Anjouan gambling license: the distinction between B2C and B2B, and who now requires separate authorisation
Licensing in Anjouan has become more structured — the regulator has moved away from a one-size-fits-all approach and introduced a clear division of roles within the market, effectively separating operator and service provider activities. This has had an immediate impact on the requirements for all companies working with licensed projects.
The new requirements are changing the approach to launch, partnership and scaling. The changes have directly affected the crypto casino and white-label solutions segments.
Anjouan gambling license: B2C and B2B – what is the key difference?
Until 2025, the island’s licensing regime formally covered both areas, but in practice there was no clear distinction between them. The regulator effectively divided the roles within the market. Now, each business model is considered separately.
B2C
B2C – authorisation for those who work directly with players. Online casinos, bookmakers, poker platforms, crypto casinos. A single license covers several sectors at once: casinos, sports betting, esports, lotteries and blockchain gambling. Both fiat and cryptocurrency payments are permitted under a single license.
B2B
B2B — authorisation for those who do not accept bets but provide the infrastructure for operators. This definition covers:
- gaming software and content developers;
- platform solution providers;
- RNG providers;
- content aggregators;
- white label operators;
- payment processors working with licensed B2C operators.
Until 2025, many of the companies listed operated simply on a contractual basis without separate legal status within the jurisdiction. Now, such a structure is already considered a breach of licensing regulations.
New requirements for the Anjouan license from 1 July 2025: mandatory B2B authorisation
From 1 July 2025, the regulations for the B2B sector became mandatory. The regulator has removed the option to operate without a license. All providers working with operators holding an Anjouan license must now hold one of two documents: a full B2B license or a B2B Licence Recognition Certificate.
A 90-day transition period was established for existing companies. Upon its completion, from 30 September 2025, the requirements will apply in full. Cooperation with an uncertified B2B partner may result in the suspension of a license. Liability extends to all parties involved in the collaboration.
At the same time, technical requirements have been tightened. Game providers are required to provide a valid RNG test certificate from an accredited laboratory. Previously, a content contract was often sufficient; this is no longer acceptable.
Full B2B license or Recognition Certificate: which to choose
A full B2B license is typically appropriate if:
- the project is being launched from scratch and there are no existing permits;
- the plan is to work with multiple operators simultaneously;
- it is important to maintain control over processes and not rely on a third-party license.
A Recognition Certificate is more commonly used in the following situations:
- the company already holds a license in another jurisdiction;
- there is a need to quickly begin working with Anjouan operators;
- the goal is to reduce startup costs.
At the outset, the differences between the options are not always obvious. A Recognition Certificate does indeed speed up the launch, but limitations may arise as the project grows. A full license requires significant investment but resolves some issues when working with partners.
This is where mistakes usually occur. People often choose the simpler option first and return to licensing later, once the project is already underway.
If you plan to purchase an Anjouan license with future growth in mind, it’s best to determine your approach in advance. This helps you avoid having to reapply and incur additional costs.
Not sure which format is right for your project? Contact us, and we’ll assess your situation online and find the best solution for you.
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How changes to Anjouan’s gambling licensing regulations affect different types of businesses
After the introduction of the B2C and B2B distinction, many projects had to be rebuilt. This particularly affected models that were originally built around an affiliate program.
White label. Companies operating under a white label model are now required to account for two levels of licensing. The platform and the operator are licensed separately. Financial flows must pass through the license holder, and direct transactions via a white-label partner are not permitted. Each white-label partner is covered by a separate licensing agreement for each game; this document sets forth the terms of operation and delineates the parties’ responsibilities.
Game providers and RNG suppliers. Developers and suppliers of random number generators can no longer limit themselves to integration through an operator. They must have their own status: either a B2B license or a Recognition Certificate. If a provider already has authorization in another jurisdiction, the recognition procedure is faster.
Platform providers. Platform providers, SaaS solution providers, and aggregators are now considered separate market participants. To work with Anjouan operators, they must be listed in the regulatory registry. Otherwise, the operator risks losing its license.
In practice, this leads to additional costs and a redesign of the project architecture. On the other hand, this model reduces legal risks and simplifies interaction between market participants.
Obtain a turnkey Anjouan gambling license
If you are planning to launch a project or want to bring your current structure into compliance with the 2025 requirements, it is important to choose the right licensing format from the start.
We provide full online support for obtaining an Anjouan gambling license — from analyzing your structure to setting up B2C and B2B operations. Feel free to contact us for a consultation and a cost estimate tailored to your project.
