Difference between Anjouan and Malta casino license: Safety & Risks

Do you choose an MGA or Anjouan license? This choice determines your legal security. An MGA license offers EU regulation, segregated player funds, and a formal complaints procedure via the Malta Gaming Authority. An Anjouan license, issued by the Betting and Gaming Commission in the Comoros, is an offshore license with minimal requirements, limited KYC checks, and virtually no legal recourse for Dutch players in disputes.

Regulatory framework: MGA versus Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority

The difference between Anjouan and Malta casino license revolves around legal enforceability and consumer protection within the European framework. A license from the Malta Gaming Authority gives players access to EU-regulated dispute procedures, while a license from Anjouan (Comoros) operates in an offshore vacuum without binding recourse mechanisms for Dutch users.

The role of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the national regulator that issues licenses to both B2C services and B2B providers such as software developers. This authority enforces strict compliance with the Remote Gaming Regulations 2018, where periodic audits and technical checks ensure the integrity of games. For operators, a B2C Gaming Service Licence from the MGA is a sign of stability, because Malta, as a member state of the European Union, is bound by higher standards for data protection and fair play.

A critical element in this regulatory landscape is Bill 55 art. 56A. This legislation, approved in 2023, enables Maltese courts to refuse to recognize certain foreign court rulings against Malta-based operators under specific conditions. Although this makes cross-border enforcement more complex, it strengthens the sovereignty of the Maltese market and ensures that the MGA remains the primary enforcer within its jurisdiction. Players must understand that while the MGA is one of the most professional regulators, Bill 55 art. 56A raises the threshold for external legal interventions, making the MGA's internal complaints procedure all the more important.

Anjouan: The offshore structure in the Comoros

Anjouan, on the other hand, operates as an autonomous island that is part of the Union of the Comoros in the Indian Ocean. Since 2023, the Betting and Gaming Commission has been issuing online gambling licenses here, recognizable by the format ALSI-YYYYMMDD-XX. This commission operates under the banner of the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority and focuses on speed and low costs for operators, with minimal due diligence requirements compared to European counterparts.

Operators often choose this license due to the low entry barriers, but this comes at the expense of player protection. The Betting and Gaming Commission has no comparable enforcement power or mandatory contribution to an independent dispute resolution body like the one that exists in Malta. For Dutch players, this means there is effectively no legal path to enforce winnings in the event of non-payment, as there are no bilateral treaties between the Netherlands and the Comoros regulating civil matters.

EU membership versus offshore status

Malta's membership in the European Union creates a fundamentally different legal framework than the offshore status of Anjouan. Within the EU, Maltese operators fall under supervision that, despite the nuances of Bill 55 art. 56A, is still based on transparency and accountability. This offers a certain level of reputational security: an operator risking its MGA license has a lot to lose.

Players must realize that a license from the Comoros offers no guarantee of fair payouts or protection against problem gambling behavior, unlike the mandatory responsible gambling tools enforced by the MGA. In contrast, Anjouan operates as a 'grey market' jurisdiction outside EU supervision. The lack of a robust regulatory framework such as the Remote Gaming Regulations 2018 means that players are completely dependent on the goodwill of the operator. While the MGA actively fights fraud and money laundering, the role of the Betting and Gaming Commission is primarily limited to registration.

Player protection: CRUKS, KYC, and dispute committees

The difference between Anjouan and Malta casino license lies primarily in the enforceability of player rights. Casinos with an MGA license apply strict KYC protocols and offer access to formal complaint procedures, while providers under the Anjouan flag often operate without effective supervision or connection to the Dutch CRUKS. For the Dutch player, this means that protection at a Maltese casino is legally grounded, but at an Anjouan operator, it largely depends on the goodwill of the company.

Connection with CRUKS and the Gambling Authority

Neither Malta nor Anjouan casinos are connected to CRUKS (Central Register Exclusion Gambling), the database where players can register for self-exclusion to combat gambling addiction. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is the national regulator responsible for granting licenses to legal providers in the Netherlands.

For the Dutch market, a foreign license has no direct legal consequences, because the Remote Gambling Act stipulates that only providers with a KSA license may be legally active. Anyone who chooses a foreign platform automatically loses access to the legally anchored addiction prevention on which CRUKS relies. The Kansspelautoriteit has no enforcement authority over these foreign entities, meaning that you as a player are personally responsible for setting limits and monitoring your gaming behavior. At an MGA casino, self-exclusion usually applies only to that specific platform, in contrast to the nationwide block via CRUKS.

Mandatory identity check (KYC) and AMLD

Identity verification, known as KYC (Know Your Customer), is a standard procedure to prevent fraud and confirm the identity of players. The strictness of this differs significantly per jurisdiction. Casinos with an MGA license must comply with the European Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD), resulting in rigorous checks. These Due Diligence obligations can mean that verification processes take longer, especially for high payouts, but they do offer guarantees against money laundering.

At Anjouan casinos, KYC is often only requested for large transactions, or sometimes applied in a minimal format, which increases the risk of fraud. The Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD) is not directly enforceable here, meaning that the Due Diligence standards are lower and depend on the operator's internal policy. From a Consumer Protection perspective, this is an important point: although strict KYC checks can be frustrating, they safeguard the security of your data and money. At Anjouan, this external pressure is lacking, leading to less transparency about how personal data is processed and protected.

Recourse in disputes: Dispute committee vs. no recourse

When a conflict arises, for example regarding an unpaid win, the difference in recourse is enormous. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has a formal complaints procedure and works with independent arbiters, often referred to as a form of a Dispute Committee. Players can present their case here, and although the MGA does not guarantee a favorable outcome, there is a regulated process.

At a casino with an Anjouan license, such an independent Dispute Committee is completely absent. The Betting and Gaming Commission of Anjouan has limited enforcement capacity due to scale and staffing shortages. In conflicts, you are therefore at the mercy of the casino's goodwill, without external recourse. There is no whitelist or reliable register where you as a player can go for mediation. This creates a legal vacuum in which Dutch players effectively have no possibility to enforce their rights, should the operator decide not to pay out.

License types and gaming experience: B2C, Autoplay, and Bonus Buy

The difference between Anjouan and Malta casino license is not only in reputation, but especially in the technical structure and game features. An MGA license guarantees segregated funds and software supervision via a B2B Critical Gaming Supply Licence, while Anjouan often works with a master/sub-license model without these layers. For Dutch players, this means that Malta allows features like Autoplay and Bonus Buy under strict RNG controls, whereas Anjouan offers complete freedom but without legal recourse in case of problems.

Structure: B2C and B2B licenses at the MGA

The Malta Gaming Authority has used a streamlined framework since 2018 that distinguishes between service providers and suppliers. The B2C Gaming Service Licence is the license for operators offering services directly to players, such as online casinos and sportsbooks. This license imposes strict requirements on the share capital and financial health of the company to prevent bankruptcy. However, a crucial detail that is often overlooked is that not every game in an MGA casino is automatically under Maltese supervision.

This is where the B2B Critical Gaming Supply Licence comes into play. This license is mandatory for software providers, RNG providers, and payment processors that deliver their services to licensed operators. If a game provider like NetEnt or Evolution holds this B2B license, their games are tested and certified under Maltese supervision. This creates an extra layer of control over the fairness of the RNG (Random Number Generator). The risk arises when a casino with a B2C license offers games from providers that do not have an MGA B2B license. In the event of technical errors or manipulation in those specific games, the MGA is not authorized to intervene. This separation ensures a robust ecosystem where both the operator and the technology are audited, something that is often lacking in offshore jurisdictions like Anjouan due to the absence of a detailed B2B registry.

Game features: Autoplay and Bonus Buy allowed?

For the gaming experience, the difference between Anjouan and Malta casino license is most noticeable in automated features. The MGA allows Autoplay for slots, provided the player retains control and can set limits. Bonus Buy features, where players buy direct access to a bonus round, are also allowed under Maltese regulations. This contrasts sharply with the Dutch KSA license, where both Autoplay and Bonus Buy are completely banned to prevent addiction.

Anjouan casinos usually offer even more freedom than Malta, without the restrictions recently introduced by the MGA to temper aggressive design patterns. While this seems attractive to experienced players who prefer speed, this freedom also means less protection against manipulative elements. With an MGA license, the RNG must be independently verified, which guarantees that the outcomes of Autoplay sessions remain fair. With Anjouan, this transparency is often lacking, meaning players fly blind relying on the operator's integrity. If you choose convenience and speed, Malta offers a balanced middle ground between freedom and safety, while Anjouan opts for maximum freedom at the expense of supervision.

The myth of the sub-license in Anjouan

Many Anjouan casinos advertise with a "master license" setup, where they operate under a sub-license of a parent company. In contrast to the direct B2C Gaming Service Licence of the MGA, this structure offers little transparency. The MGA publishes a public register in which every license holder is individually verifiable. In the case of Anjouan, it is often unclear who the ultimately responsible party is, making legal action in case of non-payment virtually impossible for Dutch players.

While the MGA requires player funds to be segregated from corporate capital, Anjouan operators often work with mixed funds. This significantly increases the risk during financial difficulties. Furthermore, Anjouan lacks the network of certified B2B Critical Gaming Supply Licence holders, meaning the quality of the RNG and the games is not guaranteed by an independent authority. For players who value fair play and payout security, the direct regulation of the MGA is superior to the obscure sub-license models common in Anjouan.

Financial safety: Taxes, payouts, and payment methods

The difference between Anjouan and Malta casino license manifests financially primarily in tax responsibility and the security of cash flows. With an MGA license, player funds are segregated from company capital, which provides a theoretical payout guarantee in the event of bankruptcy. With Anjouan, this protection is completely lacking, making the reputational risk for the player extremely high and winnings often unrecoverable without legal recourse.

Gambling tax for Dutch players

The tax burden differs significantly depending on the jurisdiction of the provider. In the case of a casino with a Dutch KSA license, the operator automatically deducts the gambling tax; the player receives the net profit directly. This system offers maximum administrative peace of mind, but limits the gross profit due to the high tax rates imposed on the operator.

For foreign providers, such as those operating under a Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license, the situation is more complex. Players are personally responsible for declaring winnings obtained outside of EU regulation, although within the EU, treaties often exist that prevent double taxation. For Dutch taxpayers, this means that winnings from Malta casinos can often be considered tax-free, provided they are correctly documented. However, at casinos with an Anjouan license, this protection disappears. Because there is no bilateral tax treaty with the Comoros, these winnings can be classified by the Tax Authority as 'other income' in Box 1, leading to a high marginal tax burden for the player. It is crucial to consult a tax advisor for significant winnings, as the rules surrounding offshore gambling winnings are subject to interpretation and strict enforcement.

Payment methods: iDEAL, Trustly, and Crypto

The choice of payment methods is a direct reflection of the regulatory framework. iDEAL, a popular instant bank payment method linked to Dutch banks, is almost exclusively available at casinos with a KSA license or sometimes with strictly regulated MGA providers that specifically target the Dutch market. The relationship between iDEAL and the KSA license is strong: the Dutch regulator demands direct connections to the local banking system for transparency.

In contrast, Malta casinos often offer Trustly, an open-banking service that is faster than traditional transfers but less integrated with the Dutch CRUKS system than iDEAL. Crypto, on the other hand, is the dominant payment method at Anjouan and Curaçao casinos. There is a clear relationship between Crypto and Anjouan: this licensing jurisdiction is known for its lenient stance on digital currencies, which promotes anonymity but also increases the risk of money laundering. While Crypto is standard at Curaçao and Anjouan, it is subject to increasingly strict controls under the MGA license due to Anti-Money Laundering Directives (AMLD). Players must realize that transactions via crypto under offshore licenses are often irreversible, unlike chargeback options with credit cards or intermediaries like Trustly.

Guarantee on player funds and payouts

The most critical factor is the payout guarantee. Under MGA rules, operators must keep player money separate from operational capital. This means that in the event of the casino's bankruptcy, players' balances are theoretically protected from claims by other creditors. While this is not an absolute guarantee - as fraud or accounting fraud can occur - it does provide a legal safety net within the European Union.

With Anjouan licenses, no such mechanism exists. The reputational risk is the only 'supervision' here. If an Anjouan casino refuses to pay out, the Dutch player has no access to an independent dispute committee or an effective legal process. The costs of international legal aid rarely outweigh the stakes. Therefore, checking the license via the official register is essential: a logo in the footer is not proof of solvency. For players who value financial security, the MGA license remains, despite the complexity of Bill 55, the only serious option outside the Dutch market that offers a form of payout guarantee and fund protection.

Responsible Gambling and Resources

In addition to the legal and financial aspects, the difference in support for problem gambling behavior is a crucial distinction. Casinos with an MGA license are required to take proactive measures to protect players from addiction. This includes not only the implementation of self-exclusion tools at the platform level but also providing information about support organizations.

Although these casinos are not connected to the Dutch CRUKS, they often refer to international helplines and organizations such as GamCare or Gambling Therapy. These organizations offer free advice and support, regardless of the player's location. At Anjouan casinos, this obligation is often completely lacking. Players rarely find direct links to independent support agencies here, and the operator does not take an active role in monitoring risky gaming behavior. For vulnerable players, this is a significant risk, as there is no safety net to intervene when gaming patterns become alarming. It is therefore essential that players at offshore providers proactively seek support and set limits themselves, as the operator will not do this for them.

About This Article - Editorial Standards

This article on "difference between Anjouan and Malta casino license" was written by Sarah Weber and factually reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content for changes in regulation, licensing and bonus terms. All references to licences, regulators and statutes link to public sources (the local gambling regulator, the applicable local gambling statute).

About the Author

8+ years reviewing casinos, 200+ personally tested platforms across the EU and globally. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialty: wagering requirements, withdrawal workflows, customer-support evaluation.

About the Reviewer

12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years as a compliance consultant for licensed operators across multiple regulated markets. PhD in Economic Mathematics. Focus areas: bonus mathematics, wagering analysis, and player-protection systems.

Responsible Gambling

Gambling can be addictive. If you feel you are losing control of your play, please reach out to the relevant problem-gambling helpline or use the national self-exclusion register (the relevant national self-exclusion register). Set personal deposit and loss limits BEFORE you play with real money. Operator pauses and cooldown tools exist to keep play sustainable.

Legal Notice

The information in this article is provided for editorial and comparison purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Players are responsible for compliance with local regulations.