Why Licensing Still Defines Success in 2025
The global iGaming industry is expected to exceed $117 billion in 2025, driven by mobile adoption, crypto integration, and rapid market expansion in Africa and Asia. Yet growth is matched by mounting oversight. Regulators demand stronger AML controls, responsible-gaming frameworks, and transparent ownership disclosures.
Against this backdrop, licensing is more than a formality — it determines payment partnerships, player trust, and access to regulated markets. Among emerging jurisdictions, Anjouan, part of the Union of Comoros, has transformed from a budget offshore option into a credible, crypto-friendly hub. Its 2024–2025 reforms mark a turning point, aligning the licence more closely with mid-tier regulators while preserving affordability and speed.
The Anjouan Advantage: Why Operators Choose It
Anjouan has issued iGaming licences for over a decade, but demand has surged recently due to:
- Low entry costs compared to Europe or Isle of Man.
- No GGR tax, keeping profits in operators’ hands.
- Fast approvals — often within weeks rather than months.
- Broad coverage of verticals (casino, sportsbook, poker, lotteries, virtuals).
- Crypto-friendly rules, explicitly supporting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins.
- Global reach with relatively few territorial restrictions.
This mix makes Anjouan a strong option for startups, crypto-first platforms, and B2B providers looking for speed without the heavy load of prestige regulators.
2025 Updates: AOFA Tightens Oversight
The Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) introduced significant reforms in 2024–2025. Key changes include:
- Stricter AML/KYC: Risk-based onboarding, sanctions/PEP checks, and verifiable identity sources are mandatory.
- Enhanced due diligence: Directors, shareholders, and UBOs must provide criminal record checks, proof of funds, and financial disclosures.
- Local presence & servers: Operators must appoint a local agent and host or mirror player data in AOFA-approved environments.
- Quarterly reporting & audits: Mandatory activity reports plus third-party audits improve banking and payment credibility.
- RNG certificate for B2B providers: Since mid-2025, B2B licence applicants must supply an RNG certificate from an accredited lab — replacing the old simplified model.
- Fee structure adjustment: First-year entry now typically falls into the €25,000–€30,000 range, reflecting due diligence and compliance costs, while still cheaper than Malta or Isle of Man.
Takeaway: Anjouan is no longer a backdoor licence. It has become a compliance-aware regime aimed at attracting sustainable operators.
Cost Breakdown: Typical 2025 Figures
| **Expense ** | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial licence fee | €15,000–€18,000 | Covers multiple gaming verticals |
| Due diligence checks | €6,000–€9,000 | Enhanced UBO/director screening |
| Company incorporation | €3,000–€5,000 | IBC setup + registered agent |
| Annual renewal | €11,000–€13,000 | Licence continuation + compliance |
| RNG certificate (B2B only) | €5,000–€10,000 | Independent lab certification |
How Anjouan Compares in 2025
- Curaçao: Now under LOK/CGA. Master–sub-licences abolished, one-year validity, AML/RG strengthened. - Affordable but in transition.
- Malta (MGA): EU prestige, banking strength, strict AML/RG. High fees and long timelines — suited to large operators.
- Isle of Man: Robust oversight, crypto-friendly, low gaming tax. High initial costs and staff presence requirements.
- Kahnawà:ke: Established North American option. 0% gaming tax, but weaker crypto provisions than Anjouan.
The Crypto Edge
Anjouan stands out for its explicit acceptance of digital assets. Operators can integrate BTC, ETH, USDT, and other stablecoins, enabling:
- Instant deposits and withdrawals
- Lower transaction costs
- Reduced chargeback exposure
- Access to crypto-centric and underbanked markets
This policy, combined with AML reforms, positions Anjouan as a forward-thinking jurisdiction for crypto casinos and sportsbooks.
Licensing Roadmap: How to Secure an Anjouan Licence
Getting licensed in Anjouan isn’t complicated, but it does require a clear roadmap. Here’s how the process usually looks in 2025:
- Form your IBC — set up an International Business Company in Anjouan/Comoros with a local agent.
- Write your business plan — outline your verticals, target markets, compliance approach, and expected revenues. Regulators want to see that you know your business.
- File your application — submit forms, pay the fees, and attach proof of funds along with ID documents for directors and owners.
- Pass due diligence — directors, UBOs, and key staff undergo criminal record checks, financial verification, and source-of-funds reviews.
- For B2B operators — provide an RNG certificate from an accredited lab to validate fairness of your products.
- Set up infrastructure — configure your servers, AML/KYC tools, and reporting systems in line with AOFA requirements.
- Wait for approval — if everything is in order, the licence is usually granted within a matter of weeks.
- Stay compliant — submit quarterly reports, undergo audits, and renew annually to keep your licence valid.
Risks & Considerations
Like any jurisdiction, Anjouan has its strengths and its trade-offs:
- Prestige gap — while improving fast, it doesn’t yet carry the same weight as Malta (MGA) or the UKGC.
- Banking challenges — traditional banks can still be cautious. Operators often rely on challenger banks or crypto-friendly payment partners.
- Regulatory evolution — reforms continue, and costs may rise further (e.g. RNG certification). Operators must stay flexible.
- Geographic limits — certain regulated markets remain off-limits with an Anjouan licence alone, meaning additional licences or geo-blocking may be required.
BetForge’s Role in Supporting Operators
At BetForge (a platform created by Turbomates Soft) we don’t just track licensing updates — we build technology that makes compliance easier. Our platform is designed to support operators in meeting Anjouan’s 2025 requirements while keeping performance and scalability in focus.
- Unified wallet: Seamless fiat + crypto support.
- Compliance engine: Integrated KYC/AML, blockchain analytics, and AI-driven risk scoring.
- Rapid deployment: Launch within weeks to match Anjouan’s fast licensing.
- Payment partnerships: Stablecoin and challenger-bank integrations.
- Regulatory analytics: Dashboards for both compliance and player insights.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the Anjouan iGaming licence has evolved into a credible choice — combining low costs, fast approvals, crypto support, and stronger compliance. For startups and mid-tier operators, it offers one of the most practical routes to market, provided you keep up with its new standards.
👉 Want to explore how BetForge (by Turbomates Soft) can support your iGaming growth? Contact us today.
