Anjouan’s gambling regulator has denied that its iGaming licences are intended to provide universal authorisation for operators to target regulated markets, as scrutiny of offshore licensing intensifies ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Anjouan Gaming, regulator for the autonomous island of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros, says in a statement: “An Anjouan Internet Gaming Licence is not, and has never been presented as, a universal authorisation to operate in every country in the world.
“No licensing authority can exempt an operator from local law in jurisdictions where local authorisation is required.”
The statement follows growing industry criticism of offshore licences used by operators targeting major regulated markets without local approval. Anjouan has been cited in discussions about black market and grey market gambling, particularly in the UK, where some offshore casino brands promote themselves as Non-Gamstop sites accessible to British consumers.
Anjouan Gaming rejects commentary that blurs the distinction between offshore licensing and local market authorisation. It also defends its licensing framework, pointing to due diligence, AML and KYC requirements, RG rules, technical standards, complaint handling procedures and enforcement powers.
The intervention comes as licensed operators and regulators increase warnings over illegal gambling activity around the World Cup. Major sporting events typically create a surge in betting demand, increasing the visibility of offshore operators that do not hold local licences or follow domestic player protection rules.
Anjouan is not the only offshore licensing jurisdiction under scrutiny. Curaçao licensed operators have also been criticised in regulated markets where offshore brands are accused of targeting consumers without local approval.
For regulated operators, the dispute goes to the heart of market integrity. Licensed companies argue that offshore competitors can operate without equivalent tax, compliance, advertising or safer gambling obligations. For offshore regulators, the challenge is to show that their licences support legitimate international operations without being used as a shield for unlawful market access.
