Why More European Casino Brands Are Turning to the Anjouan License

Over the past year, something interesting has been happening behind the scenes in the iGaming world. While Curacao was busy rolling out its new LOK framework, another small jurisdiction quietly stepped into the spotlight… Anjouan.

At first glance, Anjouan might not sound like the kind of place you’d associate with high-level casino compliance. But 2025 has changed that. This tiny island in the Comoros is now home to a licensing model that’s drawing more and more attention from European casino operators, especially those who are tired of the rising costs and stricter rules in Malta, Curacao, and the Isle of Man.

So, why is the Anjouan licence suddenly such a hot topic?

The answer lies in timing, flexibility, and one crucial detail: access to the European market.

Why the Anjouan Licence Feels Like a Fresh Start

Anjouan Licensing Services has been around for a while, but its role in the online gambling industry was small until recently. In the early 2020s, most operators saw it as a niche option, mostly suited for crypto-focused casinos or markets with minimal oversight. That started to change in 2024, when Curacao announced a sweeping reform of its gaming structure.

For years, Curacao’s sub-licensing system offered low-cost entry and minimal red tape. But by the end of 2024, that model had officially ended. Now, companies must apply directly to the new Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA), meet strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards, maintain local infrastructure, and pay significantly higher fees.

The result? A flood of small to mid-sized operators began looking elsewhere, and many landed on Anjouan casinos as a viable, fast-moving alternative.

For those curious about which operators currently hold valid licences or what the rules look like in practice, you can explore live examples of Anjouan casinos and find full details on how the licence works.

Recognition Certificates Bring Structure and Speed

One of the biggest developments in 2025 has been Anjouan’s launch of the Recognition Certificate. This policy targets B2B providers that already hold reputable European licences, such as those from the Malta Gaming Authority.

The goal? Streamline the approval process.

If a company can prove its track record with an established authority and show that it already follows responsible gambling frameworks, the Recognition Certificate fast-tracks their Anjouan licensing. It is a practical way to reward companies for doing things right, without making them start from scratch.

This is a game-changer for software suppliers, payment processors, and other B2B providers who want to expand into new markets quickly. It also gives a credibility boost to any casino working with those approved partners.

Stronger Standards, Lower Barriers

A few years ago, the idea of Anjouan licensed casinos having stronger AML policies than some legacy regulators might have sounded like a joke. But not anymore.

The new framework includes:

• RNG certification and game fairness audits
• AML documentation aligned with global financial rules
• Clear KYC policies for B2C operators
• Basic responsible gambling standards

And here is the kicker: It is still much cheaper than applying in Europe.

In practical terms, this means smaller brands can now build platforms that meet international player expectations, without blowing their entire budget on legal fees. That is a big reason we are seeing so many newer European-facing casinos choose the Anjouan route in 2025.

Offshore, but Not Off the Grid

For a long time, offshore licences carried a bit of a stigma. They were seen as loopholes. Workarounds. A way to skirt regulation.

But the reality in 2025 is different. Most players are not looking for loopholes. They are looking for access.

Some countries have blocked international sites altogether. Others have introduced financial rules that make it hard to deposit or withdraw. And then there is the constant issue of affordability checks, slow, intrusive, and often misapplied.

In this context, players are finding value in alternatives. That includes verified Anjouan licensed casinos that still offer fair games, basic protections, and smoother banking options.

This new breed of offshore casino is not trying to avoid rules, they are simply building around them.

What Operators Want: Control, Flexibility, and Reach

No operator moves licences just for fun.

Switching regulatory homes is expensive, time-consuming, and risky. So, when casino brands across Europe begin moving their operations to a lesser-known regulator like Anjouan, it is worth asking why.

Here are the most common reasons we are seeing:

• Cost efficiency: Licence application fees in Anjouan remain significantly lower than in Malta, the Isle of Man, or even Curacao post-reform.
• Speed to market: Operators can launch within weeks, not months. That agility matters in a competitive market.
• Crypto integration: Many Anjouan licensed online casinos support crypto deposits, which appeals to both players and operators looking for lower transaction fees.
• Privacy-conscious users: Anjouan casinos often allow quicker onboarding and more flexible verification, while still protecting basic consumer rights.

From our perspective, this trend is not just about money. It is about control. Smaller brands want to own their platform, their product, and their player relationships, without being buried in red tape.

European Pressure vs Offshore Strategy

Of course, European regulators are not thrilled about this shift. Several jurisdictions are stepping up enforcement against offshore casinos. Some, like France, have introduced new blacklists. Others are tightening bank-level compliance to block payments to foreign operators.

But here is the catch: enforcement is messy.

It is nearly impossible to monitor every transaction, block every operator, or track every white-label platform. So while the big-name operators remain laser-focused on local licensing, dozens of emerging casinos are quietly building global reach with Anjouan credentials.

And with the Recognition Certificate now in effect, that reach is starting to look a lot more legitimate.

What This Means for Players

As always, the responsibility falls on the player to choose where and how they gamble.

That said, many users are surprised to learn that Anjouan casinos now meet many of the same safety standards found in more expensive licensing jurisdictions.

Are there still bad actors in the space? Absolutely. But the same is true everywhere.

If you are a player based in Europe and want to explore new casinos without waiting six weeks for a bank transfer, this path is worth exploring.

Anjouan Steps Into the Spotlight

No one is claiming that Anjouan will dethrone Malta or the UKGC anytime soon.

But in 2025, the license from this small Comorian island is proving to be more than just a placeholder. It is a real alternative for European casino operators who want to remain agile, lean, and internationally focused.

It offers speed without skipping standards, and flexibility without throwing away oversight. That is a rare combination in this industry.

Whether you are an operator planning your next market entry or a player looking for a smoother experience, one thing is clear:

Anjouan is no longer on the sidelines. It is a serious option, and the rest of the world is starting to notice.

- B.E. Delmer, Gambling911.com