Anjouan License: Quick Start – but Compliance Remains Mandatory

Online gambling licenses from Anjouan are very popular among many operators in 2026, especially startups and those testing new concepts. They offer a fast and affordable entry without the high costs and long waiting times associated with so-called Tier-1 jurisdictions. However, obtaining the license is only the first step. The real challenge lies in continuous compliance. This is emphasized by Ron Mendelson of Fast Offshore, a company specializing in guiding iGaming clients. He warns that constant attention is crucial. Proactive risk management and collaboration with experts are necessary to meet license conditions on an ongoing basis.

Mendelson explains on iGamingNews.com that Anjouan licenses are typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Regulators expect operators to uphold standards regarding anti-money laundering, player protection, and fair gaming throughout the entire term. Failure to do so can lead to the suspension or revocation of the license.

Numbers and facts

Fast Offshore, a Costa Rica-based business consultancy, has been assisting clients for over two decades in corporate services, iGaming, and licensing. Ron Mendelson, the company's director, highlights that Anjouan's requirements are straightforward compared to stricter regimes, focusing on practical measures.

In 2026, the global iGaming landscape has shifted dramatically. Roman Baranovskyi, Head of iGaming at SBSB Fintech Lawyers, describes that the era of operators simply picking the cheapest license and launching the next day is officially over. He sees the market split into two directions: the 'institutional jurisdictions,' which include Malta, and the 'agile territories,' such as Anjouan or Costa Rica.

"The market has effectively split into two strategic directions. Making the wrong choice today can be a fatal error that freezes operations or scares away investors." - Roman Baranovskyi, Head of iGaming at SBSB Fintech Lawyers

Baranovskyi often recommends Anjouan for clients who have a finished software product and need to go live immediately. The bureaucracy is minimal compared to the EU. However, this does not mean a lack of compliance. Basic due diligence is enforced, but the process is optimized to avoid the months-long waiting periods typical of other regions. In September 2025, Jackson.io became the first licensed Sui blockchain gambling platform under the Anjouan iGaming license.

Background

The annual renewal of the Anjouan license involves paying the fee and demonstrating that the operation remains in good standing. This includes updated corporate documents, confirmation of beneficial ownership, and evidence that ongoing conditions have been met. Anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) are at the heart of Anjouan's compliance. Operators need to implement effective policies for customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting. Player verification is also important to manage risks and build credibility with banks and regulators.

Player protection is not just good ethics for your business; it's a license condition. Anjouan requires operators to implement tools such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and age verification. Technical standards for fair gaming are also necessary, with RNGs (Random Number Generators) and platforms undergoing periodic testing. Periodic compliance reports covering operational metrics, financial summaries, and policy adherence must be submitted. Any changes in ownership, key personnel, or significant business shifts must be promptly notified to the authorities.

Malta, on the other hand, is considered an 'institutional powerhouse.' An MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) license acts as a 'passport' to the Tier-1 corporate world. These licenses are suitable for well-capitalized operators, B2B game providers, and companies preparing for an IPO or institutional investment. The costs for these are exorbitant compared to an Anjouan license.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, it is important to understand the differences between licensing models. While Anjouan, Malta, or other international offshore licenses grant permission to globally operating casinos, Germany has had its own strictly regulated licensing system since the GlüStV 2021. This is enforced by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL).

German players should exclusively play in online casinos with a German license. These casinos are listed on the GGL's whitelist and offer a significantly higher level of player protection. This includes strict deposit limits of 1,000 euros per month, the 1 euro per spin betting limit for slots, and mandatory connection to the central self-exclusion system LUGAS. Offshore casinos, for example, those holding an Anjouan license, are not subject to these German regulations. They are not permitted to offer gambling services in Germany and usually do so illegally. Playing there carries significant risks, as players have no legal recourse in Germany in case of problems or fraud, and player protection measures are often insufficient.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The strict compliance requirements for GGL-licensed casinos, as stipulated in the GlüStV 2021, go far beyond those of the Anjouan license. German online gambling providers must meet a variety of conditions, including comprehensive anti-money laundering measures, strict verification procedures, and transparent presentation of game conditions. The monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros and the betting limit of one euro per game round for slot machines are central pillars of player protection in Germany. The connection to LUGAS, the cross-state gambling supervision system, allows for central monitoring of player activities and compliance with limits.

For GGL casinos, maintaining their license involves significant administrative effort and high costs. This includes continuous monitoring of player data, reporting suspicious activities, and implementing tools for self-control. While an Anjouan license enables quick market entry, the German license aims for maximum security and player protection, which makes operations more complex and expensive. German providers must therefore continuously invest in their compliance structures to meet the high standards of the GGL and to gain and retain player trust.