(AsiaGameHub) – By: Jonathan Barrett
Anjouan Gaming’s sudden LinkedIn statement isn’t just a clarification—it’s a desperate bid to shift public blame. The regulator has been under intense scrutiny for months. Critics say its licensing framework enables unlicensed operators targeting global markets. This week’s post comes as black market gambling activity hits new highs worldwide. Mature iGaming markets have been grappling with this threat for years, but tensions are now at a breaking point. The World Cup’s elevated betting engagement only amplified the problem across global markets.
The regulator’s statement laid out clear ground rules for its licenses. Anjouan internet gaming licenses are only issued under local autonomous island law. They cover AML, technical compliance, and responsible gaming obligations. They are not a universal authorization to operate in every country. No license can exempt an operator from local market rules. The post also noted that different operators have unique regulatory needs based on their business models. It criticized commentary that conflates offshore licensing with local market approval. It said broad allegations without referencing local laws are unhelpful. It invited constructive industry discussion on regulatory standards and player protection.
Anjouan is far from the only jurisdiction facing this criticism. Curacao and Anjouan are the two most frequently named in unlicensed gaming debates. The regulator’s statement shifts full responsibility to license holders. It says operators using its licenses to target overseas markets are at fault, not the regulatory framework itself. This pivot comes as global pressure mounts on offshore licensing regimes tied to black market activity, and Anjouan’s criticism is unlikely to die down anytime soon.
The UK’s regulated iGaming market is facing a perfect storm for black market growth. New tax hikes and stricter compliance rules are squeezing mid-tier operators. These firms are losing their ability to attract and retain players. This opens a clear door for opportunistic unlicensed operators to step in and exploit the gap. Industry insiders have warned this shift will boost illegal gambling activity in the country significantly.
The Dutch regulator KSA has also taken aggressive action against illegal gambling ads. KSA’s Ella Seijsener spoke at this week’s Gaming in Holland event in Amsterdam. She said fines for illegal operators are almost never collected, so they are largely ineffective. Instead, the regulator is partnering with hosting, payment, and marketing firms to cut off illegal operations entirely. She noted that this comprehensive approach is far more likely to work than punitive fines.
This blame-shifting from Anjouan will only make it harder for global regulators to coordinate a unified crackdown on unlicensed gambling.
Author bio: Jonathan Barrett, lead focus editor for an independent overseas public affairs weekly covering global regulatory policy.