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Online gaming has grown significantly in this rapidly changing era. To gain credibility and trust, an online gambling licence is required before you embark on this journey. Anjouan’s online gambling license attracts more and more interest in this context.
Mark O’Neill is the director of Global Gaming Solutions. He recently returned from the iGBL!! conference in Amsterdam, and has learned that a few operators are looking at the Anjouan license for online gambling as an alternative. This article explores the Anjouan Online Gambling License and answers the who, what where, why and how. Mark also offers his opinions for online gambling operators who are looking to acquire this license.
who
Anjouan Online Gambling Licenses are not new to the market of online gambling. Operators have had the option to apply for Anjouan Online Gambling Licenses since 2005.
Why is it that everyone has only just started to talk about this? Operators have looked at other jurisdictions, such as the Isle of Man and Kahnawake, due to proposed regulatory changes in Curacao. Anjouan was not a preferred jurisdiction for online gambling operators in the last few years. In the last six months there has been much noise regarding the Anjouan Online Gambling License, which has led more and more operators to seek this license as a substitute.
What
In my previous post, I discussed the proposed Curacao changes that we expect to be in force on the 1st September 2023. There is still much uncertainty about the new changes. For example, the substance requirements, and the transition period to allow sub-license holders move up to a full Curacao licence. This uncertainty is the reason why some Curacao operators want to move now to other jurisdictions. Anjouan has become more popular because operators need certainty in order to future-proof operations.
Where
Anjouan, located off the coast of Africa is one of three islands that make up the Union of Comoros. This small nation may not be well known to most. Anjouan’s reputation has been forged in the world of online gaming. Anjouan’s online gambling licenses appear to be an affordable solution for companies that want to launch online casinos, sports betting websites, and other gambling platforms.
when
Anjouan passed the Computer Gambling Licensing Act in 1999. Anjouan did not fully embrace the global gambling industry until 2005. The State of Anjouan Union of Comoros enacted Computer Gaming Licensing Act 007 Of2005, which came into effect on the 20th of February 2005. This Act allowed the Anjouan Government to provide online casinos with licenses and assistance. We expect that Anjouan, due to changes in the regulatory environment, will become a more familiar name in this industry in the next year.
Why
Anjouan has a regulatory structure in place to encourage business on the island. Anjouan’s online gambling license offers operators many advantages. The most important is that it is universally recognized. This license allows operators the opportunity to operate their business in multiple jurisdictions. It is a great choice for gaming startups looking to expand globally. The Anjouan license’s affordable price is another benefit. Anjouan offers a cost-effective solution compared to other jurisdictions, which can be expensive and have strict requirements. This makes it a good option for small companies or newcomers in the online gaming sector.
How
Anjouan’s online gambling license can be obtained in a very simple manner. Online gambling platforms are required to adhere to certain registration procedures. The primary requirement is the acquisition and registration under the Gaming License Category.
Anjouan’s licensing authority manages the licensing process. An annual fee is charged to all businesses, no matter how large or small. The licensing authority offers continuous guidance throughout the application process. This includes business verification, software tests, and compliance checks. A continuous oversight program is also maintained to ensure licensed operators adhere strictly to the standards and have exceptional operating practices.
Our Thoughts
Currently, only four casino brands are operating under the Anjouan Online Gambling License. Anjouan, which has been able to issue licenses for over a decade, is still a relatively new jurisdiction. It may take some time before it can establish a good reputation in the industry. Like any new sector, service providers like banks, software companies, payment service providers and others will assess the risks involved with dealing with licensees of Anjouan.
Anjouan appears to have fewer requirements than other jurisdictions of tier one in a world dominated by due diligence on customers and the verification of their wealth. This may be a concern for some but it could also be a benefit for those who are seeking a license and do not want to undergo extensive due diligence. In Anjouan, you can obtain a license within weeks. This is a much shorter time frame than Malta’s six-to-12-month waiting period or the Isle of Man’s twelve-week requirement.
The Anjouan license for online gambling may be a good stepping stone to global expansion of online gaming companies. It will take some time for this license to be recognized as an industry standard. This will create operational challenges in trying to engage key partners. Anjouan’s license is a good alternative to start-ups or smaller online gaming operators due to its low cost, regulatory framework and increasing recognition.
For further information on the latest trends in the online gambling industry, please contact us via our website www.globalgaming.solutions or via email at [email protected].
