Compliance Updates
Anjouan Online Gambling License – Who, What, Where, Why and How?
In the rapidly evolving era, the online gaming industry has seen significant growth. However, before embarking on this journey, to gain trust and credibility, obtaining an online gambling license is a prerequisite. The Anjouan online gambling license is attracting more and more attention in this context.
Mark O’Neill, the director of Global Gaming Solutions, has recently returned from the iGBL!VE conference in Amsterdam and has learnt that a number of operators are exploring the Anjouan online gambling license as an alternative. This article delves into the details of the Anjouan Online Gambling License, answering the who, what, where, why, and how related to it. Additionally, Mark provides his thoughts for online gambling operators looking to obtain this license.
Who
The Anjouan Online Gambling License is not a new product to the online gambling market. In fact, operators have been able to apply for an Anjouan Online Gambling License since 2005.
So why is everyone only speaking about it now? Due to the proposed regulatory changes in Curacao, operators have been looking at alternative jurisdictions such as the Isle of Man, Kahnawake and Malta. Over the past few years, Anjouan has not been regarded as a jurisdiction of choice for online gambling operators. However, over the past six months, there has been a lot of noise about the Anjouan Online Gambling License which has led to more and more operators looking to obtain this license as an alternative.
What
In my previous article, we discuss the proposed changes to Curacao which we expect to come into force from the 1st of September 2023. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty regarding the new changes, such as the substance requirements and the transition period for sub-license holders to move to a full Curacao license. Ultimately this uncertainty is why some Curacao operators are looking to make the move to alternative jurisdictions now. Operators need certainty to future-proof their operations and this is why Anjouan is attracting more and more attention.
Where
Located off the coast of Africa, Anjouan is one of the three islands that form the Union of Comoros, a small nation that might not be familiar to many. However, it is in the online gaming world where Anjouan has carved a name for itself. Through the provision of online gambling licenses, Anjouan appears to be a cost-effective solution for companies looking to set up their online casinos, sports betting sites, and other gambling platforms.
When
The primary legislation, the Computer Gambling Licensing Act, was enacted in Anjouan in 1999. However, it wasn’t until 2005 that Anjouan truly embraced the global gambling scene. This happened when the State of Anjouan Union of Comoros enacted the Computer Gaming Licensing Act 007 Of 2005, which took effect on February 20th, 2005. This Act permitted the Anjouan government to grant licenses to online casinos and provide them with assistance. Due to the changes in the regulatory landscape, we anticipate that Anjouan will become more of a familiar name in the industry over the next 12 months.
Why
Anjouan is a jurisdiction which has established a regulatory framework to attract business to the Island. Securing an Anjouan online gambling license provides operators with multiple advantages, the most notable of which is its universal recognition. This license allows operators to conduct their businesses in several jurisdictions, making it a choice for gaming start-ups seeking global outreach. Another benefit of the Anjouan license is its affordable cost. Compared to other jurisdictions that can be quite expensive and demanding in terms of requirements, Anjouan provides a cost-effective licensing solution, making it an option, particularly for smaller companies or those entering the online gaming industry.
How
Obtaining an Anjouan online gambling license is a simple process. Online gambling platforms must adhere to certain essential procedures for registration, with the primary requirement being the acquisition and registration of a license under the Gaming License category.
The licensing process is managed by Anjouan’s licensing authority and an annual fixed fee applies to all, regardless of the size of the operation. The licensing authority provides continual guidance during the application process, encompassing business verification, software testing, and compliance checks. Additionally, continual oversight is maintained to ensure that licensed operators adhere to the requisite standards and maintain exceptional operational practices.
Our Thoughts
Presently, there are only four casino brands operating under an Anjouan Online Gambling License. Although Anjouan has had the capacity to issue licenses since 2005, it remains a new jurisdiction for many, thus, building a credible reputation within the industry may require time. As with anything new in this sector, key service providers such as banks, payment service providers, software providers, and other service providers will conduct their own assessments to determine whether they’re comfortable with the risk involved in dealing with licensees from Anjouan.
In a world where customer due diligence and source of wealth verification are paramount, it seems that Anjouan has fewer requirements compared to tier-one jurisdictions. While this might raise concerns for some, it may also be seen as a benefit by those seeking a license without the need for extensive customer due diligence. Similarly, obtaining a license in Anjouan can be accomplished within a matter of weeks, a significantly shorter period than the six to twelve months needed in Malta, or the twelve weeks required in the Isle of Man, evidencing the less stringent requirements in comparison to tier-one jurisdictions.
In conclusion, the Anjouan online gambling license may act as a stepping stone for online gaming enterprises looking to expand their global footprint. However, gaining widespread recognition for this license as a credible industry standard will take time and this will present operational challenges when trying to engage with key partners. But given its affordable cost, regulatory framework, and growing acknowledgement, the Anjouan license could serve as an alternative for both start-ups and smaller online gaming operators.
For further information on the latest trends in the online gambling industry, please contact us via our website www.globalgaming.solutions or via email at [email protected].
Compliance Updates
Department of Trust set to meet challenges of new affordability checks
Department of Trust (dotrust.co.uk), the award-winning provider of financial risk assessments for safer gambling is poised to meet the challenges of the newly announced regulations on frictionless financial checks by the UK Gambling Commission and Betting and Gaming Council.
Under the new rules published by the Gambling Commission, operators have until August 30th to implement frictionless checks on all customers making £500 net deposits in any rolling 30-day period. These frictionless checks form part of a new regime designed to protect players at risk of financial harm and replace the current ad hoc approach to affordability checks.
Department of Trust also welcomes the interim voluntary code published today by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the standards body representing over 90% of UK-regulated market operators. This code focuses on how responsible operators should support customers spending above the lower threshold set out by the Gambling Commission.
The supplier’s DoTrust Complete solution offers an integrated suite of frictionless and enhanced financial risk checks with a high level of automation capability -the only such tool built solely for safer gambling – and is perfectly positioned to help businesses navigate the newly regulated waters.
Charles Cohen, CEO of Department of Trust, said: “These important announcements flag the end of gambling’s ‘sus law’ where players faced seemingly arbitrary requests for personal information, operators were placed under a significant burden, and no one won
“We now know that in 120 days, every operator will need to perform frictionless checks on all players with net deposits in a 30-day rolling period of £500. A few months later this will fall to a much lower level.
“If operators want to protect their business, keep their customers and reduce costs, smart automation is the only answer.
“Department of Trust has spent over two years building the leading plug-and-play solution specifically for the gambling industry. Complete already automates over 90% of the processes required in both the new LCCP and BGC code. Now we know what the requirement will be, we are today committing to the goal of 100%. We want every operator and player to have instant assessments and sensible decisions cost-effectively. No one needs to lose sleep over this.”.
Asia
Uzbekistan Legalises Online Betting and Lotteries
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree on April 19 titled “On Measures to Improve the Regulation of the Organization and Conduct of Lotteries and Risk-Based Games in the Republic of Uzbekistan”. The document abolishes the ban starting from January 1, 2025, and introduces a legal framework for the organisation of risk-based games online and betting activities.
The issue of legalising betting activities has been a long-standing topic in Uzbekistan. In December 2019, the president signed a decree to legalise bookmakers, but this decision was revised in April 2022. In April 2023, the head of state instructed the development of a regulatory framework for betting activities.
The National Agency for Advanced Projects (NAAP), the authorised state body for regulating and licensing activities in this sector, provided insights on the necessity of introducing state regulation in the gambling sector in Uzbekistan. The agency emphasised the need to prevent illegal gambling businesses, protect players’ rights and generate additional income for the state budget.
The president’s decree aims to introduce advanced foreign experience and modern technologies in regulating the organisation of risk-based games and lotteries to increase investment attractiveness, tourist potential and attract additional funds to the country.
The measures outlined in the decree include the creation of legal foundations for the legalisation of activities related to risk-based games online, betting activities, and lotteries, implementation of mechanisms to protect citizens’ rights and interests, prevention of gambling addiction and the generation of additional state budget revenue.
Starting from January 1, 2025, a taxation system will be introduced for license holders, where organisers of online games, betting activities and lotteries will pay a turnover tax. This system aims to prevent the concealment of taxable revenue and is expected to generate additional tax revenues for the state budget.
Overall, the implementation of the decree is intended to establish a reliable foundation for the legal regulation of activities related to organising risk-based games online, betting activities and lotteries in Uzbekistan, protect citizens’ interests, combat gambling addiction and provide additional sources of income for the state budget.
Compliance Updates
IAGR & IMGL Open Ticket Sales for 2024 Conference in Rome
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has opened registrations for its annual conference, taking place in Rome, Italy, from October 21 to 24.
With the theme Navigating the Future of Gaming Regulation in a Transforming World, this year’s event is a partnership with the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL).
“IAGR and IMGL’s Rome conference is a four-day event that brings together regulators, industry thought leaders and experts to share ideas and shape the future of gaming regulation across the world,” the President for the IAGR, Ben Haden, said.
The conference follows last year’s event in Gaborone, Botswana, which brought together the largest number of attendees in IAGR’s history.
“This year, participants can look forward to diving into themes that are at the forefront of the gaming regulation landscape including advancements in technology, the evolving regulatory challenges and strategies for future-proofing the global gaming industry,” Haden said. “In an era where technology is rewriting the rules of our industry, the question isn’t whether to adapt, but how swiftly we can. IAGR 2024 is about coming together as a global community to not only keep pace with change but to drive it.”
Confirmed speakers will be announced from May.
Conference highlights:
- Expert-led sessions and panel discussions on the latest in gaming regulation
- Joint conference sessions and events with IMGL, providing further networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities
- Networking events set in the heart of Rome including an opening reception and gala dinner featuring the International Regulatory Awards ceremony
Early-bird pricing is available until July 31 with super-early bird prices available until May 31. Head to the IAGR website for more details and ticket sales.
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