Inside Crypto Casinos’ Shift Towards Anjouan Gambling Licence

Licence matters. And if you’ve dipped your toes in crypto casinos lately, you might have noticed that the Anjouan gambling license is the one getting all the buzz.

New casinos like it because it’s cheaper than the main competitors, and more established operators eye it because it goes so well with crypto.

But what is it? And why do crypto casinos love it, especially in 2025? We’re here to find out.

What’s the Anjouan Casino License Anyway?

Anjouan. A small, beautiful island on the cusp of the Comorian, just off the east coast of Africa. Also the home to one of the most coveted crypto casino licenses in 2025 and beyond.

Run by two regulatory bodies (AOFA and ALSI), the Anjouan gaming license is recognized and respected by most governments worldwide. Casinos love it for its streamlined application process and cost-effectiveness (read: it’s cheaper), and players see it as a viable alternative to the more established Curaçao license.

Think of it as a permission slip from a small but important player in the online gambling world. And it’s becoming a go-to for crypto casinos looking to do things a little differently.

Why Are Crypto Casinos Digging the Anjouan License?

Crypto-first operators sit at the forefront of technological advancement, and the Anjouan crypto license is seen as the perfect wingman for their forward-thinking agenda. For starters, the license doesn’t freak out about Bitcoin or Ethereum (like some others) and lets casinos handle crypto transactions with a soft ocean breeze.

Here’s a brief rundown of Anjouan’s most noteworthy advantages:

• Crypto-Friendly: The Anjouan government has a hands-off approach to crypto. As a result, the license makes it easier to facilitate digital payments.
• International pedigree: Barring several exceptions like Germany, Spain, or the UK, the license is recognized worldwide.
• Easy to obtain: The process of getting an Anjouan gambling license is streamlined and takes 3-4 weeks tops.
• More affordable: At around $20,000 + 15,500 annual fee, Anjouan is significantly cheaper than competitors like Curaçao or MGA.

That, and the fact that Anjouan does not tax on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), which is a huge advantage if you’re planning to start your own crypto casino.

Any Trade-offs?

It’s not all beaches and sunshine on the island of Anjouan. There’s a reason that this license is not at the top. Although the Anjouan Licensing Services (ALSI) did step up its game since the 2020s, there’s still a long way to go before it begins to rival the likes of MGA.

Namely, Anjouan is still lagging on the player compensation front. Not a whole lot, but it is. For example, as a player, you cannot expect the ALSI to step in and mediate an issue you might have with the casino. Secondly, the streamlined nature of its application leaves some wiggle room, and it could take weeks for every compliance tidbit to be sorted out. And thirdly, more restrictive jurisdictions like the UK or Malta are still on the fence with Anjouan.

License Wars: Anjouan vs Curaçao

Anjouan doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It broke into the scene as an alternative to the more established Curaçao, and they are both serving international markets.

However, with both changing drastically in 2024 and especially 2025, they are increasingly targeting different segments of the market.

Curaçao recently overhauled its gambling laws, replacing its master-licence system with more regulatory oversight led by the newly established government-led Curaçao Gaming Authority (GCA). It is now more difficult to obtain, more expensive to keep, and many casinos like BC.Game recently transitioned to Anjoan.

Why? Because Anjouan is cheaper, has fewer regulatory red tape, a comparable reputation, and does not require operators to have a physical presence. It’s also a God-send for crypto-based platforms, as we discussed above.

Here’s a brief table of differences between Curaçao and Anjouan in late 2025:

What’s In It for Players?

Alright, and what about the player perspective? As a crypto casino player, you want to know your money is safe, the games are fair, that no bank can track your transactions, and that withdrawals don’t go haywire. Here’s how an Anjouan license checks out:

• Fair Play and Security: Casinos with this license must follow rules that keep games fair and your information safe. Anjoun does both well.
• Easy Crypto Withdrawals: Want to cash out your Bitcoin winnings? Anjouan casinos tend to be chill with crypto withdrawals, so you don’t get stuck.
• Privacy Friendly: If you love playing anonymously using crypto, these casinos often respect your privacy, meaning less paperwork.

Should I Play at Casinos with Anjouan Gambling License?

That’s entirely up to you, isn’t it, but the trend is that more and more crypto-first casinos that used to swear by Curacao will have the Anjouan badge in the footer, particularly now that the situation with Curacao is taking a turn for the worse.

And with Anjouan license being in almost the same bracket as its role-model, there’s no reason not to. Especially if you’re on crypto.