Gambling License in Nevis

Benefits of the Nevis gambling license

Choosing Nevis for an online gambling license offers numerous advantages for operators. Below are some key benefits:

• Strong Oversight: Nevis is not a “rubber stamp” jurisdiction – it maintains strict regulatory standards, which significantly boosts the trust of players, banks, and payment providers in licensees. Unlike some tiny offshore licenses with minimal checks, Nevis combines offshore flexibility with a credible level of oversight, enhancing your brand’s legitimacy.
• Fast & Streamlined Process: The licensing process in Nevis involves minimal bureaucracy, making it relatively simple and efficient to obtain a license. The application steps are straightforward and the review timeline is shorter than many traditional jurisdictions. Overall, obtaining a Nevis gambling license is relatively quick – often a matter of a few months once your documents are in order. This allows operators to launch operations faster.
• Global Market Access: Nevis imposes wide geographic flexibility. The regulator does not restrict where you can offer your services (aside from a defined list of banned countries). This means a Nevis-licensed platform can accept players from most countries worldwide, making it ideal for targeting international or multi-region markets without needing separate licenses for each territory.
• Comprehensive Scope of Offerings: With a Nevis license, you can run all types of gambling under one license. Casino games, sports betting, poker, lottery – everything is included. You also get coverage for multiple websites (2 domains included, expandable up to 40), allowing you to operate different brands or platforms under the same license. This one-stop coverage provides great operational freedom and cost savings, since you don’t need multiple licenses for different products.
• Tax Advantages: Nevis offers an extremely attractive tax regime for gaming companies. Licensed operators pay 0% tax on gross gaming revenue and profits earned outside of Nevis. There are no corporate income taxes on foreign-sourced income and no gaming-specific taxes. This zero-tax policy means you keep more of your earnings, maximizing profit margins and allowing for reinvestment into the business. Additionally, there is no VAT or sales tax on the provision of online gambling services. The tax savings in Nevis can be substantial compared to jurisdictions that impose gaming duties or income tax.
• Cryptocurrency Friendly: Nevis legislation is modern and supports both fiat and cryptocurrency operations. Operators can accept crypto bets or payments without running afoul of local law, as long as they meet standard compliance. This flexibility is a big advantage for innovative iGaming companies involved in crypto gambling or blockchain-based gaming platforms.
• Competitive Fees & Maintenance Costs: While not the cheapest license in absolute terms, the cost of obtaining and renewing a Nevis license is competitive relative to the stature it provides. The annual license fee (~€28k) is much lower than licenses in major jurisdictions like Malta or the UK,. The overall startup and yearly maintenance expenses (including compliance staff) are designed to be manageable, striking a balance between low-cost havens and high-end regulators.
• Speed to Market: Because of the efficient process and reasonable requirements, a Nevis license allows for a quicker launch timeline. You can often get your license in a few months, which is significantly faster than the 12-18 months some European licenses might take. This agility can be a critical benefit for startups or time-sensitive projects.
• Strategic Diversification: For operators already licensed elsewhere, Nevis provides a valuable secondary licensing base. Holding multiple licenses (e.g. Curacao + Nevis) spreads regulatory risk and strengthens your business continuity. If one jurisdiction faces changes or issues, you have another license to rely on. This also impresses partners and payment processors – a Nevis license alongside others signals that the company meets multiple regulatory standards. Diversification via Nevis can thus improve your resilience and market perception.

Disadvantages of the Nevis gambling license

While the Nevis license has many strengths, there are a few potential drawbacks and considerations to keep in mind:

• Restricted Markets: Nevis’s regulations prohibit servicing certain jurisdictions, meaning you must actively block players from specific countries. Notably, the United States, United Kingdom, much of the EU (e.g. Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Austria), St. Kitts & Nevis itself, and any FATF blacklisted or otherwise high-risk countries are off-limits. For companies whose target market includes North America or major European countries, this limitation is significant – a Nevis license cannot be used to operate legally in those places. You’ll need to geofence those regions, which could restrict your potential customer base.
• Substantial Annual Fees: The cost of maintaining a Nevis license is higher than some other offshore options. The annual license fee is around €28,000, which must be paid every year to renew the license. Additionally, Nevis requires staffing of certain roles (Compliance Officer, Reporting Officer) that typically involve yearly service fees if outsourced. For example, a licensed company might pay thousands of euros annually for these mandatory officers. When combined with company renewal fees, local agent costs, and professional service fees, the ongoing expenses can add up. Smaller startups with limited budgets might find this pricing less affordable compared to jurisdictions like Curacao or Anjouan.
• Local Presence Requirements: To obtain and keep the license, you must establish a company in Nevis and registered address there. You are also required to appoint a Nevis-based Reporting Officer who is a resident of Nevis and acts as a liaison with authorities. These local presence obligations mean additional setup work and reliance on local service providers. For those unfamiliar with Nevis, engaging corporate service firms and hiring the necessary local representatives is an added step (usually handled via law firms or consultancies). While this ensures local oversight, it introduces complexity and cost that purely remote licensing jurisdictions may not have.
• Rigorous Compliance Obligations: Nevis upholds “fit and proper” checks and strong AML/CFT compliance standards for all applicants. Beneficial owners and directors will undergo thorough due diligence for honesty, integrity, financial soundness, etc. Additionally, licensees must implement comprehensive KYC/AML procedures, responsible gaming policies, and underage gambling protections as part of the licensing conditions. These are beneficial for trust, but they do mean a higher compliance burden. The application process requires substantial documentation (personal identification, financial statements, business plans, policies) and the ongoing operation will be subject to audits or reviews. In short, Nevis is not a “light-touch” regime – operators must be prepared to meet serious compliance requirements.
• New Regulatory Regime: The Nevis online gaming framework is relatively new (enacted in 2025). While it’s backed by solid legislation, it doesn’t have decades of track record like some jurisdictions. There may be some evolving practices as the Nevis Gaming Authority gains experience. Operators and stakeholders (banks, payment processors) are still getting familiar with the Nevis license. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but new license regimes can sometimes face initial scrutiny or require extra explanation to third parties, simply because they are less proven. Over time, this will likely improve as Nevis builds a reputation, but early adopters may encounter questions due to the novelty of the license.

Types of Nevis gaming license

Nevis offers two classes of gaming licenses under its 2025 regulatory framework, catering to different roles in the online gambling industry:

• B2C License (Business-to-Consumer): This is the primary license for operators who offer gambling services directly to players. A B2C license allows a company to run online casinos, sportsbooks, poker sites, bingo or lottery platforms, and any other real-money games where the operator is transacting with end-users. Essentially, if you are taking bets/wagers from the public, you need a B2C license. The Nevis B2C license covers all typical player-facing gambling activities under one umbrella.
• B2B License (Business-to-Business): This license is designed for gaming service providers that do not deal with players directly, but rather supply products or services to B2C operators. Companies that develop casino game software, betting platforms, payment solutions, or provide white-label casino services would fall under B2B. A Nevis B2B license authorizes the company to provide critical gambling software, systems, and technical infrastructure to licensed operators around the world. It signals that the supplier meets Nevis’s standards and can be a trusted partner to B2C licensees.

Each class of license has similar application requirements (Nevis company, fit-and-proper owners, etc.), but the scope of authorized activity differs as noted above. Some companies may even hold both licenses – for example, running their own B2C casino while also offering a B2B platform service to other operators. The introduction of distinct B2C and B2B licenses demonstrates Nevis’s commitment to a comprehensive regulatory ecosystem that covers the full breadth of the iGaming industry.

Requirements for obtaining a Nevis gambling license

To successfully obtain a Nevis gambling license, applicants must fulfill a number of regulatory requirements and conditions. The key requirements include:

1. Fit and Proper Persons: All significant individuals involved – beneficial owners, directors, and senior management – must meet “fit and proper” criteria. This means they will be vetted for honesty, integrity, good reputation, competence, and financial soundness. Background checks are conducted to ensure no criminal record or fraudulent history. Notably, there are no residency or nationality restrictions for shareholders and directors; qualified persons from any country can be part of the business, as long as they pass the due diligence.
2. Nevis Incorporated Company: You must establish a legal entity in Nevis to hold the license. Typically this is an International Business Corporation (IBC) or LLC formed under Nevis law. The company needs a registered local address in Nevis. At least one director is required,. The ownership structure should be transparent, and while owners/directors can be foreigners, the company itself must be domiciled in Nevis.
3. Independent Compliance Officer: The licensee must appoint a dedicated Compliance Officer responsible for AML/CFT compliance and overall regulatory adherence. Importantly, this person cannot be a director, shareholder, or beneficial owner of the company – in other words, they must be independent in the organizational structure. This role is often filled by an external professional or service provider with compliance expertise. (Nevis does not impose specific citizenship or residency requirements for the Compliance Officer role, nor a requirement for prior gambling experience, as long as the person is qualified.)
4. Local Reporting Officer & Record-Keeping: Nevis requires that licensees maintain proper financial and operational records within the territory. The company must keep books and records in Nevis and prepare annual financial statements for submission to the Authority within 3 months of each fiscal year end. In addition, you must appoint a Reporting Officer who is a permanent resident of Nevis and is registered with the Nevis Financial Services Commission (FSRC). The Reporting Officer typically serves as a local regulatory point-of-contact and ensures that the company’s reporting and record-keeping obligations (including any required filings or audits) are met.
5. Policies and Procedures: As part of the application, you need to provide comprehensive internal policies. This includes Know Your Customer (KYC) / Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures, a Responsible Gaming policy, and measures to prevent underage gambling. These documents should outline how your operation will comply with best practices (e.g. verifying player identity and age, handling problem gambling, monitoring for suspicious transactions). Nevis places importance on having these safeguards in place from the start.
6. Geo-Blocking Restricted Regions: Licensees must implement technical measures (geo-IP blocking) to prevent access from prohibited jurisdictions. The Nevis Gaming Authority provides a list of countries where you are not allowed to offer your gambling services (as mentioned, this list currently includes the US, UK, certain EU countries, etc.). Prior to launching, your platform must have controls to block player registrations and activity from all these restricted locations. Demonstrating this capability is often part of the licensing process, and maintaining it is an ongoing compliance requirement.

In addition to the above, applicants will need to submit a range of documentation. This typically involves personal identity documents and financial references for all owners/directors (e.g. notarized passports, proof of address, bank reference letters), corporate documents for the Nevis company, a detailed business plan, game descriptions or software certifications, evidence of domain ownership for the websites, and so on. All information provided will undergo due diligence by the Nevis Gaming Board. The goal is to ensure only reputable, well-prepared operators are granted licenses. Meeting these requirements is crucial – if anything is missing or any check fails (for instance, an owner fails the fit-and-proper test), the license application can be delayed or rejected.

Costs & taxes

License Fees: The primary cost is the licensing fee payable to the Nevis authorities. The initial license fee is €28,000 for either a B2C or B2B license. This fee covers the first year of the license and typically includes the allowance for two domain names (websites). The license must be renewed annually for the same fee (approximately €28k each year). If an operator wishes to add more than two domains to the license (to operate multiple sites), there is an additional fee – roughly €1,500 per extra domain per year for each domain added under the license. Official fees are often set in USD or Eastern Caribbean Dollars but are commonly quoted around these Euro amounts by service firms.

Corporate Setup Costs: To utilize the Nevis license, you need a Nevis company. Incorporation and registration fees for a Nevis IBC are on the order of $2,000 (approximately €1,800–€2,000). For example, service providers charge about €1,800-1,900 for company formation plus a few hundred euros for notarization of documents. This is generally a one-time cost to set up the company, with a smaller annual fee for company renewal (around €1,000–€2,000 per year to maintain the company in good standing).

Professional Services: In most cases, applicants will hire a consultancy or law firm to assist with the license application. These firms offer “turnkey” packages that may include preparation of documents, drafting of required policies (Terms and Conditions, AML policy, etc.), and sourcing of the local Compliance Officer/Reporting Officer services. The quoted all-in packages for a Nevis license can be around €45,000–€50,000 (which typically includes the €28k government license fee). This is an upfront investment to get everything in place. If you are handling things independently, your costs would be broken down into government fees, company formation, and whatever you spend on hiring required personnel and preparing documents.

Ongoing Annual Costs: After the first year, aside from the annual license renewal fee (~€28k), you need to budget for: Nevis company renewal fee (few thousand euros), annual fees for the Compliance Officer and Reporting Officer (if those are outsourced roles – this could be roughly €4,500 and €9,000 respectively per year based on service provider rates), and possibly accounting/audit fees to produce your annual financial statements. In total, an operational budget for maintaining a Nevis license might be on the order of €40,000+ per year in mandatory costs (license + company + officers) plus any additional business expenses. While not trivial, this is still far lower than the cost of maintaining a license in jurisdictions like Malta or the UK, which can run into the hundreds of thousands once taxes and high regulatory fees are considered.

Taxation: One of the biggest financial advantages of Nevis is its tax neutrality for gaming companies. Nevis does not impose any gaming taxes or corporate income taxes on revenue that licensees earn outside of Nevis. In practice, since a Nevis online casino will be serving players internationally and not locals, all its gaming revenue is considered foreign-sourced and thus tax-free in Nevis. There is no Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) tax, no betting duty, and no withholding tax on player winnings. Additionally, Nevis has no dividend tax and no capital gains tax that would affect distributions from the company. It also has no VAT applicable to the services offered by the gaming company. This means that aside from the fixed fees described above, the Nevis government does not take a cut of your gambling profits. Operators can retain and reinvest almost 100% of their earnings (after paying out player winnings and business expenses). This is a stark contrast to many regulated markets where GGR taxes (often 15–30%) significantly eat into profits. In Nevis, the zero-tax regime is a major draw – it legally optimizes your profitability. Do note that if your company or owners are tax-resident elsewhere (or if you have a physical presence in another country), you may have tax obligations in those jurisdictions. But purely from Nevis’s perspective, the offshore gaming company isn’t taxed on its gaming income.

Process for obtaining a gambling license in Nevis

Obtaining a Nevis gambling license involves a multi-step process that typically spans a few months. Below is an overview of the steps and timeline involved in securing a Nevis license:

1. Incorporate a Nevis Company: The first step is to register a local company in Nevis that will hold the license. You’ll need to submit 2-3 proposed company names for approval and provide incorporation documents. This stage includes preparing the Articles of Incorporation, appointing at least one director, issuing shares to owners, and obtaining the Certificate of Incorporation. Simultaneously, you should gather all required due diligence documents for the owners and directors (passports, proof of address, bank references, etc.). Forming the company can be done within a few days once all paperwork is ready, as Nevis company registration is fairly quick.
2. Prepare the Application Documents: With the company in place, the next step is to compile the full license application dossier. This involves preparing a comprehensive business plan outlining your gambling project (games offered, target markets, revenue projections), drafting all required internal policies (AML/KYC program, responsible gaming policy, terms and conditions for the website, privacy policy, etc.), and filling out the official application forms. You must also designate and have agreements in place for your Compliance Officer and Nevis-based Reporting Officer at this stage. Essentially, all documentation that demonstrates how your operation will function and comply with regulations must be assembled. This preparation phase can take a few weeks as it may involve back-and-forth with consultants or attorneys to ensure everything is in order.
3. Pay the License Fees: Once your application package is ready to go, you will need to pay the required government fees. This includes the application fee or first year license fee (approximately €28,000). The payment is typically made to the Nevis Treasury or Financial Services regulatory accounts. Proof of payment will be required as part of the submission. It’s important to ensure the fees are paid in full and any payment receipts are obtained, as the regulator won’t begin formal review of the application until fees are confirmed.
4. Submit the Application: With fees paid and documents prepared, you submit your complete license application to the Nevis Gaming Authority/Board. The application will include all forms, supporting documents, and attachments compiled in step 2. At this point, the regulatory review begins. The Nevis Gaming Board will examine your corporate structure, the backgrounds of the individuals, and the thoroughness of your business plan and policies. They will conduct due diligence and may ask follow-up questions or request additional information during this review process. It’s crucial to respond promptly to any inquiries to keep things moving. The regulator will also verify that you have in place the required local representatives (Compliance and Reporting Officers) and that your technical setup (platform, hosting, security measures, geo-blocking for restricted countries, etc.) meets their standards.
5. Regulatory Decision & License Issuance: After evaluation, if all is satisfactory, the Nevis Gaming Board will recommend approval of your license to the Minister of Finance. Upon approval, your license certificate is issued. You are now officially a licensed gambling operator in Nevis. This marks the end of the initial process – you can proceed to launch your online gambling services under the Nevis license. In terms of timeline, the steps above typically take around 2 to 3 months in total in an ideal case. Month 1 might be spent on company setup and collecting documents, Month 2 on preparing and submitting the application, and by Month 3 the license might be granted. This can vary: sometimes the process is faster (if documentation was pre-prepared and no delays) or longer (if the regulator requests more information or if there are background complexities). Working with experienced advisors can help streamline each step and avoid common pitfalls, making the timeline as short as possible.

Once the license is issued, the operator can integrate payment solutions, finalize any pending technical certifications, and then go live with their platform. Nevis provides a “one-stop” license document that will enumerate the types of gambling permitted and the domains covered. It’s important to display your license details (license number, issuing authority) on your website as per the Nevis regulations, and you’re ready to legally accept players (outside of the blocked countries) under the Nevis license.

Ongoing maintenance of your gaming license

Securing the license is not the end – you must maintain compliance and good standing to keep the license active. Nevis imposes several ongoing obligations on license holders to ensure the operation remains reputable and within the law:

• Regulatory Filings & Reporting: Licensees are required to maintain proper records and submit annual financial statements to the Nevis Gaming Authority within 3 months after the end of each financial year. This means you should have accounting systems in place to produce audited (or at least reviewed) financial reports for your gaming business. The statements need to be filed on time every year. Additionally, you may need to submit periodic reports on player fund security, any suspicious activities (AML reporting), and other disclosures as required by the regulator. Keeping accurate books and being prompt with filings is essential to avoid any compliance issues.
• Local Presence & Personnel: You must continue to maintain a registered address in Nevis and keep the authorities informed of any changes to your business address or corporate structure. The appointments of your Compliance Officer and Reporting Officer need to be kept current – typically these are annual engagements, so ensure that you renew these service contracts or reappoint individuals each year. Any change in these roles (or in directors/shareholders) often requires notifying the Gaming Board and possibly getting approval, along with paying due diligence fees for vetting new personnel. Essentially, the local representatives (Compliance/Reporting Officers) are part of your compliance lifeline; they must be active and reachable.
• License Renewal: The Nevis license operates on a yearly renewal cycle. To maintain your license, you’ll need to pay the annual renewal fee (another €28,000) and go through the renewal application which confirms that you still meet all requirements. Typically, the renewal process is more streamlined than the initial application, but it will include showing that you have complied with all regulations during the year. The Gaming Authority may conduct an annual compliance audit or review of your operations as part of renewal. This can involve checking that your AML procedures are working, that you properly segregate player funds, that your games are provably fair (technical audit), and so on. It’s crucial to start the renewal process ahead of your license expiry to ensure continuity (your Reporting Officer or legal advisor in Nevis will usually prompt this).
• Ongoing Compliance & Updates: You must continuously adhere to the standards set by the regulator. This includes keeping your KYC/AML measures up-to-date, training staff on compliance, and updating your responsible gaming tools and policies as needed. If any laws or guidelines in Nevis change, you’ll be expected to implement those changes in your operation. The Compliance Officer will typically handle routine compliance monitoring and reporting to the Board. Also, if you want to introduce a new product (say a new game type) or a new domain/brand, you should seek approval if required. Essentially, the maintenance of the license means running your business ethically, transparently, and in line with the rules at all times. Any significant violations or complaints can trigger investigations or sanctions, so proactive compliance is key.

By fulfilling these ongoing requirements, your Nevis license will remain in good standing year after year. The Nevis Gaming Board has the authority to suspend or revoke a license if an operator fails to comply with conditions, but such outcomes are easily avoided through diligent maintenance. Most Nevis licensees engage professional services (accountants, compliance specialists) on an ongoing basis to assist with meeting all obligations smoothly. With proper care, the Nevis license can be a long-term asset for your business, offering stability and continued access to global markets under Nevis’s oversight.

Renewal of a Nevis gaming license

The Nevis gaming license must be renewed annually to remain valid. A license is initially granted for a one-year period, and thereafter the holder needs to go through a renewal process each year. Renewal in Nevis is generally a straightforward procedure as long as the operator has remained fully compliant and all fees are paid on time. Key points regarding renewal:

• Timing: The renewal application and fee payment usually need to be completed before the current license expires (typically at the 12-month mark from issuance). It’s wise to start the renewal process a couple of months in advance. The Nevis Gaming Authority may send reminders, but ultimate responsibility lies with the licensee to apply for renewal.
• Requirements: When renewing, the company must confirm that it continues to meet all licensing requirements. You’ll submit an updated application or renewal form, which often is shorter than the initial one but will ask for any changes in the business (new directors, changes in ownership, new games or domains added, etc.). You must demonstrate ongoing compliance – for example, include the latest financial statement, evidence of AML reports filed, proof that the required officers (Compliance/Reporting) are still in place, and any audit reports. Essentially, it’s a check-up to ensure everything is in order.
• Fee Payment: The annual license fee of €28,000 (or its USD equivalent) must be paid again upon renewal. Proof of payment is submitted with the renewal application. If the fee is not paid, the license will lapse. There might also be small renewal filing fees or ongoing due diligence fees (for example, if re-vetting of certain persons is needed), but the bulk is the license fee itself.
• Regulatory Review: The Gaming Board will review the renewal submission. If the operator had no significant compliance issues or complaints in the past year, this review is typically smooth. The Authority can also conduct or request an annual audit – this could be a financial audit or a systems audit to ensure games and security are up to standard. Many Nevis licensees contract independent auditors to review their RNGs, game fairness, and security protocols and submit those reports to the regulator as part of renewal. Passing these checks is important for the license to be renewed without complications.
• Approval: Once everything is found satisfactory, the Nevis Gaming Board (and ultimately the Minister) will approve the license renewal for another year. You will receive a renewed license certificate or confirmation. Operationally, there is no interruption – your platform can continue to run seamlessly into the new license year.

It’s worth noting that if a licensee has violated terms or had issues, renewal is the point where the regulator might intervene (either by adding new conditions, suspending, or in extreme cases not renewing). For instance, failure to submit the annual financials or any serious regulatory breaches could jeopardize renewal. However, for conscientious operators, renewal is mostly an administrative routine. Many view the Nevis license renewal as relatively painless compared to other jurisdictions – it’s largely about paying the fee and proving ongoing compliance, without any unpredictable hurdles.

Official Sources & Primary Legislation (Nevis)

Primary Acts / Ordinances

• Nevis Online Gaming Bill, 2025 – passed by the Nevis Island Assembly on April 29, 2025 (government announcement).
• Nevis Online Gaming Ordinance, 2025 – in force from May 1, 2025; establishes licensing via the Nevis Online Gaming Authority (NOGA).
• Nevis Online Gaming Regulations, 2025 – published June 26, 2025 (Official Gazette No. 34 of 2025), referenced by the Nevis Financial Services Regulatory Commission.

Federal Framework (Saint Kitts & Nevis)

• Gaming Control Act, No. 11 of 2021 – Federation-level act and related amendments (official Law Library, FSRC St. Kitts).

Regulator & Official Portals

• Nevis Online Gaming Authority (NOGA) – Official website – regulator portal for licensing, guidance, and FAQs.
• About NOGA – background on authority and mandate under the 2025 legislation.
• NOGA License Register – public register of licensed operators and authorized URLs.
• Nevis Island Administration (NIA) – News releases – official announcements on passage and commencement of the gaming laws.
• Nevis Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC Nevis) – Advisories – notices referencing the Online Gaming Regulations and NOGA’s role.