Anjouan crypto casino licence France: legality, risks and functioning for operators

The Anjouan crypto casino licence France is not recognized by the National Gaming Authority (ANJ). Its operation on French territory is illegal. The Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority issues this authorization. It allows operators to accept cryptocurrencies with advantageous taxation. This situation exposes French players to a lack of legal protection and administrative blockages.

Legal status of the Anjouan licence for French players

The Anjouan crypto casino licence France constitutes an unrecognized legal framework for French residents. The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) does not recognize this offshore jurisdiction. It explicitly classifies France among the Excluded Territories. Operating or playing on these platforms violates Law No. 2010-476 of May 12, 2010. This exposes users to an immediate administrative blockade and a total lack of legal protection.

Are Anjouan casinos legal in France?

No. Anjouan offers an attractive licensing framework for international operators with 0% taxation. This authorization has no legal value on French soil. The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) strictly regulates the market. It bans online casinos outside of its approved scope (poker, sports betting). France is on the blacklist of territories excluded by the Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority. Any site displaying this licence is acting illegally towards French players. There is no recognition of the national regulatory framework.

How does the ANJ block unlicensed sites?

Control is based on a rigorous administrative blockade. By order of the Ministry of the Interior and in coordination with the National Gaming Authority (ANJ), internet service providers must filter the DNS of non-compliant operators. This technical measure makes sites under Anjouan licence inaccessible from the French network. This blockade is a legal constraint imposed on digital infrastructures. It protects players from platforms not regulated by the historical ARJEL or the current ANJ.

What are the legal risks for players?

The risks go beyond a simple gambling ban. By playing on Excluded Territories sites, players lose any recourse in the event of a financial dispute. The absence of a legal framework exposes users to tax penalties. Winnings that are undeclared or originate from unapproved channels can be reclassified. The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) points out that player protection is non-existent on these offshore platforms. This includes deposit limits and self-exclusion. This legal vacuum is dangerous for your funds.

Obtaining an iGaming and crypto licence in Anjouan

Obtaining an Anjouan crypto casino licence France relies on a distinct offshore legal structure. This authorization does not allow legal operation on the French territory regulated by the ANJ. To operate, companies must set up a legal entity. This is generally an International Business Company. They must comply with the standards of the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority. This process is fast. It involves strict AML/KYC compliance obligations for virtual assets. It offers no legal recognition within the European Union.

Role of the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority

The Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) is the main regulatory body. It supervises the financial services sector and issues authorizations in this jurisdiction. It is established under the aegis of the Offshore Financial Management Act of 2005. This authority defines the legal framework for banking, insurance, and crypto-asset activities. The AOFA ensures compliance supervision. In particular, it oversees anti-money laundering efforts. Its powers are limited to the local jurisdiction of the Comoros.

Since May 2023, the specific administration of gaming licences has been transferred to Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. (ALSI). This entity is dedicated to the efficiency of the licensing process and the operational support of gaming companies. This separation allows the AOFA to focus on global financial regulation. ALSI manages the technical aspects of the iGaming Licence. Neither the AOFA nor ALSI are recognized by the government of the Union of the Comoros at the federal level. This limits the international scope of their permits.

Why set up an International Business Company (IBC)?

Setting up an International Business Company (IBC) is a mandatory step. Any company wishing to obtain a crypto or iGaming licence in Anjouan must go through this. The IBC serves as a legal vehicle to hold the company's assets. It facilitates transactions with virtual assets. A major advantage of this structure is confidentiality. The details of owners and directors are not disclosed in public registers. Only the company name and the type of licence appear.

The registration process for the IBC is fast. Registration in the State registry is done in less than a week if the file is complete. This structure allows operators to apply for a Crypto Licence or a gaming licence. It does not require a physical office or a resident director on the island. This administrative ease does not exempt the IBC from maintaining good annual regulatory compliance to retain its licence.

AML/KYC requirements and VASP compliance

Licence holders must implement strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols. The jurisdiction is known for its simplicity, but these rules apply. The Crypto Licence requires the operator to submit an internal AML policy. A business plan detailing the technological structure is also required. As a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP), the company must verify the identity of shareholders and directors before the licence is issued.

The AOFA supervises these standards. The recognition of these licences by offshore banks and payment providers remains variable. Operators must renew their licence annually. They must remain in good standing with local regulators to maintain their VASP status. For players, it is essential to understand that the lack of European recognition means that recourses in the event of a dispute are limited. The operator's reputation must be verified beyond its mere licence.

Tax advantages and crypto infrastructure

The Anjouan crypto casino licence France appeals due to its lack of taxation on gross revenue. It natively integrates digital assets. Unlike the restrictive framework of the ANJ, this offshore jurisdiction allows operators to maximize their profitability via a 0% Tax on GGR. It relies on a decentralized Blockchain infrastructure. This fiscal freedom is accompanied by regulatory complexity for French players. VASP compliance and transaction security raise questions.

Taxation: the advantage of 0% Tax on GGR

The main attraction lies in the total absence of tax on gross gaming revenue (0% Tax on GGR). This is a major tax advantage. It contrasts sharply with the high levies imposed in France. This structure allows operators to reinvest directly into user experience or bonuses. This increases their competitiveness in international markets. For companies registered as an International Business Company, government fees remain minimal. This promotes rapid entry into the market without heavy bureaucracy. This tax optimization does not exempt operators from respecting financial compliance standards. This creates a precarious balance between profitability and perceived legitimacy.

Native integration of cryptocurrencies

The licence facilitates the direct use of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins like USDT. It eliminates traditional banking intermediaries that are often blockages for French players. As a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP), the operator must comply with AML/KYC procedures. These are often applied with more flexibility than in Europe. This integration allows almost instantaneous deposits and withdrawals. It exposes users to market volatility and the lack of recourse in the event of a dispute. No central authority guarantees the funds.

Security via Blockchain and Smart Contracts

The transparency of operations relies on Blockchain technology. It ensures the immutability of transaction records. The use of Smart Contracts allows payments to be automated. It allows the fairness of games to be verified without human intervention. This strengthens the technical trust of savvy users. This technological security does not compensate for the absence of robust regulatory supervision. If a Smart Contract has a vulnerability, the funds can be unrecoverable. It is crucial for players to verify the audit of the code before making any deposit.

Responsible gaming and player protection

The lack of a French regulatory framework on platforms under Anjouan licence has consequences. Responsible Gaming obligations are not applied with the same rigour as in Europe. Players do not benefit from national tools like the national gambling self-exclusion registry (FIJ). They do not have the deposit limits imposed by the ANJ. In the event of addictive behavior, it is recommended to contact specialized organizations like Joueurs Info Service. They offer anonymous listening and advice for care.

Lack of player protection in France

Players using sites under Anjouan licence are excluded from the national protection system. They do not appear in the national gambling self-exclusion registry (FIJ). They cannot request help from the National Gaming Authority (ANJ) in the event of a dispute. The Anjouan authority theoretically imposes Responsible Gaming and anti-money laundering standards. These rules remain inapplicable for a French resident. In the event of a account block or refusal of withdrawal, the player has no effective legal recourse.

French regulation of digital assets (PSAN)

The use of cryptocurrencies on these platforms conflicts directly with French regulation. In France, any exchange of digital assets must go through a Digital Asset Service Provider (PSAN) registered with the AMF. The Monetary and Financial Code must be strictly respected. Anjouan casinos are not regulated entities in France. They cannot collaborate with approved PSANs for fiat-crypto conversions without risking sanctions. This forces players to use unregulated gateways. This increases exposure to TRACFIN reports for involuntary money laundering. The traceability of funds to a jurisdiction not recognized by the European Union is suspicious.

How to verify the reliability of a casino?

Favor platforms offering a verifiable Proof of Fairness (Provably Fair). This is a technical standard that the AOFA is trying to impose via its B2B certificates. The only real guarantee for a French player remains avoiding sites that are absent from the ANJ's white list. Always verify the validity of the licence on the official registry of the issuing authority. Keep in mind that even a valid licence in Anjouan offers no legal protection in France.

About this article - Writing & responsibility

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino tester & bonus analyst

Verified by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming compliance analyst

Last updated: 2026-07-13.

This article on "Anjouan crypto casino licence France" was written by Sarah Weber and reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both update the content regularly to reflect regulatory changes, licences, and bonus conditions. All references to licences, authorities, or legal frameworks refer to public sources (ANJ (National Gaming Authority), Law of May 12, 2010 on the opening of online gambling).

About the author

8+ years of casino testing, 200+ platforms personally tested in the EU and internationally. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialization: wagering requirements, withdrawal processes, customer support evaluation.

About the reviewer

12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years in compliance consulting for licensed operators under the French ANJ framework. PhD in economic mathematics. Fields: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection measures.

Responsible gaming

Gambling can become addictive. If you feel you are losing control, contact Joueurs Info Service, SOS Joueurs or use the national self-exclusion registry (FIJ). Set deposit and loss limits before playing for real money. Pauses and cooldown tools are levers for sustainable pleasure.

Legal disclaimer

The information in this article is provided for editorial and comparative purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Players remain responsible for complying with local regulations.