities for companies to diversify their offerings. Whether operating a casino, poker platform, betting site, or lottery service, the Anjouan License caters to various verticals within the online gaming industry. Furthermore, it extends its reach to encompass software provision and White-Labeling services, allowing license holders to forge partnerships and expand their business operations.

License Requirements

To qualify for the Anjouan Gaming License, companies must meet several prerequisites in addition to the due diligence conducted on directors, shareholders, and UBOs. The application process entails submitting a brief business plan, proof of domain ownership, and compliance documentation, such as terms and conditions, know-your-customer (KYC) policies, responsible gaming protocols, and anti-money laundering policies. For gaming operations involving random number generators (RNGs), copies of testing certificates are required.

In addition, the license application must include copies of game/content provider agreements if applicable. This ensures transparency and accountability for the gaming systems and games employed by the license holder. Material operations must also be replicated on approved servers to comply with regulatory standards.

Restricted Markets/Territories

While the Anjouan Gaming License offers an extensive scope of operation, it also identifies certain restricted and prohibited markets. Companies are required to implement geolocation blocking measures to prevent access from prohibited jurisdictions. Restricted markets include Australia, Austria, Comoros, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, countries blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and any other jurisdictions deemed prohibited by the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority.

License Fees

To obtain the Anjouan Comprehensive Gaming License, companies are required to pay licensing fees of €13,300, which includes the mandatory ALSI data replication service. Additionally, an annual Key Person Authorization fee of €2,000 is applicable. The licensing fees cover up to two URLs, enabling license holders to operate multiple platforms under a single license. Fees are due and payable upon submission of the license application and are non-refundable.

Due Diligence Documentation Requirements

As part of the application process, companies must provide specific due diligence documentation for individuals associated with the company. For directors, shareholders, and UBOs, certified true copies of passports, proof of residential addresses, bank letters of reference, professional letters of reference, updated resumes, and completed application forms are required. Additionally, remote ID verification procedures must be successfully completed to ensure the integrity of the individuals involved.

For corporate entities within the corporate structure, certified true copies of certificates of registration, memorandums and articles of association, registers of shareholders and directors, company extracts from the registry, certificates of good standing, and certificates of incumbency must be submitted.

Conclusion

The Anjouan presents an exciting opportunity for companies looking to establish themselves in the online gaming industry. By meeting the corporate requirements, undergoing a thorough licensing process, and complying with the necessary due diligence documentation, companies can unlock a world of gaming possibilities. With the ability to operate in various gaming verticals and cater to both B2C and B2B markets, the Anjouan License offers the potential for success and growth in the dynamic online gaming landscape.

The Anjouan Gaming License offers a range of requirements and possibilities that bear similarities to the current Curacao sublicenses. However, it is important to acknowledge that this license is less prevalent than the Curacao license. As a result, operators holding the Anjouan License may encounter challenges when integrating various payment solutions and game providers. It is worth noting that the industry requires some time to embrace this license fully and establish it as a more mainstream option in the market.

At our company, we understand the unique needs of gaming projects and are committed to providing tailored solutions for obtaining the most suitable license. We encourage you to reach out to us, and we will be delighted to discuss your requirements and develop an individual action plan to facilitate the licensing process. Contact us without hesitation to explore the possibilities for your gaming venture.