Gambling operators flee to offshore havens as regulations tighten onshore

From Anjouan’s 825 tax-free licenses to a spike in player complaints, the offshore gambling boom is testing regulators worldwide. Will stricter rules or industry self-reform win?

, and Administrator

2025 November 17 . 7:12 AM

1 min read

In this picture there is a man who is wearing sixteen number jersey, helmet, short and shoe. Beside... — In this picture there is a man who is wearing sixteen number jersey, helmet, short and shoe. Beside him we can see another man who is wearing blue jacket, glass, helmet, trouser and standing near to the windows. At the top we can see audience sitting on the chair and watching the game. At the bottom there is another man who is wearing twenty six number jersey and holding a stick. In the bottom left corner there is an umpire was standing behind the glass. On the right we can see the companies advertisement board.

Gambling operators flee to offshore havens as regulations tighten onshore

A recent study by the Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms Research has revealed a worrying trend: gambling operators are increasingly moving offshore to less demanding regulatory environments. This shift, driven by tougher domestic rules, is raising concerns about player protection and fair treatment in the world news. The research found that operators are drawn to offshore jurisdictions like Anjouan, an autonomous island in the Comoros. In May 2025 alone, Anjouan issued a staggering 825 gambling licenses, with no tax collected on gambling revenue. However, this leniency comes with risks. Playing at offshore operators lacks assurances of fair treatment and adequate gambling harm protection, as reported by the New York Times. New offshore jurisdictions are emerging, dubbed 'pseudo-regulators' by the study. Meanwhile, nations like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are showing interest in growing the number of new offshore-based gaming operators. This move aims to keep players within national borders and away from unregulated sites, indicating a government incentive to protect players onshore. The trend has led to a spike in unresolved player complaints against Anjouan-licensed operators in 2024. In response, some operators are re-evaluating their strategies. The Yolo Group, for instance, has decided to focus on working with domestic regulators instead of grey markets. The migration of gambling operators offshore raises serious concerns about player protection and fair treatment in the news. As new offshore jurisdictions emerge and national governments seek to protect their players, the gambling industry faces a complex landscape. Operators must navigate these challenges responsibly, ensuring player safety and fair play.