The strategic importance of starting in Anjouan before expanding

In this article, iGaming industry consultant Ron Mendelson, Fast Offshore, explores the rapid rise of Anjouan as a licensing jurisdiction and why operators are increasingly choosing it as a flexible, cost-effective gateway to global markets.

The small island of Anjouan has seen over 1300 new licenses issued since its regulatory overhaul in 2023. This relates to more than 2000 live websites, and the number keeps growing. So what is behind these impressive figures? And why are more and more operators looking to establish their business in Anjouan before expanding?

There are several answers to these questions, and it may surprise you to learn that some license holders choose to retain their Anjouan license, either using it for all their sites or in addition to a second, or even a third, license elsewhere. Here is all you need to know!

The history of Anjouan

Anjouan has offered iGaming licenses for many years, but it was never really taken seriously and definitely didn’t make a name for itself until 2023. Following the pandemic and seeking new sources of national income that were not solely reliant on tourism, the authorities turned to the iGaming sector. Realizing that the existing framework was preventing the jurisdiction from reaching its full potential, the authorities decided to make some changes.

The entire framework was overhauled, streamlined, and modernised, bringing it in line with international best practices and standards. The results were a low-cost, flexible, and modern license that meets the needs of operators, players, and third-party service providers.

Why Anjouan?

Anjouan has not just updated its framework to make it more compliant; it has updated it to appeal to startups, small businesses, and even more established operations that are looking for a low-cost, flexible, quick-to-obtain license that offers legitimacy and peace of mind in an increasingly competitive market.

The Anjouan license is the lowest cost option on the market today, with low setup and ongoing maintenance costs. This means operators have more to spend on games, marketing, user experience and of course, more profits. It is also the quickest license to obtain, taking just a few days to weeks, depending on your personal situation. When you work with Fast Offshore, this timeline is even shorter, meaning you get live and profitable quicker.

Other reasons for its popularity stem from its flexibility: you need just one license for your entire portfolio, and you can venture into various verticals such as live gaming, eSports, or even blockchain gambling without additional certifications. It is also a credible license. While it may not be as well-known as Curacao or Kahnawake, it is becoming more recognised as more operators opt for it.

The Anjouan license is also a completely legitimate license, which means you can wear the seal with pride on your website to let players know that rules and regulations protect them from a formal jurisdiction. With an Anjouan license in hand, you can work with all the top game studios, payment providers, and other institutions that require a license to partner with an operator.

Remaining in Anjouan

Fast Offshore has assisted many operators in getting set up in Anjouan. While many obtain the license before looking at other jurisdictions, a growing number are deciding to stay put.

There are a certain number of operators who understand that an Anjouan license is their key to markets such as Latin America, Asia, and Africa, and never see the need to obtain an additional license. They are happy to operate in these jurisdictions, offering their gaming portfolio alongside crypto and fiat payments. 

If you are an operator who wants to target these demographics, there is not always a need to obtain another license; an Anjouan license may serve you just fine, in the short term or the long term.

Seeking a second license

But for some, it will be necessary or at least desirable to get a second license. This may be due to a desire to offer services in Europe or the US, or just to add extra clout to your offerings.

In these cases, Fast Offshore can assist you in picking the best second license for you, acquiring it, and either winding up Anjoua or continuing with both in harmony. Fast Offshore can also take care of all ongoing maintenance for your licenses, including paperwork, any necessary audits and updates, and, of course, renewals. 

Fast Offshore

Fast Offshore has been working in the iGaming sector for nearly 30 years, and our team of experts is on hand to guide you through the whole setup process as well as help you with all of your ongoing obligations. Our team is responsive, helpful, and professional, and can offer you custom packages or off-the-shelf options, depending on your needs.

We help you launch and become profitable as quickly as possible, while offering the pinnacle of transparency, efficiency, and customer service. To find out more about the Anjouan license, or to get the ball rolling, just contact Fast Offshore today!