Nevis Launches New iGaming License to Challenge Leading Jurisdictions
The Caribbean island of Nevis is making its mark on the global iGaming industry with the launch of a new online gaming licensing framework. This move, following the passage of the Nevis Online Gaming Ordinance, 2025, positions the jurisdiction as a serious contender among top-tier regulatory destinations. The framework aims to diversify the island’s economy by expanding beyond tourism into the rapidly growing tech-driven gambling sector.
A Streamlined and Transparent Licensing System
The introduction of the Nevis Online Gaming Authority (NOGA) signifies the government's strong commitment to providing a reliable, efficient, and globally compliant licensing process. Nevis’s new system is designed to meet FATF and OECD standards, offering a level of transparency and rigor that aligns with leading iGaming jurisdictions.
The licensing process requires operators to establish a local Nevis Business Corporation (IBC) and submit an extensive application package. This includes a business plan, proof of domain ownership, compliance protocols, RNG certifications, and financial disclosures. Licenses are valid for one year, with an annual fee of €28,000 covering up to two domains, and the option to add up to 40 more for an additional fee. However, sublicensing is prohibited, and white-label arrangements require separate approval.
Due diligence is a critical part of the process, involving “fit and proper” assessments of directors, shareholders, and Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs). These checks include compliance screenings against international databases for criminal records, sanctions, and financial integrity.
Robust Technical and Geographic Compliance
Nevis's regulatory framework also includes strict technical standards. Operators must provide secure software, verified RNG systems, anti-fraud tools, and cybersecurity measures. Independent audits may be necessary to ensure compliance with these requirements.
Geographically, the Nevis Gaming License has restrictions on offering services to players in certain regions, including the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Australia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, as well as countries listed on FATF blacklists or under sanctions. Operators must demonstrate compliance with these geographic restrictions before obtaining a license.
Competitive Costs and Strong Appeal for Global Operators
The cost of obtaining a Nevis Gaming License is considered highly competitive compared to other Tier-1 jurisdictions like Malta or the Isle of Man. Initial licensing expenses, including legal formation and compliance setup, are estimated at €40,000 to €50,000 ($45,500 to $57,000), making it an attractive option for startups and mid-sized operators.
Nevis’s responsive regulator, clear compliance expectations, and public registry enhance the appeal of the jurisdiction for operators looking to enter global markets with minimal bureaucracy.
Looking Ahead
With final regulations expected to roll out in the coming weeks, Nevis is positioning itself to become a “gold standard” in offshore gaming regulation. As the iGaming industry watches closely, the question remains whether the island can deliver on its ambitious promise of providing an innovative, cost-effective, and compliant licensing environment for global gaming operations.
Source: Nevis Launches High-Standard iGaming License to Compete with Top Jurisdictions, LCB.org, June 24, 2025