Comparing Malta and Anjouan: Which works best for startups?

In this article, iGaming industry consultant Ron Mendelson, Fast Offshore, compares the benefits and features of obtaining a gaming license in Malta and Anjouan, with a focus on entrepreneurs seeking to establish a new startup.

Selecting the proper jurisdiction for your iGaming license can make all the difference between a smooth launch and unnecessary hurdles and expenses. For startups eyeing online casinos, sportsbooks, or innovative gaming platforms, the choice ultimately comes down to somehow finding a balance between credibility, speed, and affordability.

Malta and Anjouan stand out as two popular destinations, each offering completely unique pathways to get your business up and running. Malta, with its established reputation in the European Union, appeals to operations ready to invest in long-term prestige and market access. Anjouan, on the other hand, is a leading choice for those who prioritize efficiency and lean operations. It has quickly become a go-to for emerging ventures.

As the iGaming landscape continues to evolve and expand in 2025, understanding these options helps founders align their jurisdiction with their growth trajectory and plans. Whether you’re working with a small team or scaling a mid-size platform, both provide solid foundations, but the fit depends on your resources and timeline.

Malta, the gold standard

Malta has long been a cornerstone of the global iGaming industry, thanks to the Malta Gaming Authority, or MGA, which oversees a framework renowned for its rigor and transparency. As an EU member state, Malta offers easy banking relationships, payment processors, and access to a vast European player base, all while maintaining stringent standards that build significant levels of trust with users and partners. For startups with a higher budget and a vision for international expansion, this jurisdiction delivers legitimacy.

The MGA’s comprehensive and tough regulations ensure fair play, strong player protection, and anti-money laundering measures that are suited to sophisticated and stringent markets. Operations in Malta also benefit from the country’s stable political environment and access to a skilled workforce in gaming technology and compliance, which in turn helps innovation in areas such as responsible gambling tools and data analytics.

The Malta setup process reflects its Tier-1 status. Expect a thorough evaluation of your business model, key personnel, and technical infrastructure, which typically spans several months. This investment in due diligence pays off for established players, as the license signals a high level of quality and trustworthiness to affiliates, investors, and regulators worldwide. Many successful iGaming brands have all used Malta’s ecosystem to secure venture funding and form strategic partnerships, turning regulatory compliance into a strong, competitive advantage.

For mid-size companies with the bandwidth to navigate detailed audits and ongoing reporting, Malta’s structure supports sustainable scaling, from integrating advanced RNG systems to expanding into regulated markets around the world. While the path requires patience and resources, it equips your startup with a badge of excellence that elevates your brand and vision from day one.

What about Anjouan?

Shifting focus to Anjouan, this Comoros island jurisdiction has recently emerged as a streamlined alternative tailored for agility and accessibility. Governed by the Anjouan Gaming Authority, it puts a strong emphasis on practicality without compromising on essential legitimacy, making it particularly appealing to startups and small businesses that are watchful of every expense. Anjouan’s framework enables versatile operations, which include everything from online slots to live dealer games under a single, adaptable license.

What sets it apart is the emphasis on speed and flexibility. When partnering with experts like Fast Offshore, you to achieve full setup in just a few days, bypassing the drawn-out timelines that bog down other options. This rapid turnaround allows your team to focus on product development and marketing, rather than paperwork, making it ideal for founders who want to turn a profit sooner rather than later. 

For budget-conscious ventures, Anjouan offers the lowest cost license available today, freeing up your capital for other important areas such as user acquisition and tech upgrades. Its zero-tax policy on gaming revenue further enhances your level of profitability, allowing small and mid-size operations to reinvest easily without heavy fiscal burdens.

Legitimacy remains a cornerstone, with requirements for secure platforms, fair algorithms, and ethical practices that align with international norms, ensuring your business stands on solid ground. Just because it is quick and low-cost, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a good reputation. 

Furthermore, startups here often praise the jurisdiction’s openness to innovation, whether launching crypto-integrated games or niche esports betting, all while maintaining the flexibility to adapt and evolve as your company grows. 

Who is the winner?

When weighing Malta against Anjouan, the decision largely depends on your startup's stage and budget. Malta's EU-backed prestige and rigorous standards suit those operations with deeper pockets, where the time to build a compliant company translates into premium market positioning and very easy partnerships. It's the standout choice for those envisioning a flagship brand that commands respect in crowded, regulated, and highly competitive spaces.

Anjouan, on the other hand, caters to the smaller entrepreneur, offering the quickest entry point on the market with unmatched affordability and adaptability. For small businesses or mid-size players, its license is by far the market’s most economical and swift solution, and it enables rapid deployment without sacrificing core credibility.

Both jurisdictions have cultivated thriving iGaming ecosystems, but Anjouan’s edge in low overheads and fast setup times makes it a natural fit for innovators seeking to prove their concept before investing more.

Fast Offshore

Regardless of the path you pursue, partnering with a seasoned advisor is non-negotiable for navigating the complexities of iGaming licensing. Fast Offshore stands out as a trusted ally, with over two and a half (and counting) decades of expertise in securing approvals across various jurisdictions. Our end-to-end guidance, from document preparation to authority negotiations, ensures a hassle-free process for you, whether you're targeting Malta's prestige or Anjouan's efficiency. For any iGaming operation, working with Fast Offshore guarantees not only compliance but also a strategic launch that aligns with your vision and ongoing plans.

If your horizon includes EU dominance and investor appeal, Malta's depth will serve you well. For those businesses on a tighter financial leash, Anjouan's blend of speed, savings, and solidity paves the way to early wins. The key lies in matching your ambitions to the jurisdiction's strengths, setting the stage for a venture that not only survives but thrives in this dynamic industry. Fast Offshore is ready to help you make the best decision for you and guide you through the process from start to finish.