The Caribbean island of Nevis has passed an online gambling bill, offering iGaming entrepreneurs the opportunity to acquire a Nevis iGaming licence, allowing them to offer online casino and gambling from the country, and putting a new and exciting jurisdiction on the map. The Nevis iGaming license is set to revolutionise the online casino sector.
The Nevis Online Gaming Bill 2025 was first introduced in March of this year, presented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mark Brantley. After several readings, it was successfully passed on 29 April.
For Nevis, the bill is an opportunity to diversify the economy, bring in more foreign business and investment, grow the domestic regulatory services sector, and put Nevis on the map. For a country so reliant on tourism, diversification into new and innovative sectors is a key part of its future growth.
“In Nevis, we have been dependent on tourism as the mainstay for a very long time. It is now time for us to step out into the world to create new mechanisms, new platforms, and new areas of growth to try at diversifying our local economy and ensure greater resilience and sustainability for our people,” said Brantley with regard to the bill.
But what is in it for operators?
Benefits of the new Nevis iGaming license
The new Nevis iGaming license is great news for operators. Not only does it bring a new option to the market at a time when demand for efficient, cost-effective, and reliable jurisdictions is increasing, but it also offers a range of benefits unique to Nevis. These include the following:
- The Nevis licence will be fully compliant with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The FATF lays down a number of standards and objectives to tackle the issues of money laundering, terrorist financing, and the funding of crime around the world. Countries are assessed and split into those that are compliant, those that are partially compliant, and those that completely flout the rules. Nevis is a compliant country, on the so-called ‘white list’, which is a huge bonus for operators. It also means that to maintain this status, which is essential for its business sector, the authorities will ensure that all iGaming activities do not jeopardise it in any way. For operators, having a licence from a FATF-compliant jurisdiction is a huge boost in their credibility with both players and partners.
- For those considering applying to Nevis, it is worth knowing that the intention of the authorities is to be a Tier-1 jurisdiction like Malta or the Isle of Man.
- “We are seeking to position this island in an already existing global marketplace to allow it to participate in what I have shown is a multi-billion dollar industry that is happening all around us, and to do so in a way that is thoughtful and that protects our people, protects the vulnerable, and does not expose our jurisdiction to any of the downside risks,” Minister Brantley said, adding that, “Through effective licensing, regulation, and fees, the Bill will position Nevis as a leading, safe, and well-regulated online gaming market.”
- The good thing about this aim is that, considering the price point of Nevis is expected to be competitive with other Tier-1 jurisdictions, it will make such standards more accessible to serious operators around the world. This will have a knock-on effect on the sector, its overall credibility, and the confidence of players in the iGaming sector in general. As we all know, setting a gold standard in the sector is key to achieving more income and profit.
- Nevis has some 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. It is not as if it is a completely new jurisdiction that is dipping its toe into the world of regulated industries for the first time. Nevis has been working with international businesses in the fields of payments and banking, trusts and corporate structures, insurance, and more, for some four decades and counting. This means there is a wealth of local experience to draw from, as well as plenty of knowledge when it comes to compliance, regulations, and international best practices. All of these will be crucial in ensuring the success of the iGaming sector.
- The Nevis licence will be an official iGaming licence issued by the authorities and is compliant with international and local best practices. In short, this means it will be valid for banks and payment providers as well as other third parties that require evidence of an iGaming licence before they partner with an operator. The licence will provide a stamp of legality, compliance, and credibility, which is essential in this competitive sector.
- While the exact details on the application fee and renewal fee are still not in the public domain, it is expected that they will be reasonable and affordable for both startups and established brands. While Nevis will offer a Gold Standard licence, it is likely the price point will be more mid-range in a bid to offer accessibility to serious providers of any size. This will be crucial in building reputation, not just of the local sector, but of the international sector as well.
The new Nevis iGaming license framework
The Nevis authorities have been clear that the Nevis iGaming license framework will borrow from other established jurisdictions, and they are not trying to reinvent the wheel. They have insisted that all iGaming entities follow strict processes and meet stringent requirements before being allowed to operate. The aim is to encourage growth in the sector and get a slice of the multi-billion-dollar industry while maintaining high standards of transparency, integrity, and financial compliance. Funds will be generated for the government through licensing and renewal fees, and any penalties levied against operators for non-compliance.
Any entity wishing to acquire a Nevis iGaming licence will be required to go through a thorough application process, including filing extensive documents, including KYC, DD, policies, corporate and financial information, and proof of technical and security preparation. Once all the paperwork has been rigorously evaluated by the authorities, which will include a team of skilled professionals, approval may be granted.
The authorities plan to focus on responsible gaming and the protection of consumers. All operators with a Nevis licence will have to implement responsible gambling policies, provide comprehensive dispute management and resolution frameworks, be responsible with advertising, not target minors, and encourage users to be responsible in their gambling while making available self-regulation tools.
Enforcement and compliance with the Nevis iGaming license will be managed by the Authority and a designated Regulator, who will investigate complaints and issue directives to ensure adherence to the Ordinance and its regulations.
All you need to know about Nevis
Nevis, a Caribbean island within the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, offers a wide range of business opportunities driven by a tourism-based economy and a growing offshore financial sector. Tourism, the primary revenue source, attracts 40,000 visitors annually.
The offshore banking sector has expanded rapidly, boosted by a FATF-compliant framework, enhancing Nevis’s credibility. The island’s 40-year history in financial services, including banking, insurance, and trusts, underpins all of its regulatory expertise. Nevis is part of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, using the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), which is pegged to the US dollar.
Infrastructure improvements, including a modernised port, airport expansion, and reliable electricity since 1971, facilitate business. The workforce, with a 98% literacy rate, is highly skilled, and English is the official language, ensuring straightforward and seamless communication. Transport links include a deep-water harbour and an airport, connecting Nevis to regional hubs like Puerto Rico and Antigua. With a stable political system and significant autonomy, Nevis is a credible, well-regulated hub for tourism, iGaming, and financial services.
Fast Offshore
Fast Offshore has over 27 years of experience in the iGaming sector as well as corporate and financial services. We will be at the forefront of offering the Nevis iGaming license and helping operators apply for, obtain, and maintain it. Our team of professionals is on hand to give you all the information you need regarding the license and take you through the application process. This includes collecting and verifying documents, completing the application paperwork, and filing it with the authorities. We can also provide all ancillary services related to corporate matters, structuring, payments, compliance and ongoing maintenance. To find out more about what we offer and how you can get started with a Nevis iGaming license, contact us here today!