Anjouan Gaming License: Navigating 2025’s New Rules

The Anjouan Gaming License has long been regarded as an accessible and efficient entry point for many online gaming operators. However, the regulatory landscape shifted dramatically in July 2025, introducing a wave of stringent compliance measures that have left many applicants and existing license holders scrambling for clarity. These sudden changes, particularly impacting B2B providers, have transformed the application process from a straightforward procedure into a complex puzzle. Previously, B2B applicants could secure a license with just a content provider contract. Now, the Anjouan gaming authority mandates the submission of a valid RNG test certificate, a requirement that was not previously enforced. This abrupt pivot signals a new era of intensified scrutiny and a move towards aligning Anjouan with more established regulatory jurisdictions. For operators navigating this new terrain, understanding the intricacies of these rules is not just a matter of compliance but of survival, as failure to adapt could lead to significant operational disruptions or even license suspension.

 

Decoding the July 2025 Compliance Shift

The recent announcements from the Anjouan gaming authority have introduced significant changes, effectively raising the barrier to entry and operation. These new mandates target the relationship between B2B software providers and B2C operators, aiming to enhance the integrity and fairness of the games offered under the Anjouan framework.

The New RNG Certificate Mandate for B2B Applicants

The most immediate and impactful change is the new requirement for an RNG (Random Number Generator) test certificate. Until July 2025, B2B applicants whose primary service was providing games to B2C operators could fulfill their obligations by simply submitting their content provider contract. This streamlined process is now obsolete. The Anjouan gaming authority now requires that all B2B applicants provide a valid RNG test certificate for their gaming software. This certificate, issued by an accredited testing laboratory like Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), verifies that the game outcomes are statistically random and unpredictable, ensuring fair play for consumers. This move demonstrates a clear intent to elevate the technical and compliance standards of the jurisdiction, pushing it closer to the requirements seen in more reputable licensing hubs. This change not only adds a new, potentially time-consuming step to the application process but also introduces a significant cost, as RNG certification can be an expensive undertaking for game developers.

The Authority’s Hardline Stance and the September 30th Deadline

The Anjouan gaming authority has made its position unequivocally clear. This hardline stance was formalized in an official public notice announcing plans to strengthen B2B license enforcement. While the notice is undated, it serves as a direct statement of intent, declaring that, “All B2B operators intending to provide services to a B2C license holder or seeking an Anjouan license must hold a valid license with us.” While this official announcement set the new policy’s direction, the authority has subsequently clarified the specific enforcement details, setting a critical deadline: After September 30th, 2025, any B2C operator found to be receiving services from a non-compliant B2B provider may face immediate license suspension. This puts immense pressure on B2C operators to audit their game suppliers and ensure they are on a path to compliance before the deadline.

 

Pathways to Compliance for Your Anjouan Gaming License

With the September 30th deadline looming, both B2B providers and B2C operators must act decisively to ensure their operations remain compliant under the new framework. Fortunately, the authority has outlined clear pathways to achieve this, alongside several strategic options that B2C operators can employ to navigate this transition smoothly.

The B2B License and Recognition Program Explained

B2B game providers have two primary options to continue servicing the Anjouan market. The first is to apply for a direct Anjouan B2B license, which involves undergoing the full application process, including the submission of the newly required RNG test certificate and other due diligence documentation. The second, more streamlined option is the “Recognition Program.” This program is designed for providers who are already licensed and in good standing with another reputable jurisdiction. To qualify, an applicant must hold an active B2B license from an authority such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, Romania’s ONJN, or the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, among others. The provider must demonstrate a clean compliance record with their original licensing authority, free from any suspensions or major infractions. This pathway allows established and reputable providers to gain approval in Anjouan more efficiently, saving them from a redundant and lengthy application process.

Strategic Solutions for B2C License Holders

For B2C operators, the immediate challenge is to ensure their game portfolio is supplied by compliant B2B providers. There are three primary strategies to achieve this. The first is Sublicensing, which involves partnering with a master license holder that already has a suite of games from Anjouan-approved B2B providers. The second strategy is to contract directly with shortlisted game studios that have either obtained an Anjouan B2B license or qualified for the Recognition Program. While this approach can lead to better commercial terms, it may require multiple technical integrations if one studio does not offer the full range of games desired. The third and often most efficient option is to use an “umbrella” aggregator. These aggregators integrate with numerous game studios and offer access to thousands of RNG-certified titles through a single API integration. This turnkey solution minimizes technical overhead and ensures that the entire game library is compliant with the new Anjouan standards from day one.

 

The Unspoken Message: Navigating Unwritten Rules

Beyond the explicit announcements, the Anjouan gaming authority’s recent actions convey a deeper message about its future direction. The current situation is a classic case of enforcement preceding formal regulatory updates, creating a dynamic where operators must be proactive rather than reactive.

Stricter Scrutiny and Proactive Enforcement

A key point of concern for many is that the official regulations have not yet been formally revised to reflect these new requirements. The authority is essentially applying stricter review standards to all pending applications based on a future compliance framework. This is evident from their undated website post about strengthening enforcement, which acts as a statement of intent rather than a codified rule change. This practice of “governance by enforcement” creates a climate of uncertainty, as operators cannot rely solely on the published legal text. They must instead interpret the authority’s actions and communications to understand the true compliance expectations. This ambiguity makes professional guidance indispensable, as navigating these unwritten rules requires up-to-the-minute intelligence and experience with the regulators’ evolving stance. Operators who wait for the official laws to be updated before acting may find their applications rejected or their existing licenses at risk.

Future-Proofing Your Gaming Operation

These enhanced compliance measures, while challenging in the short term, are ultimately aimed at increasing the credibility and long-term stability of the Anjouan Gaming License. By mandating RNG certification and requiring B2B providers to be vetted, Anjouan is working to shed its reputation as a light-touch jurisdiction and position itself as a more serious and reputable licensing hub. For operators, this means that achieving compliance is not just about clearing the current hurdle but about future-proofing their business. Aligning your operation with these higher standards now will build a more resilient and sustainable business model, reducing the risk of future disruptions, license cancellations, or difficulties with banking and payment processing partners. Embracing this new era of compliance proactively will ensure your operation thrives and maintains a strong standing within the evolving global iGaming ecosystem, making your Anjouan license a more valuable asset in the long run.

 

Secure Your Anjouan Gaming License with Expert Guidance

The ground has decisively shifted for anyone involved with the Anjouan Gaming License. The sudden introduction of mandatory RNG test certificates for B2B providers, the two distinct pathways to compliance through a direct license or the Recognition Program, and the hard deadline of September 30th, 2025, have collectively created a complex and high-stakes environment. B2C operators are now under immense pressure to audit their software suppliers or risk having their licenses suspended for non-compliance. This is no longer a simple application process; it is a nuanced challenge that requires deep regulatory insight and swift, strategic action. Attempting to navigate this new landscape alone is a significant risk, as misinterpreting the unwritten rules or missing a crucial deadline could jeopardize your entire operation.

This is precisely where seeking professional assistance becomes critical. At WHYFIRM, our team of legal and compliance experts specializes in iGaming licensing and maintains constant communication with regulatory bodies, including the Anjouan gaming authority. We have a thorough understanding of these new requirements and can guide you through every step of the process. Whether you are a B2B provider needing to secure a license or Recognition Certificate, or a B2C operator needing to choose the right compliance strategy—be it through sublicensing, direct studio contracts, or an umbrella aggregator—we provide the tailored advice needed to make the right decision. We can manage the entire application, ensure your documentation is flawless, and liaise with authorities on your behalf to secure your Anjouan Gaming License efficiently and without costly delays. Don’t let regulatory changes derail your business goals. Contact WHYFIRM today to ensure your operation is compliant, secure, and ready for the future.