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Anjouan gambling regulator denies license universality
The Anjouan gambling regulator has issued a statement in response to criticism over its licensing framework, clearly stating that its gambling licenses are not intended for universal use.
The gambling authority has shared that its gambling permits are granted under Anjouan’s legal and administrative system, stressing that they can’t override global jurisdictions’ regulatory laws.
The Anjouan gambling regulator wrote:
“We have recently seen public commentary concerning Anjouan Gaming, the Anjouan Internet Gaming Licence, and the legal status of the licensing framework. An Anjouan Internet Gaming Licence is not, and has never been presented as, a universal authorization 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.”
Currently, Anjouan’s register for gambling operators shows 1,300 licensees; however, many of the operators offer their products in jurisdictions that have separate licensing systems. Because of this, the autonomous island is often discussed in connection with offshore gambling and global grey markets.
The gambling regulator further stated:
“Constructive criticism and comparative analysis between licensing jurisdictions are welcome. What is not helpful to the industry is 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.”
Additionally, Anjouan Gaming referred to its licensing process, reminding that operators must meet AML, KYC, responsible gaming, and due diligence standards in order to receive a license. At the same time, the regulatory body noted that gambling companies are the ones responsible for complying with the laws of the markets they operate in, further putting a distinction between local authorization and offshore licensing.
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