Comoros is an island state situated in the Indian Ocean, at the northern entry to the channel of Mozambique and has a very fruitful history of legal regulations related to gambling, which makes it a promising jurisdiction for both online and offline gambling activities. This paper aims to provide detailed information on the exploration of Comoros bookmakers and sports betting, including the country’s gambling regulations, the governing bodies, types of bets accepted and not accepted, license requirements, charges, and taxes.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
History of Gambling Legislation in Comoros
Key Milestones:
- 1975: Comoros got its independence from France.
- 1977: Thus, President Ali Soilih legalized gambling, which made it one of the only nations with predominantly Muslim population allowing it.
- 1999: It was legalised by the Computer Gambling Licensing Act for online gambling.
- 2005: The Betting and Gaming Act was enacted to address all the forms of betting and gambling both on the internet and offline.
Comoros Bookmakers: La Ley y La Reglamentación
Gambling was legalized in Comoros in 1977; however, over the years, new laws have been enacted to keep up with the advancement in technology and markets. The Betting and Gaming Act of 2005 is the cornerstone of current gambling laws, which include the following main points:
- Legalization and Regulation: All types of gambling are permitted and have legal frameworks and these include sports betting, casinos, lotteries, and bingo.
- Licensing: All the on shore and off shore gambling operators need license issued by the Anjouan Off Shore Finance Authority or the Gaming Board of Anjouan.
- Prohibited Bets: As for the operating and playing on unlicensed gambling websites, it is prohibited.
Regulatory Agencies
The primary agencies responsible for regulating gambling activities in Comoros are:
- Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority: This body provides gambling licenses to both the conventional and the online based casinos and gambling firms.
- Gaming Board of Anjouan: Responsible for the monitoring and supervision of all gambling related functions, this in regards to the Betting and Gaming Act.
Required Documents for a Gambling License:
- Copy of passport legalized with an apostille or current driving license or national identity card
- Proof of residential address
- Original bank reference
- Police clearance certificate to show that the owners have no criminal record.
Such charter and bye-laws as may be filed with the registrar under the certificate of incorporation or registration and the memorandum and articles of association or constitution or deed of partnership.
Comoros Bookmakers: License and Fee
Types of Licenses:
The Comoros offers different types of licenses for various gambling activities:
- General Gambling License: Includes the conventional forms of gambling that are the casinos and the sports betting facilities.
- Online Gambling License: Specific to the online operations which include the sportsbooks and the online casinos.
Licensing Fees:
- Application Fee: €750
- Annual License Fee: €15,000
Taxes on Gambling Activities
Comoros offers an attractive tax regime for gambling operators:
- Gambling Tax: None or 0 percent of the gross gambling revenue.
- Corporate Tax: 35% (raises to 50% if the company’s turnover is KMF 500 million or more, which is equivalent to $1 200 000)
There are no specific performance-based taxes on gambling, however, the operators are required to pay the mentioned fixed licensing fees and corporate taxes.
Comoros Sports Betting
Legal Status
Comoros legalized sports betting as early as 1977 for the physical betting shops and since 1999 for online bookies. In order to start operating sports betting, the interested companies should obtain the respective licenses and abide by the rules and the regulations of the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority.
Requirements for Operating Sports Betting Establishments:
- Licensing: Has to get a gambling license and will be required to pay certain gambling fees.
- Compliance: Compliance with the rules and requirement of the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority as well as the Gaming Board of Anjouan.
- Financial Transactions: All commercial transactions have to be made using the banking system of Comoros only.
Sporting Event Glory Milestones
Comoros has a rich sporting history, particularly in football, track and field, and other international events:
- 1996: The Comoros Island first joined the Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
- 2003: The comerian football association entered the comoros national football team into the Confederation of African Football.
- 2005: The team affiliated to FIFA.
- 2019: First time to qualify to the African Cup of Nations.
- 2004: Mohamed ali Mchangama the Tanzanian athlete competed in the 2004 Olympic games in Athens and won a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles event.
Conclusion
Comoros has slowly but surely become one of the leaders in the provision of gambling services in Africa. Due to its beneficial legislation, quick licensing system and absence of taxes linked to gambling it is highly prospective for operators and bookmakers. Despite this, it has not yet reached its peak, as to this date only a few licensed operators are providing the service.
FAQ of Comoros Bookmakers
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