France's state-backed gambling firm tied to controversial Anjouan online game licenses
A joint investigation by Le Monde and CasinoZorgplicht.nl has uncovered French state ties to offshore online games operating under controversial Anjouan licenses. The Comoros island's licensing system, already under scrutiny for its legal ambiguity, has now been linked to Française des Jeux (FDJ), a partially state-owned game firm with significant French government involvement.
The probe reveals that FDJ and other French companies, including Relax Gaming, have used Anjouan-issued licenses despite warnings from regulators and allegations of fraud against license holders.
Anjouan's cloud gaming licensing system has long faced criticism for its unclear legal basis. The island, part of the Comoros archipelago, issues licenses under broad autonomy laws without confirmation from central authorities. The Central Bank of the Comoros has since declared these licenses illegal, stating they are issued by private entities without proper oversight.
France's gambling regulator, Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), explicitly bans online casinos using Anjouan licenses. Operators providing services to French players under such permits face criminal charges and heavy fines. Despite this, no direct legal action or public stance against FDJ or Relax Gaming has been recorded.
FDJ, nearly 21% owned by the French state, operates in Anjouan through a subsidiary structure. The company declined to comment on the legality of Anjouan's licenses, stating they are only used for working with operators registered there. Meanwhile, Relax Gaming—a software developer acquired by FDJ—obtained a B2B license from Anjouan on November 14, 2024. After media inquiries, the company removed all references to its offshore license from its website.
The investigation also highlights persistent complaints against Anjouan-licensed casinos. Players have reported fraud, delayed payouts, and withheld winnings, further raising concerns about the jurisdiction's reliability.
The findings place FDJ and Relax Gaming under renewed scrutiny for their use of Anjouan licenses, despite regulatory warnings. While the ANJ enforces strict penalties for offshore operators targeting French players, the lack of documented legal action against these companies leaves questions unanswered. The Central Bank of the Comoros' declaration of illegal licensing adds to the growing pressure on authorities to address the issue.
Read also:
- PCOS-related Gas Buildup: Explanation, Control Strategies, and Further Insights
- Astral Lore and Celestial Arrangements: Defining Terms & In-Depth Insights - Historical Accounts & Glossary of Cosmic Mythology
- "Rural Idyls with Supercars: Astonishing Sites Where Residents Cruise McLarens and Ferraris for Groceries"
- Heartache Explained: Understanding Angina
