Anjouan’s gambling regulator is trying to defend its licensing system as black market betting concerns increase before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The regulator has moved to clarify the limits of its licences after offshore operators linked to Anjouan faced renewed criticism.
The debate comes as gambling regulators and licensed operators warn that illegal betting sites are using major sports events to reach customers in restricted markets. Anjouan has become part of that discussion because some offshore gambling brands use its licence to present themselves as regulated.
Regulator clarifies licence limits
Anjouan licences do not give operators global permission to target any market. Licensed companies are expected to follow local laws in the countries where they offer services.
That message is aimed at a key criticism of offshore licensing. Operators sometimes display an Anjouan licence while accepting players from countries where they do not hold local approval.
The regulator has made clear that its role is to license internet gaming businesses under Anjouan’s framework. It does not replace national gambling rules in markets such as the UK, Australia or European Union countries.
Black market debate intensifies before World Cup
The World Cup is expected to drive heavy betting activity across legal and illegal channels. Licensed operators have warned that black market sites often use major tournaments to attract users through search traffic, social media and offshore payment routes.
Illegal betting sites can offer products without local tax, safer gambling rules or approved customer checks. That gives them a cost advantage over licensed operators and creates risk for players. The issue is not limited to sports betting. Offshore operators can also offer online casino games, crypto payments and bonuses that would be restricted or banned in regulated markets.
Anjouan licence faces reputation questions
Anjouan’s licence has drawn attention because it is cheaper and faster to obtain than licences in large regulated markets. That has made it attractive to start-ups and operators seeking a quick offshore base.
Critics argue that the system can be used by companies that want regulatory appearance without strong local oversight. Reports have also raised questions about fake or disputed licensing structures linked to the Comoros.
Anjouan’s regulator is now trying to separate its official licensing system from operators that misuse its name or claim wider rights than the licence allows.
Offshore licences face market checks
Operators with offshore licences still need to review each market before accepting players. That includes local gambling rules, advertising limits, payment restrictions and rules on responsible gambling. Many regulators now use blocking orders, payment controls and warnings to limit offshore gambling access. Those tools could become more common during the World Cup, when illegal betting traffic usually increases.
