Anjouan vs. Nevis: Choosing the right license for your roadmap

In this article, iGaming industry consultant Ron Mendelson, Fast Offshore, explores the key benefits and differences between the Nevis and Anjouan online gaming licenses.

Operators in online gaming face one major decision early in their plans: which jurisdiction best fits their business model, growth targets, and, of course, budget. Two Caribbean options now stand out for different reasons. Nevis remains the clear first choice for operators who need a license that carries the highest level of recognition and banking acceptance worldwide. Anjouan has become the top choice for everyone who wants the fastest route to market at the lowest total cost, without sacrificing their legitimacy.

Both jurisdictions issue a broad and comprehensive interactive gaming license that covers casino games, sports betting, poker, lottery, and exchange operations under a single document. Sovereign governments issue both and meet international anti-money laundering standards, which reinforces legitimacy and player confidence. The difference lies in what each license signals to banks, payment processors, affiliate networks, and players, and in how quickly and cheaply an operator can start trading.

Nevis: The established tier-one standard

On 29 April 2025, Nevis passed the Nevis Online Gaming Bill, instantly turning the quiet Caribbean island into one of the most talked-about licensing jurisdictions in the industry. Led by Finance Minister Dr. Mark Brantley, the move is a calculated step to reduce reliance on tourism and build a new economic pillar around regulated online gaming.

The island brings serious credentials to the table: forty years running a clean offshore financial centre (banking, insurance, trusts) and a permanent place on the FATF white list. The 2025 legislation takes that foundation and adds a modern, transparent gaming framework deliberately modelled on Malta and the Isle of Man, yet offered at a fraction of their cost.

Operators receive a proper, internationally respected licence that banks and payment providers already recognise, backed by full KYC, due diligence, technical audits, and mandatory responsible-gaming rules. 

For groups looking for genuine Tier-1, gold-standard substance at competitive, accessible pricing, Nevis has arrived as the strongest new contender of the year.

Anjouan: Speed and cost leadership for the rest of the market

While Nevis serves operators who need maximum recognition, Anjouan has taken the lead for every other business model. The Offshore Gaming Authority of Anjouan completed a full overhaul of its laws and procedures in 2023 and 2024 under the Computer and Online Gambling Act. The new framework removed unnecessary steps, adopted objective approval criteria, and kept government fees far below those of other jurisdictions.

Anjouan now issues the lowest-cost full-scope gaming license available from any government that maintains proper regulatory standards. The total landed cost, including company formation, license fees, compliance setup, and first-year obligations, is well below the amounts charged by older Caribbean jurisdictions and European centres. Operators who work with experienced corporate service providers like Fast Offshore benefit from pre-built application packages and direct daily contact with the regulator, enabling the entire process to finish far faster than in any comparable jurisdiction.

Payment processors, crypto gateways, and affiliate networks have added Anjouan to their standard approved lists, and with your Anjouan license in hand, you will be able to access partnerships and services that require formal licensing.

Matching the license to your goals

The choice between Nevis and Anjouan comes down to three questions that every operator must answer honestly.

1. First, do you need the highest possible level of banking and payment acceptance from the most conservative institutions? If the answer is yes, and you plan to work with prime European banks or target traffic from markets that demand familiar license names, Nevis remains the best option.

2. Second, does your business model depend on reaching the market fast and keeping costs down? Operators who serve players in Asia, Latin America, Africa, or some European countries rarely face restrictions because of an Anjouan license. The savings in time and money let these companies test new brands, enter emerging markets, or scale cryptocurrency and payment-heavy platforms without heavy upfront investment.

3. Third, how long do you plan to operate the brand? Companies that intend to build a flagship operation for the next decade or more often choose Nevis because the license will open doors for many years. Operators who run multiple brands, launch new verticals frequently, or focus on traffic windows select Anjouan because they can start trading and generating revenue long before a Nevis application would reach the final stages.

Many successful groups now hold both licenses for different parts of their portfolio. They place their premium, long-term brands under Nevis and use Anjouan for new projects or regional sites. This dual approach shows that the two jurisdictions serve separate purposes rather than competing head-to-head.

The practical path forward

Fast Offshore has worked with both jurisdictions since their modern phases began. 

Clients who need a Nevis license receive full support through the detailed application process, including preparation of policies, software due diligence, and direct liaison with the authorities. Clients who choose Anjouan benefit from ready application templates, daily regulator contact, pre-screened due diligence, and banking relationships that open at the same time as the license.

Neither license is inherently better than the other: Nevis offers unmatched recognition for operators who require it, while Anjouan delivers the fastest and cheapest legitimate route to market for everyone else. The right choice depends on where you want to operate, which partners you need, and how quickly you plan to launch. If you are not sure, Fast Offshore can help you choose and then be by your side through the whole application process. The team will explain exactly how each jurisdiction fits your plans and guide you to the license that matches your priorities, whether that means maximum prestige with Nevis or maximum speed and savings with Anjouan. We can also take care of all ongoing maintenance. To find out more, contact us today!