How Anjouan compares with the Isle of Man on cost and compliance

In this article, iGaming industry consultant Ron Mendelson, Fast Offshore, explains how Anjouan compares with the Isle of Man, focusing on affordability and regulatory ease.

In the fast-paced and ever-changing world of iGaming and online gambling, securing the right gaming license is perhaps one of the most important parts of the process. It can decide how quickly you hit the market, what your costs will be, and how your expansion will look going forward. Jurisdictions like Anjouan and the Isle of Man are both well-known and well-respected names, each offering comprehensive regulatory frameworks that focus on legitimacy and player trust. 

While both provide comprehensive coverage for a wide array of iGaming activities, from casinos and sports betting to poker and emerging blockchain-based games, they differ significantly in terms of cost and compliance demands. For startups and small businesses, these differences can make all the difference when it comes to launch timelines, managing budgets effectively, and coming up with new and innovative concepts without unnecessary or expensive hurdles.

This article explores how Anjouan compares with the Isle of Man, focusing on affordability and regulatory ease. Based on our 28 years of experience, we'll highlight why Anjouan emerges as an exceptionally appealing gateway for budget-conscious entrepreneurs testing the waters, integrating crypto payments, or scaling mid-tier operations. Both jurisdictions uphold high standards, but Anjouan's streamlined approach empowers all emerging players to prioritize their growth over red tape.

Cost comparison: Affordability meets efficiency

When it comes to the financial side of obtaining and maintaining a gaming license, Anjouan is by far the most beneficial out there, particularly for those watching every penny. The setup costs for an Anjouan license are the lowest on the market in 2025, making it an ideal entry point for startups. Processing can wrap up in as few as just a few business days, as long as all your documents are submitted promptly and accurately, allowing operators to go live and generate revenue far sooner. This rapid turnaround minimizes opportunity costs, such as delayed market entry or interim operational expenses.

In contrast, the Isle of Man offers a more established pathway with a processing timeline of around four months. This extended period reflects its thorough, stringent vetting process, which, while ensuring top-tier credibility, demands a greater upfront investment of time and resources. The Isle of Man's application fees and associated services contribute to a higher overall price tag, which can be out of reach for many smaller outfits. Fast Offshore's turnkey packages for the Isle of Man, which encompass incorporation, licensing, and compliance setup, are comprehensive but are tailored more toward operations seeking prestige and long-term stability rather than quick concept-to-market timelines.

Ongoing costs further boost Anjouan's edge for smaller entities. Anjouan imposes zero tax on gross gaming revenue. This fiscal incentive lets startups reinvest profits directly into product development, marketing, or crypto integration, such as provably fair games or blockchain wallets. Annual renewal and maintenance fees remain low, with Fast Offshore providing value-packed packages that handle compliance and reporting for a fixed, competitive rate. This predictability is a game-changer for mid-tier businesses that want to experiment with diverse offerings like eSports betting or lotto without the concern of high or escalating expenses.

The Isle of Man, meanwhile, maintains a 0% corporate tax rate alongside a modest gaming tax of 0.1% to 1.5% on gross gaming yield. not total turnover, which keeps it financially attractive for established players. But for a startup eyeing crypto payments or testing a niche like live dealer games or eSports, Anjouan's cost structure which combines swift approval, all-encompassing coverage under one license, and tax-free GGR, translates to more significant savings. 

Compliance comparison: Streamlined paths to legitimacy

Compliance is the backbone of any reputable gaming operation, safeguarding players while allowing the freedom of innovation and tangible growth. Both Anjouan and the Isle of Man excel in this department, but their approaches definitely cater to different stages of business maturity. Anjouan's framework is designed for efficiency, with minimal bureaucracy that empowers startups to focus on core activities like building a client base or integrating cutting-edge features such as blockchain-based games.

The Anjouan licensing process requires a "fit and proper" assessment, including police clearance certificates, passports, utility bills, and references from bankers or professionals, all dated within 90 days and in English (or translated). Applicants must also submit proof of domain ownership, terms and conditions outlining responsible gaming and KYC policies, and details on game content like RNG testing. Notably, there's no mandate for local servers or resident directors, reducing logistical complexities. This straightforward checklist, when completed with Fast Offshore's guidance, allows for hassle-free and super-fast onboarding. Once licensed, ongoing maintenance involves annual reports and renewals, which Fast Offshore streamlines through affordable packages covering audits, expansions, and diversification into new segments like scratch cards or virtual sports.

The Isle of Man, regulated by the Gambling Supervision Commission under the Online Gambling Regulation Act 2001, upholds rigorous standards that have earned it global respect. Compliance demands include similar personal verifications such as passports, bank references, utility bills, and no-criminal-record certificates, plus a detailed business plan, geographic market outline, and third-party RNG fairness certification. A key distinction is the requirement for servers to be collocated on the island, ensuring data sovereignty and security are kept local. This, combined with the need for two resident directors, embeds operations deeply within a stable, English-speaking ecosystem, ideal for firms that are keen on prioritizing international prestige.

Both jurisdictions cover all iGaming verticals under a single license, from slots and bingo to poker and emerging tech like AI-driven personalization. However, Anjouan's inclusivity extends explicitly to provably fair and blockchain games, aligning seamlessly with crypto-friendly models that startups are often keen to pioneer.

Why Anjouan wins for startups, budget-watchers, and innovators

For entrepreneurs testing concepts such as a crypto-centric casino or a hybrid sports-betting app, it is clear that Anjouan’s blend of low costs and light-touch compliance is the winner. It allows small businesses to prove their concepts, amass users, and scale without the fiscal or bureaucratic burdens that could sink a fledgling venture. Mid-tier players, already juggling growth pains, benefit from its zero GGR tax and one-license versatility, freeing capital for other areas of the business.

While both jurisdictions deliver compliance excellence and fiscal perks, Anjouan's affordability and simplified requirements make it the standout for startups, small outfits, and mid-tier innovators. It's not just a license; it's a launchpad for sustainable success. Ready to explore? Fast Offshore's tailored consultations can map your path forward and help you achieve licensing with minimal headaches. To find out more, contact our team today!