Study Shows Operators Flee to Offshore Gambling Jurisdictions
Summary
A new study from the Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms Research at the University of Bristol finds a fresh wave of gambling operators shifting to small offshore jurisdictions to avoid stricter regulation. Popular destinations include Curaçao, the Philippines, the Isle of Man and a notable surge in licences issued by Anjouan (Comoros). By May 2025 Anjouan Licensing Services had issued 825 active internet gaming licences, attracted by no-tax policies and very fast processing times (often two to three weeks).
The report warns these emergent regulators frequently lack oversight, independent alternative dispute resolution (ADR) requirements and robust beneficial ownership checks. That combination, the researchers argue, raises risks of money laundering, match-fixing and poor outcomes for players. Data from Casino Guru shows unresolved complaints against operators licensed in Anjouan rose 90% in 2024, reaching 148 cases, with common issues including blocked accounts, delayed payments and self-exclusion disputes.
Key Points
- Operators are moving to smaller offshore jurisdictions to escape tighter regulation in established markets.
- Anjouan (Comoros) emerged as a major hub — 825 active internet gaming licences by May 2025.
- Fast, cheap licence processes and no tax on gross gaming revenue attract operators.
- Many new regimes lack ADR mandates and have limited dispute-resolution options for players.
- Opacity around beneficial ownership in some jurisdictions makes concealment of company control easier.
- Unresolved player complaints have risen sharply — Anjouan-licensed operators saw a 90% rise in unresolved disputes in 2024.
- Researchers flag increased risks of money laundering, match-fixing and unfair contract terms for players.
Why should I read this?
Because if you work in iGaming, regulation or player protection, this is where the game is changing — and not necessarily for the better. The study flags real risks: quick, cheap licences can mean little oversight, and that trickles down into more disputes, harder recourse for players and bigger compliance headaches for firms that stay regulated. Short version: it’s a red flag wave you should know about.
Context and Relevance
This research matters to regulators, operators and player-protection groups. It ties into broader industry trends: regulatory arbitrage, the globalisation of online gambling, and growing scrutiny over financial crime and consumer rights. For operators considering offshore licences, the findings underline reputational and operational risks. For regulators and consumer bodies, the report reinforces calls for international co-operation, stricter beneficial-ownership rules and mandatory ADR mechanisms to protect players.
Source
Author style
Punchy — this is a timely warning. Read the detail if you care about where operators register, how quickly licences are issued, and what that means for compliance and player safety.
