The latest September study of Research Innovation Fund Seedcorn at the University of Bristol shows that a great deal of iGaming operators change strict and regulated jurisdictions for softer regions and offshore countries. As of now, there are more than 20 new so-called regulators that give out Gambling licenses. 

One of the most obvious examples is Anjouan, an autonomous island in Comoros,  that has given more than 825 licenses for online gambling by May, 2025. The pros for operators are numerous – low requirements, fast issuance (2-3 weeks), zero taxation on gross gaming revenue and quite affordable licensing prices.

The dark side of the soft licensing is the enormous growth of players’ complaints. Anjouan-licensed operators experienced a 90% complaints surge in 2024, that include payment delays, account blocking as well as self-exclusion problems. What’s more, many offshore regimes have weak or zero procedures of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), low transparency of beneficial ownership, which increased risks of fraudulent activity.

The research warns that the expansion of offshore licenses can undermine player protection and the integrity of sports competitions (match-fixing), as well as facilitate money laundering.