Tired of Red Tape In Malta & The Isle Of Man? Operators Want Clarity, Speed, And Control And Anjouan Delivers

Tired of Red Tape In Malta & The Isle Of Man? Operators Want Clarity, Speed, And Control And Anjouan Delivers

The iGaming industry thrives on innovation, agility, and market responsiveness. Yet, for many operators, particularly startups and small businesses, the regulatory landscape can feel like a maze of bureaucracy.

Malta and the Isle of Man, long considered gold-standard Tier-1 jurisdictions, offer robust licensing frameworks but come with significant hurdles such as high costs, complex application processes, and stringent requirements. These barriers can stifle growth for operators prioritising speed, affordability, and profitability.

Enter Anjouan, a rising star in the iGaming world, offering a cost-effective, rapid, and recognised licensing solution that empowers operators to focus on their core business. This article explores why operators are growing frustrated with Malta and the Isle of Man and how Anjouan delivers the clarity, speed, and control they crave.

The Allure and Challenges of Malta and Isle of Man Licenses

Malta and the Isle of Man are synonymous with prestige in the global iGaming sector. Malta, a pioneer in EU online gaming regulation since the early 2000s, boasts a Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license recognised globally for its stringent standards and access to European markets. The Isle of Man, governed by the Gambling Supervision Commission under the Online Gambling Regulation Act (OGRA), is equally respected, offering a tax-friendly environment with 0% corporate income tax and a reputation for player protection.

Both jurisdictions provide credibility, facilitating partnerships with banks, payment providers, and top-tier software developers. For established operators targeting mature markets, these licenses are a hallmark of trust and compliance. But they come at a price.

The path to securing these licenses is arduous, particularly for smaller operators or startups. Malta’s application process, which takes 12–16 weeks, demands extensive documentation, including financial records, business plans, and proof of compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies. Operators must establish a local company, appoint key function holders (e.g., compliance and data protection officers), and pay high non-refundable fees depending on the license type. Annual compliance contributions, based on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), and a 35% corporate tax rate (mitigated by tax credits) further inflate costs.

While more affordable, the Isle of Man is no less demanding. The process spans 10–12 weeks and requires detailed background checks, software inspections by reputable firms, and adherence to strict player protection measures. Operators must also maintain a local presence, adding logistical complexity. For startups with limited capital, these requirements divert resources from product development and marketing, delaying market entry and eroding competitive edges.

The red tape in both jurisdictions, while ensuring fairness and security, can feel suffocating. Lengthy audits, ongoing reporting obligations, and the need for local infrastructure create bottlenecks that larger operators may absorb but smaller players struggle to navigate. As the iGaming market grows increasingly competitive, operators seek jurisdictions that offer regulatory credibility without sacrificing speed or profitability.

Anjouan: A Game-Changer for iGaming Operators

Located in the Comoros archipelago in the Indian Ocean, Anjouan has quickly become a compelling alternative for operators frustrated by the complexities of Malta and the Isle of Man. Since May 2023, the Anjouan iGaming License combines affordability, speed, and global recognition, making it ideal for startups and cost-conscious operators. Here’s why Anjouan is gaining traction:

Lowest Cost License on the Market

Anjouan offers the most budget-friendly licensing option in 2025. Unlike Malta or the Isle of Man, Anjouan imposes no tax on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), no corporate income tax, and no VAT, allowing operators to reinvest profits into growth. Annual renewal fees are equally modest and  a fraction of the costs in Tier-1 jurisdictions. This cost-effectiveness is a lifeline for startups testing new platforms or established operators diversifying into emerging markets.

Shortest Setup Time

The licensing process, streamlined to minimise bureaucratic delays, can be completed in as little as a few days with professional assistance from firms like Fast Offshore. Operators must form an International Business Company (IBC) in Anjouan, submit documentation (e.g., proof of domain ownership, organisational charts, and clean criminal records for key personnel), and undergo background checks. The process is straightforward, avoiding the exhaustive audits and local presence requirements of Malta and the Isle of Man. This rapid turnaround enables operators to launch swiftly, capitalising on the myriad of market opportunities without months of downtime and paperwork.

Global Recognition and Partnerships

Despite its smaller profile, Anjouan’s license is increasingly recognised by banks, payment providers, and B2B gaming suppliers. Compliance with AML, KYC, and Random Number Generator (RNG) certification standards ensures compatibility with European financial institutions and software providers. Anjouan’s membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) bolsters its credibility, facilitating merchant accounts and payment processing. While some markets may restrict Anjouan-licensed operators, the license offers broad international reach, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where competition is less saturated.

Comprehensive Coverage and Flexibility

A single Anjouan license covers all iGaming activities, including casinos, sports betting, poker, lotteries, bingo, and eSports. Unlike some jurisdictions, which require add-ons for different game types, it eliminates the need for multiple permits. This flexibility allows operators to diversify offerings without additional licensing costs or delays. Anjouan’s crypto-friendly regulations also appeal to operators targeting modern gaming platforms, enhancing transaction volumes while maintaining robust AML compliance.

Why Operators Are Choosing Anjouan

Anjouan’s rise reflects a much broader shift in the iGaming industry, where operators prioritize agility and profitability without compromising compliance. For startups, the low-cost, tax-free environment reduces almost any financial risk, enabling them to experiment with new concepts. For established operators, Anjouan becomes a strategic base for entering emerging markets or complementing existing licenses. The jurisdiction’s robust legal framework, including mandatory AML/KYC policies and player protection measures, aligns with industry trends toward stricter regulation, ensuring operators remain compliant while keeping overheads low.

Compared to Malta’s 12–16-week process or the Isle of Man’s 10–12-week timeline, both with steep fees, Anjouan’s few-day setup and low total cost is a clear winner for smaller operators. Its recognition by financial institutions and suppliers further bridges the gap between affordability and credibility, offering a practical alternative to Tier-1 jurisdictions.

Conclusion

Malta and the Isle of Man remain iGaming powerhouses, but their high costs, lengthy processes, and stringent requirements can overwhelm smaller operators and startups. Anjouan offers a refreshing alternative, delivering the lowest-cost license, fastest setup time, and sufficient recognition to partner with banks and payment providers. By choosing Anjouan, operators gain clarity, speed, and control, positioning themselves for profitability in a competitive market. 

How Fast Offshore Can Help

If you want to get started in Anjouan, Fast Offshore is perfectly placed to help. With over 27 years of experience in corporate services and iGaming, as well as a strong foothold in Anjouan, our team is ready to assist. We provide custom packages and turnkey solutions for operators, offering complete transparency with process, costs, and setup times. To make the best decision for your business, consult our experts today.