Gaming license in Saint Kitts and Nevis
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Nevis has rebooted iGaming in 2025 with the Nevis Online Gaming Ordinance (29 April 2025) and a dedicated regulator, the Nevis Online Gaming Authority (NOGA), while the federation’s legacy St Kitts and Nevis national regime remains in place. One B2C license covers online casino, sports betting, poker, bingo, lotto, eSports, live dealer, and scratch cards; B2B licensing covers platforms, suppliers, and white-label solutions, and crypto is allowed as a payment method. You apply through a Nevis company—no physical office is required—by appointing a Local Reporting Officer and a Compliance Officer, and the application process typically takes 60–90 days once documents are complete (business plan, AML/KYC policies, RNG/IT audits, and full KYC and source-of-funds for owners and key staff). Nevis runs a territorial tax model with 0% tax on foreign-sourced income and no GGR; NOGA’s fee schedule is not yet public, so budget for application, due diligence, audits, banking/PSP setup, and annual renewal (the legacy national license charges USD 80,000 to register and USD 40,000 per year). The license is not valid worldwide: you must geo‑block Saint Kitts and Nevis residents and other restricted countries per local law, sanctions, NOGA guidance, and payment-partner rules, and issued licenses appear in NOGA’s public register. Versus Curacao and other jurisdictions, Nevis offers modern, Tier‑1‑style compliance with lighter substance requirements and clear timelines—giving gaming and iGaming operators, from crypto casinos to lottery operators, a legitimate, scalable path to market in 2025.
St Kitts and Nevis gambling license: what changed in 2025 and why serious operators care
Nevis has quietly moved from being a niche Caribbean outpost to a credible iGaming hub. The Nevis Online Gaming Ordinance 2025 introduced a dedicated regulator—the Nevis Online Gaming Authority (NOGA)—and a licensing regime that looks and feels modern. If you’ve been burned by slow regulators or fuzzy rules elsewhere, this is a breath of fresh air: clear processes, faster timelines, and compliance that mirrors tier‑one standards without tier‑one bureaucracy.
A Nevis license is built for international operations. It covers online casino, sports betting, poker, lottery/instant win, bingo, esports, and more. There are two tracks: B2C for operators and B2B for platforms, game studios, white‑label providers, and payment/tech vendors. The jurisdiction runs a territorial tax system, so foreign‑sourced income isn’t taxed locally, and there’s no GGR under Nevis law. That doesn’t make it a “wild west”—NOGA expects responsible gaming tools, AML/KYC, RNG/IT audits, and geo‑blocking for restricted countries. Residents of Saint Kitts and Nevis are not permitted to play, and operators must enforce that ban.
Expect a fit‑and‑proper check on every director, shareholder, authorized signatory, and UBO, plus the compliance team. A typical pack includes:
- Notarized/certified passport and proof of address (recent utility/bank statement)
- CV/resume and professional references
- Police clearance (no criminal record) and self‑declarations
- Source of funds and source of wealth evidence (bank statements, contracts, sale deeds)
- Corporate structure chart with percentages; shareholder agreements
- Business plan with 12–24‑month forecasts, target markets, marketing and RG strategy
- AML/CFT and KYC policy suite; sanctions/PEP screening flows; risk assessment
- Responsible gaming policy and tools (limits, self‑exclusion, reality checks), age verification
- Terms & Conditions, privacy policy, complaint/ADR and dispute process
- Technical dossier: RNG certificates or letters of intent from certified labs, platform architecture, security controls, logging/monitoring, data protection measures, game provider agreements
- Domain ownership proof; list of URLs; hosting and CDN details
- Payment workflows (cards, APMs, crypto), fraud controls, chargeback handling
- Appointment of Compliance Officer and Local Reporting Officer
Have translations/apostilles ready where necessary and keep expiries tight—out‑of‑date documents cause most delays.
Nevis treats crypto as a payment method under the same AML/KYC umbrella as fiat. That’s good news: no baroque “special wallet license,” but no shortcuts either. You’ll need:
- Wallet screening and blockchain analytics for deposits/withdrawals
- Enhanced due diligence for high‑risk flows and VIPs
- Clear on/off‑ramp controls and VASP counterpart risk grading
- Sanctions controls, Travel Rule compliance where applicable, and robust record‑keeping
Banks and EMIs look favorably on a Nevis license paired with sensible risk policies and clean flow-of-funds documentation.
Nevis licenses don’t allow sublicensing. In practice, that means:
- White‑label platforms can hold a B2B license to supply the stack.
- Each brand that faces players needs its own B2C license or be operated directly by the licensed entity.
- Managed services are fine, but the licensee remains responsible for compliance, KYC/AML, and RG.
This is stricter than the old Curacao sublicensing era and improves PSP acceptance and partner comfort.
Think of renewal as a light‑touch re‑underwrite, not a rubber stamp. Operators should plan for:
- Annual license fee payment and confirmation of continued fit‑and‑proper status
- Updated policies and risk assessments (AML/CFT, RG, data protection)
- Technical attestations or periodic audits of RNG/IT controls
- Compliance reporting via the Local Reporting Officer
- Notification and approval for material changes (ownership, directors, key suppliers, game catalog, URLs)
- Evidence of player protection: limits, self‑exclusion, dispute handling metrics
- Financial statements and, if requested, proof of player fund protection mechanisms (segregation, insurance, or guarantee—confirm your model with NOGA)
Missed filings or opaque changes are the fastest way to suspension. Keep your governance clean and your regulator informed.
- Incorporate in Nevis: set up an International Business Corporation (IBC), appoint at least one director and one shareholder (individual or corporate), and retain a licensed registered agent.
- Pre‑application: appoint Compliance Officer and Local Reporting Officer, finalize the document pack, lock your domain strategy, and align suppliers and PSPs.
- File with NOGA: submit the application, fee, and complete annexes. Expect a completeness check.
- Due diligence and technical review: background checks on people and funds; scrutiny of AML/KYC and RG controls; RNG/IT documentation; website and T&C review.
- Clarifications: respond quickly to RFI letters. Slow answers = slow licenses.
- Approval and issuance: receive your license, register URLs in the public registry, and go live in compliant markets.
- AML/KYC: risk‑based onboarding, sanctions/PEP screening, ongoing monitoring, EDD for high risk
- Responsible gaming: age checks, deposit/loss/time limits, cool‑offs, self‑exclusion, links to help organizations
- Fairness: certified RNGs, transparent RTP, dispute handling and ADR
- IT and data: secure hosting, encryption in transit/at rest, access controls, logs and tamper evidence, backups, incident response
- Marketing: no minors or vulnerable groups, no misleading promos, geo‑compliant targeting
- Market access: documented country matrix, geo‑blocking, payment blocking, and RTP disclosures where required
| Jurisdiction | Speed and cost | Banking/PSP perception | Substance/tax headline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevis (NOGA, 2025) | Fast, modern, mid five‑figure gov fees; 60–90 days typical | Positive and improving; strong for multi‑brand B2C and serious B2B | 0% on foreign‑sourced income; no mandatory local office; Local Reporting Officer required |
| Curacao (LOK transition) | More structured now; legacy subs fading | Better than before, still mixed for some PSPs | Local substance increasing; new full licenses required |
| Isle of Man | Slower and pricier; deep diligence | Tier‑one with strong PSP/bank acceptance | Real substance; payroll and local presence expected |
| Malta (B2C/B2B) | Thorough, higher cost | Tier‑one but tightening risk appetite | Substance and EU compliance load; effective for EU strategies |
| Anjouan | Fastest and cheapest to start | Good for MVPs; weaker for top PSPs | Low substance; often a stepping stone |
Quick answers to the questions I get every week
Still have a questions?
Can I apply as a startup?
Yes. Have capital, clean UBOs, and a realistic plan.
Do I need a physical office to get the license?
No. You need a registered agent and a Local Reporting Officer; your Compliance Officer can be remote.
How long does it take?
Around 60–90 days once your file is complete
Is it valid worldwide?
No license is. Use geo‑blocking and a country matrix; add local licenses where needed.
Are crypto casinos allowed?
Yes, with proper AML/KYC, wallet screening, and Travel Rule practices.
What types of games are covered?
Casino, live dealer, sportsbook, esports, poker, bingo, lottery/instant, fantasy—plus B2B providers under a separate license.
What documents are needed?
Fit‑and‑proper KYC pack, SOF/SOW, policies (AML/KYC/RG), technical certifications, domain proof, business plan, supplier agreements.
Renewal requirements?
Annual fees, updated diligence, policy refresh, reporting, and any audits NOGA requests.
Cost?
Plan mid five‑figures in government fees for year one plus incorporation, diligence, and tech/compliance costs. Confirm the exact fee table with NOGA—don’t rely on hearsay.
How does it compare vs Curacao?
Nevis is more modern post‑2025, no sublicensing, stronger PSP optics, and still fast. Curacao is tightening under the new LOK regime.
| Topic | Short answer | Details and examples | Numbers and timelines | Notes and comparisons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governing law and authority (2025) | Nevis licenses are issued under the Nevis Online Gaming Ordinance 2025 by the Nevis Online Gaming Authority (NOGA). | NOGA handles B2C and B2B licensing, fit‑and‑proper checks, platform/RNG audits, AML/KYC oversight, and can suspend or revoke licenses. A public register of licensees is maintained. | Ordinance passed in 2025; registry and processes rolling out in 2025. | Earlier SKN framework: Betting & Gaming Control Act 1999 and Gaming (Control) Act 2021 at federation level. New Nevis regime is island‑specific and more iGaming‑centric. |
| License types (B2C vs B2B) | Two licenses: B2C (operators) and B2B (providers). | B2C covers online casinos, sportsbook, poker, bingo, lottery, eSports, virtuals, live dealer. B2B covers platforms, white‑label providers, game studios, aggregators, software and payment tech. | Each license typically includes 2 approved URLs; more can be added by variation. Sublicensing is not allowed. | “One license covers all” product verticals for each license class. Clean separation between operator and supplier activities. |
| What games are covered | Wide iGaming scope under one B2C license. | Slots/RNG casino, live tables, sports betting (incl. in‑play), eSports, poker, bingo, keno, scratch, virtual sports, lottery/number games. | Technical certification required for RNG and live systems; game provider agreements must be on file. | No need to stack multiple permits for game classes (unlike some EU regimes). |
| Can I apply for a license? | Yes, through a Nevis company. | You must incorporate a Nevis IBC and appoint at least one director and one shareholder (individual or corporate). All controllers pass a fit‑and‑proper test. | Incorporation can be completed within days via a licensed local agent. | Foreign ownership is allowed. Flexible share capital; no paid‑up minimum. |
| Do I need a physical office in Nevis? | No physical office is required. | You need a registered address via a licensed local agent, a Local Reporting Officer in Nevis, and a designated Compliance Officer (can be remote). | Substance: none mandated for staffing or premises. | This keeps overhead low versus Isle of Man/Malta, which require local substance. |
| Is it valid worldwide? | No license is “worldwide.” | You can serve players in markets that allow offshore operators. You must block countries that prohibit online gambling or require a local license. Geo‑blocking is mandatory for SKN residents. | Coverage depends on your own geo‑policy and PSP/banking rules. | Comparable to Curaçao/Anjouan in reach; not a passport into restricted or monopoly markets (e.g., FR, ES, SE). |
| Which countries are restricted | You must block St Kitts & Nevis and any country where you lack a local right to operate. | In practice, operators commonly geo‑block: USA and OFAC‑sanctioned territories (e.g., IR, SY, CU, KP), UK, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Greece, Germany (certain states), Italy, Australia, Singapore, and any market that requires a local license. | The exact list is set in your responsible gaming and geo‑blocking policy and agreed with PSPs. | Your restriction set should track local laws, sanctions, and PSP onboarding terms. Keep it updated quarterly. |
| Timeline: how long does it take | About 60–90 days after a complete file. | Phases: pre‑check (1–2 weeks), due diligence and compliance review (3–5 weeks), final approval and issuance (1–2 weeks). | Total: ~2–3 months, excluding time to compile documents. | Faster than many tier‑one regimes (e.g., 4–6+ months in MGA/IoM). Comparable to the best modern offshore timelines. |
| Cost (government and setup) | Official NOGA fee schedule is being finalized in 2025; expect mid five‑figure government fees. | Market guidance: application and first‑year government fees typically in the tens of thousands USD; annual renewal in a similar band. Professional, audit, and incorporation costs are extra. | Historic SKN national license (legacy): USD 80,000 registration + USD 40,000 annual (not the new Nevis NOGA schedule). | Always confirm the current NOGA tariff before budgeting. Total project budgets often fall in the USD 50k–150k range depending on scope. |
| Taxation | 0% corporate tax on foreign‑sourced income. No GGR in Nevis. | No local VAT, capital gains, inheritance, or real estate tax. | Ensure tax residency and CFC rules in your owners’ home countries are addressed. | Nevis focuses on compliance oversight instead of taxing GGR, which helps margins. |
| Banking and payments | Multi‑rail approach recommended. | Many operators add an EU “payment agent” company for Visa/Mastercard acquiring, while using crypto and APMs in parallel. | Banking/PSP onboarding typically runs in parallel with licensing. | Acceptance with PSPs is generally stronger than with ultra‑light regimes and weaker than with EU tier‑one. |
| Crypto casinos | Allowed as a payment method under AML controls. | You must run full KYC for fiat and crypto, monitor wallets/transactions, keep ledgers, and follow Travel Rule where applicable via compliant VASPs. | Appoint a crypto compliance lead and implement blockchain analytics (e.g., chain screening, risk scoring). | Position crypto as an additional rail, not a KYC shortcut. |
| Compliance: core duties | Robust AML/CFT, KYC, and responsible gaming are mandatory. | Policies: KYC tiers, PEP/sanctions screening, SOW/SoF, transaction monitoring, self‑exclusion, limits, reality checks, minor protection, fair marketing, data security, incident response, complaints/ADR. | Appoint Compliance Officer and Local Reporting Officer. File periodic returns; undergo audits. | Framework modeled on tier‑one standards but with lighter bureaucracy than EU regimes. |
| Technical and RNG audits | Required pre‑issuance and periodically. | RNG certification, game fairness, wallet and payments controls, platform security, encryption and logging, uptime/monitoring, backup/DR, geo‑blocking and age‑gating. | Frequency set by NOGA and license conditions; annual reviews are common. | Use recognized labs and document supplier certifications to streamline. |
| White‑label solutions | Supported, with structure. | B2B “platform” holds a B2B license; each brand operating to players must hold its own B2C license. No sublicensing under your license. | Two URLs per license by default; add more via variation. | Cleaner than old Curaçao sub‑licensing. Helps PSP acceptance per brand. |
| Documents needed (B2C/B2B) | A complete, notarized due‑diligence pack is critical. | For all directors, shareholders, UBOs: passport, proof of address, CV, police clearance, bank and professional references, source of funds/wealth. For the company: business plan and financials, compliance manuals (AML/KYC/RG), IT and security policies, domain proof, website T&Cs/privacy, provider and payment agreements, RNG/game certificates, org chart, risk assessment. | Incomplete or stale documents are the top cause of delay. Keep all items certified and in‑date. | Prepare a data room; align document formats with NOGA’s checklist to cut queries. |
| Application process | Straightforward and staged. | 1) Incorporate Nevis IBC via local agent. 2) Assemble due‑diligence pack. 3) File license application with fees. 4) Preliminary completeness check. 5) Due diligence and technical review. 6) Queries/clarifications. 7) Approval and license issuance. 8) Go‑live with ongoing reporting. | 60–90 days post‑submission if documents are clean. | Run PSP onboarding and vendor integrations in parallel to hit launch dates. |
| Renewal and ongoing requirements | Annual renewal with continued compliance. | Pay annual fee, keep policies current, refresh KYC/AML risk assessment, maintain audits and certifications, file periodic regulatory reports, notify changes in control/management. | Typical renewal cycle: 12 months. | Treat renewal as a light re‑underwrite; avoid late filings and undisclosed changes. |
| Local player restrictions | Nevis and SKN nationals/residents must be excluded. | Enforce geo‑blocking and KYC logic to prevent local play and to respect restricted markets. | Policy must be live at launch; test before go‑live. | Violations risk suspension or revocation. |
| Legitimacy and reputation | Considered modern, efficient, and credible. | Public register, formal audits, clear legislation, and visible enforcement powers support credibility with PSPs and B2B partners. | Post‑2025 regime targets 2–3 month approvals, assuming full files. | Built to rival mid‑tier jurisdictions while keeping costs and timelines lean. |
| Benefits for operators | Fast, cost‑effective, with broad coverage. | Single license per class, no GGR, flexible corporate setup, transparent rules, crypto‑friendly payments, supportive regulator. | Lower time‑to‑market vs many peers. | Good upgrade path for Curaçao/Anjouan operators seeking stronger compliance without EU‑tier burdens. |
| Compare vs Curaçao | Nevis: no sublicensing, clearer audits, public register. | Curaçao is transitioning to the LOK regime; substance and higher oversight are increasing. | Timelines similar; banking acceptance trending in Nevis’s favor for some PSPs. | Nevis aims for “gold standard” offshore; Curaçao’s reform is ongoing. |
| Compare vs Isle of Man | Nevis is faster and cheaper, with no substance. | IoM offers tier‑one prestige, strong banking, but higher costs, longer timelines, and local presence requirements. | IoM ~4–6+ months; higher six‑figure total costs common. | Choose IoM for top‑tier reputation; Nevis for agility and budget. |
| Compare vs Malta (MGA) | Nevis is lean; Malta is EU‑tier with heavy compliance. | MGA gives strong EU credibility, direct EU banking, but higher OPEX, local substance, more granular approvals. | MGA ~6–9+ months typical. | Many scale from Nevis to MGA once brand is established. |
| Compare vs Anjouan | Nevis is stricter, with stronger PSP acceptance. | Anjouan is fast and low‑cost, good for MVPs and testing, but weaker banking pathways. | Anjouan often <6–8 weeks; very low fees. | Startups may begin in Anjouan, then step up to Nevis for growth. |
| Corporate structure | Flexible and private, but transparent to the regulator. | At least one director and one shareholder; corporate directors/shareholders allowed. No paid‑up capital minimum. UBOs disclosed to NOGA. | Shares typically authorized up to 50,000 at USD 1 (modifiable). | Keep cap table simple for faster fit‑and‑proper clearance. |
| Data protection and security | Strong, risk‑based controls required. | Encryption, access controls, logging/SIEM, backups/DR, penetration tests, incident response, and privacy notices. If targeting EU/UK, align with GDPR/UK GDPR. | Conduct annual security reviews; record DPIAs where applicable. | Map data flows (PSPs, providers, CDNs) to satisfy audits and bank DD. |
| Advertising and responsible gaming | Fair marketing and RG tools are mandatory. | Clear T&Cs, bonus transparency, self‑exclusion, time/reality checks, deposit/bet limits, and trained support staff. | Keep RG KPI reporting available for NOGA. | Align creatives with market‑specific ad rules when targeting regulated countries. |
| Common red flags that delay approval | Incomplete due‑diligence, unclear SoF/SoW, weak AML/KYC, missing RNG proofs, or unsupported geographies. | Resolve PEP/sanctions hits, use recognized audit labs, and align country blocking with PSP demands. | Build a remediation log for regulator queries. | A clean, consistent file shortens the process more than anything else. |
| Who should consider Nevis in 2025 | Operators and providers seeking speed, clarity, and global reach without EU‑level overhead. | Suitable for casinos, sportsbooks, poker rooms, lotteries, platform/aggregator B2Bs, and crypto‑enabled brands with proper KYC. | 2–3 month runway is realistic for prepared teams. | A strong alternative for those leaving legacy Curaçao sub‑licenses or looking to professionalize. |
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