Anjouan Regulator Clarifies License Scope

Key Takeaways:

Anjouan Gaming clarified its licences are not for global operation.
The regulator faces scrutiny over its framework enabling black market growth.
Anjouan's statement shifts responsibility to operators misusing licences.
UK and Dutch markets are intensifying efforts against unlicensed operators.
Kansspelautoriteit targets social media platforms for illegal gambling ads.

Anjouan Gaming, the gambling regulator for the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, has issued a LinkedIn statement clarifying the scope of its internet gaming licences. This intervention follows increasing scrutiny of its licensing framework, linked to the growth of black market operations in more mature iGaming jurisdictions. The regulator asserted its licences are not intended as a universal authorisation for global operation.

Context and Licensing Framework

The Anjouan licensing framework has drawn criticism from established iGaming markets grappling with unlicensed operators. Anjouan, alongside Curacao, is frequently cited in discussions concerning jurisdictions perceived to enable the black market. In response, Anjouan's statement aimed to provide clarity on its licence utilisation. It specified that Anjouan Internet Gaming Licences are issued under the applicable framework of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan. The licensing programme is administered through the Anjouan Gaming structure, under the authority of relevant Anjouan public bodies responsible for offshore financial and gaming frameworks. The regulator explicitly stated: “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 authorization is required, affecting how real money online casinos function globally.”

Industry Implications and Responsibility

Anjouan Gaming's statement effectively shifts responsibility away from its regulatory framework. It places it instead on operators who may be using the regulator’s licence to target markets beyond its intended jurisdiction. This response emerges against a backdrop of fierce criticism directed at licensing frameworks in regions like Anjouan, with claims they facilitate the unlicensed sector. The regulator welcomed informed industry discussion on aspects such as licensing, regulatory standards, market access, player protection, AML, technical compliance, and responsible gaming obligations. It also encouraged constructive criticism and comparative analysis between licensing jurisdictions. However, it deemed unhelpful any commentary that conflates offshore licensing with local market authorization, treats operator misconduct as proof against an entire framework, or makes broad allegations without reference to the applicable legal framework, licence conditions, public register, verification tools, or compliance obligations.

Broader Regulatory Fightback

The Anjouan Gaming statement coincides with intensified efforts by regulated online casino markets to combat illegal operations. In the UK, the regulated industry is preparing a fightback against offshore, unlicensed, and illegal activities. Concerns have been raised that a shifting landscape in the UK, marked by significant tax hikes and regulatory changes, could inadvertently create opportunities for the black market. This could shrink mid-tier operators' ability to attract players and gain exposure, opening the door for dangerous black market entities. The Dutch market's Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has also taken action, targeting TikTok and Meta’s platforms for accepting illegal gambling advertisements. KSA Director of Licensing and Supervision, Ella Seijsener, stated: “We intend to break down the infrastructure around illegal providers, make it impossible for them to operate in our Dutch markets. We are open about the fact that fines are almost impossible to collect and thus are almost never paid. What is more effective is our comprehensive approach by working with hosting providers, banks, payment service providers and marketing companies.” Anjouan Gaming's statement appears to be an attempt to disengage from the ongoing debate surrounding the enablement of the black market, though criticism of its licence holders' activities is expected to persist.