Nevis

Gaming License

How to Start a Gambling Company in Nevis

To get licensed in Nevis, the first step is setting up a local company. That’s because anyone offering online gambling services must register as an International Business Corporation (IBC) under the Nevis Business Corporation Ordinance. An IBC can engage in almost any type of business activity.

Once your company is registered and your Articles of Incorporation are filed, it becomes officially incorporated, and you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation.

But to accept popular payment methods like Visa or Mastercard, operators need to set up another subsidiary company in the European Union. You don’t need to Google how to do that, MGL handles setting up a company in Cyprus — quiet, clean, and legal.

According to the Nevis law, only a licensed local agent can register a company there. So, an operator needs an agent that will provide the company’s official legal address.

By default, the company is allowed to issue up to 50,000 shares, each worth $1. But this setup is flexible, so operators can choose a different number of shares if needed. One way or another, you are not required to pay any of this capital upfront.

At the same time, the Nevis company must have at least one shareholder and one director, who can be individuals or other legal entities.

Just a heads up: everyone who owns part of the business, even indirectly, will need to pass a fit and proper test. This is a standard check to confirm their background and reliability.

Types of Licenses for Gambling in Nevis

Under the Nevis Online Gaming Bill, there are two types of licenses available. Each tailored to different types of operators:

B2B (Business-to-Business) License

The Nevis Gaming license is designed for companies that create software, affiliate programs, KYC, and PSPs for other operators. Thus, B2B applicants must submit a business plan and financial documentation, proof of source of funds and source of wealth, domain ownership and website compliance materials, KYC and AML policies. They also need to submit resale agreements with game or platform providers.

B2C (Business-to-Customer) License

The Nevis B2C Online Internet gaming license also covers gambling services offering directly to players, like online casinos, sports betting platforms, poker websites, and online lotteries. B2C applicants must submit a full business plan, financial statements, proof of source of funds and source of wealth, website review, domain ownership documentation, and RNG certificates and content provider agreements.

Regardless of the license type, each license includes 2 approved URLs by default. The license on Nevis is not permitted for sublicensing.

Overview of the Nevis Gambling License

Nevis is a small volcanic island in the Caribbean Sea. As a part of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the island has significant autonomy with its own government headed by the Premier and a separate legislature.

Most people know Nevis for its beaches and nature, but behind it’s a great spot for tourism, it’s a hub for offshore finance and company registrations. With zero tax on foreign income and tight privacy protections, it’s built for businesses that take discretion seriously.

Now, Nevis is stepping into the spotlight with a new offering aimed at the online gambling world: the Nevis Gaming License.

It’s designed to cover a broad spectrum — everything from virtual casinos and sports betting sites to the back-end gaming software that powers them.

Getting a license starts with being properly set up in Nevis. From there, you’ll need to show you're solid on things like transparency, financial discipline, and tech readiness — no corners cut.

Don’t expect the application process to be simple and fast; the NOGA will carefully examine all your records and background information.

With these requirements, Nevis isn’t trying to copy other reputable online gaming jurisdictions, it’s carving out its own space.

The rules are strict for a reason: to build a serious reputation and compete with places like Malta or the Isle of Man. A Caribbean base and a streamlined, up-to-date compliance setup can attract global operators to Nevis.

Renewing Nevis Gaming License

Gambling licenses in Nevis remain valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed yearly. Usually, at least 30 days before the license runs out, operators must submit renewal requests.

The renewal process involves filling out a renewal form and getting it over to the Nevis Online Gaming Authority (NOGA). In addition to a renewal form, applicants must provide updated compliance documentation, audited financial statements.

Along with the application, operators need to include updates on any changes to the company or how it operates, and show they’re still meeting all the necessary requirements.

After submission, NOGA reviews the renewal application and compliance status. If all criteria are met, the license is renewed for another year.

Missing a renewal step or dragging out the application process could mean your license won’t be renewed, or worse, it could be suspended or canceled altogether.

Gambling Regulations in Nevis

Nevis only recently passed its Online Gaming Bill, so the full regulatory system is still being built out. Under the law, the Nevis Online Gaming Authority is in charge of issuing licenses, enforcing the rules, and overseeing licensees.

Despite Nevis being a newcomer, when it comes to AML, KYC, and responsible gaming, the regulations are strict enough. For example, operators are required to pass a Fit and Proper Test, which includes due diligence on all directors, shareholders, and ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs).

As an offshore jurisdiction, Nevis lets operators offer their services worldwide. But it still has geographic restrictions in the USA, the UK, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, and St. Kitts & Nevis itself.

Fees & Taxes of the Nevis Gambling License

The island offers a transparent, cost-effective fee structure, so the Nevis gambling license became an attractive option to operators aiming for long-term business stability.

Initial Licensing Fees (One-Time Payment)

Before operators get the license, they have to pay a one-time licensing fee of €28,000, which includes 2 URLs, a public registry listing, and an interactive seal. A more complicated setup costs additional fees—€250 to €500 for every extra UBO, director, or shareholder. The base license lets you use two domains. For anything beyond that, there’s a fee of about €750 per domain.

Renewal Costs (Every Year)

To keep using their Nevis license, operators have to renew it every year and stay in good standing with regulators. The annual license renewal fee is separate and may differ from the initial application fee. If a company has a complex ownership structure, it will be charged with additional due diligence fees on an annual basis.

Taxes

The tax setup is the thing that really draws attention to Nevis, because it’s straightforward, and in many cases, surprisingly business-friendly.

Companies set up in Nevis as IBCs don’t pay corporate tax, as long as they’re not offering their services to locals.

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Comparison with Others Licenses 

Compare the Nevis Gambling License with other major jurisdictions in terms of cost, processing time, and regulatory requirements.

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