Anjouan Gambling Licences Under Scrutiny

Anjouan Gambling Licences Under Scrutiny After ABC Investigation

Written by: Mila Schirmer | Release date: Jan 8, 2026 | Last Edited: Apr 15, 2026

The legitimacy of Anjouan gambling licences has come under serious question following an investigation by Australia’s national broadcaster, ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). According to the report, the entity presenting itself as Anjouan’s gambling regulator may not officially exist, and the licences issued to online casinos could be legally invalid.

This development raises important concerns for players, affiliates, and operators relying on Anjouan-licensed casinos as an alternative to more established jurisdictions such as Curaçao.

Why Online Casinos Moved to Anjouan

In recent years, Anjouan—an island within the Union of the Comoros—has positioned itself as an offshore licensing hub for online gambling. As regulatory reforms and stricter compliance rules were introduced in Curaçao, several online casinos began searching for faster and cheaper licensing solutions.

Anjouan licences were marketed as:

  • Quick to obtain

  • Low-cost compared to Curaçao or Malta

  • Suitable for crypto casinos and offshore operators

As a result, a growing number of offshore casinos publicly listed Anjouan as their licensing jurisdiction. High-profile brands such as Pinnacle and BC.GAME reportedly transitioned their licences after encountering regulatory or financial issues elsewhere.

Local Authorities Deny Existence of Gambling Regulator

ABC’s investigation revealed a critical issue: local authorities on Anjouan claim they have no knowledge of the gambling regulator issuing these licences.

According to sources cited by ABC:

  • The regulator is not officially recognised by the Comorian government

  • The licence issuer allegedly operates without legal authority

  • The licences themselves may be considered illegal under national law

This directly contradicts the claims made on licensing certificates and official-looking websites used by Anjouan-licensed casinos.

Historical Background: OAFA and Regulatory Concerns

The controversy traces back to the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (OAFA), which was established in 1997 when Anjouan briefly declared independence from the Comoros.

Although Anjouan later rejoined the Comoros, OAFA continued operating and issuing licences. Over time, the authority became associated with:

  • Weak oversight

  • Allegations of money laundering

  • Lack of government recognition

In 2023, the Central Bank of the Comoros formally stated that OAFA and related entities, including Anjouan Corporate Services, were operating illegally and had no right to issue financial or gambling licences.

Who Is Behind Anjouan Corporate Services?

One of the most concerning aspects of the ABC report is the lack of transparency surrounding Anjouan Corporate Services, the company linked to licence issuance.

The investigation uncovered:

  • A consultant known as Toby S., using a UAE phone number but with no verifiable background

  • Links to a British individual previously involved in another unlicensed offshore service provider

  • Evidence suggesting that a younger family member may now be continuing the operation

At an iGaming exhibition in Dubai, Anjouan Corporate Services was represented publicly, with documentation listing Elliot Sorsky, a British national, as the company’s director.

Costa Rica Connection and Licence Sales Revenue

ABC also identified a related company, Anjouan Licensing Services, which sells gambling licences to online casinos for approximately €17,000 per year.

Based on available estimates:

  • Around 1,300 licences may have been issued

  • Annual revenues could exceed €22 million

Further investigation revealed that the domain names used by these licensing entities were registered via Fast Offshore, later renamed Overseas Business Services Ltd, a company based in Costa Rica and reportedly managed by a Canadian national with professional ties to Elliot Sorsky.

None of the individuals named in the report responded to ABC’s requests for comment.

What This Means for Players and Affiliates

For players, an Anjouan gambling licence does not currently offer the same level of consumer protection as licences from regulators such as:

  • Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

  • UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)

  • Regulated Curaçao GCB framework

For affiliates, promoting casinos licensed in Anjouan carries reputational and compliance risks, especially if those licences are later deemed invalid or misleading.

Should You Trust Anjouan-Licensed Casinos?

At this stage, the ABC findings suggest that Anjouan licences should be treated with extreme caution. Until there is:

  • Clear government recognition

  • A transparent regulatory framework

  • Enforceable player protection mechanisms

Anjouan cannot be considered a reliable gambling jurisdiction.

Our Recommendation

Players and affiliates should prioritize casinos licensed by well-established regulators and avoid platforms that rely solely on Anjouan licensing claims.