Examining the Anjouan Gaming License: Unveiling the Scam Behind the Illusion
- Tradepass International Tax LLC
- Jul 9
- 5 min read
Online gaming licenses are crucial for establishing the trustworthiness of gambling sites. They act as a reassurance for players, indicating that they are engaging with a regulated entity. However, the Anjouan Online Gaming License has gained a dubious reputation, leading many to label it a scam. In this article, we will explore the details surrounding the Anjouan Online Gaming License, highlighting its flaws and what they mean for players and operators alike.
Where is Anjouan?
Anjouan is one of the four main islands that make up the Union of the Comoros, a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the eastern coast of Africa. Officially known as "Ndzuwani" in the local language, Anjouan is known for its mountainous terrain, lush vegetation, and traditional agriculture, including ylang-ylang and vanilla production. Though geographically small and politically part of a developing country, Anjouan has gained international attention in recent years for its offshore services, particularly its remote gambling license regime.
Is Gambling Legal in The Comoros Islands?
According to the 2024 Mutual Evaluation Report issued by FATF-GAFI for the Union of the Comoros, gambling is explicitly prohibited under the Comorian Penal Code. It is listed among the activities not permitted by law, confirming its illegal status within the national legal framework. Consequently, the Financial Action Task Force did not conduct any specific AML/CFT assessment related to the gambling sector. This finding is particularly striking given that the Comoros—specifically the island of Anjouan—has gained international attention as an emerging hub for online gambling. The disconnect between national legislation and widely-advertised licensing practices raises serious concerns about regulatory consistency and the credibility of the jurisdiction in the global gaming industry.
Who is the Official Authority that Issues the Online Gaming License in Anjouan ?
According to various internet sources and professional websites, the official authority responsible for issuing online gambling licenses in Anjouan is the Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board (ABGB)—often referred to as the Anjouan Gaming Authority—under the umbrella of the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority (AOFA).
According to multiple alerts from the Central Bank of the Comoros, it does not recognize the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) or similar island-based entities as legitimate regulators of banking or financial services. The bank has repeatedly warned the public that only it (together with the ANPI for business registration) is authorized to license offshore banking activities, and it has identified and publicly denounced a number of firms falsely claiming Anjouan-issued financial and banking licenses. In addition, a 2014 statement on its website emphasized that no financial offshore license has ever been granted by any of the Comoros’ islands, including Anjouan . The Central Bank has taken legal action and issued international warnings to combat these unauthorized offshore activities, underscoring that AOFA’s purported licensing powers are invalid and unenforceable within the Union of the Comoros legal framework.
Although the warning issued by the Central Bank of the Comoros does not specifically address international online gambling, it is nonetheless striking that the same Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority—explicitly disavowed in the context of offshore financial licenses—also appears to serve as the institutional façade for purported government bodies (or service providers) issuing online gambling licenses. This raises serious concerns about the legal foundation and authenticity of such licenses, especially when the national authorities have categorically denied the existence of any legitimate offshore licensing regime within the Union of the Comoros.
Player Awareness and Risks
Here’s a refined summary of player reviews concerning Anjouan‑licensed casinos:
Many players have voiced serious concerns about the legitimacy and effectiveness of Anjouan licenses. A recent Trustpilot thread gave Anjouangaming.com a dismal 2.1 out of 5 rating, with all nine reviewers rating it one star. Common complaints include unresponsive support and non-payment of winnings:
“This Casino regulatory will not reply to casino complaints … they have not responded back to me once.”
On discussion boards like Casino Guru, users describe a regulatory body more focused on collecting fees than enforcing rules. One user noted a troubling pattern:
“Restricted countries ignored … deposits accepted, but winnings confiscated later … Lack of oversight.”
Overall, player feedback suggests that Anjouan‑licensed casinos offer minimal player protection, lack transparency in dispute resolution, and operate in a regulatory environment that leaves many grievances unresolved..
My Professional Advice? Go for Costa Rica, Instead!
While both Costa Rica and Anjouan offer relatively accessible licensing frameworks for online gambling operators, a Costa Rican license is generally considered more reputable and reliable than an Anjouan license. Costa Rica has a long-standing presence in the online gaming industry, with many established operators having maintained operations there for decades. Although Costa Rica does not issue formal gambling licenses, it allows gaming companies to operate under a standard corporate structure, provided they do not target Costa Rican residents. This regulatory approach, while light, is transparent and backed by a functioning legal system with greater international credibility.
In contrast, the Anjouan license is issued by a local authority disavowed by the national government of Comoros, and is not recognized under national law. Moreover, Anjouan-based regulators have been criticized for poor oversight, lack of dispute resolution mechanisms, and issuing licenses without meaningful due diligence. As a result, operators licensed in Costa Rica often enjoy greater trust among players and affiliates, and face fewer reputational risks than those relying on an Anjouan license.
Final Thoughts
The Anjouan gambling license is widely viewed as a scam or legally dubious for several key reasons:
Gambling Is Illegal in Comoros: According to the 2024 FATF-GAFI Mutual Evaluation Report, gambling is explicitly prohibited under the Comorian Penal Code, meaning any license issued within the Union of the Comoros—including Anjouan—is not legally grounded.
No National Recognition: The Central Bank of the Comoros has publicly stated that no offshore financial licenses—including those supposedly issued by the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA)—are valid or recognized under national law.
False Legitimacy: Entities like the AOFA and Anjouan Gaming Authority claim to act as government agencies, but operate independently of national institutions and appear to use the name of Anjouan to create a veneer of officialdom.
No Regulatory Oversight: There is no meaningful enforcement or dispute resolution. Player reviews and industry forums are full of complaints about non-payments, ignored customer service requests, and zero accountability.
AML/CFT Risks Ignored: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) did not even assess the gambling sector in its review of Comoros, given its illegal status—further underlining that these licenses have no regulatory basis.
In short, the Anjouan gambling license exploits a legal loophole and the lack of national coordination in Comoros to sell licenses that lack legal authority, regulatory credibility, and consumer protection.
