Fast Offshore shares differences between St Kitts iGaming license and Nevis iGaming license

In this article, iGaming industry consultant Ron Mendelson, Fast Offshore, compares the jurisdictions of St Kitts and Nevis, their licensing frameworks, and the difference between the two markets.

The hottest news in the iGaming sector this spring was the launch of the new Nevis iGaming license, bringing a tier-1 gold standard license into the market. At Fast Offshore, we have been fielding enquiries left and right about the new framework, its benefits, and the process. But we have noticed that some of you are confused, mistaking the new Nevis license for the existing St Kitts license. While St Kitts and Nevis are technically the same country, they have different licensing frameworks for iGaming that are simply worlds apart. In this article, we explore the difference between the two, helping you to make the right choice for your business.

An introduction to St Kitts and Nevis

The Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, a Caribbean nation comprising two distinct islands, operates as a single sovereign state with a unique federal structure. St Kitts and Nevis each maintain autonomous governments, with Nevis having its own Island Administration, allowing it to enact tailored laws, such as its brand-new Nevis iGaming license. This structure offers flexibility for businesses, particularly in iGaming, as operators can choose between the entry-level St. Kitts license or the modern, crypto-friendly, and tier-1 gold-standard Nevis license.

As a stable, English-speaking nation, St Kitts and Nevis is a member of international organisations like the United Nations, CARICOM, and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, enhancing its global credibility. The economy thrives on tourism, financial services, and agriculture, with iGaming emerging as a key growth sector due to tax advantages—no income tax, VAT, or duties on gaming operations—and a robust financial infrastructure. It is also on the FATF whitelist, which is excellent news for businesses wanting to be established there. With over 40 years of financial services expertise and experience, the authorities are well-versed in regulated sectors.

For business people eyeing iGaming, the Federation offers a business-friendly environment with reliable banking and regulatory oversight. Partnering with Fast Offshore ensures seamless licensing navigation, making St Kitts and Nevis, particularly Nevis, an attractive hub for launching scalable, globally recognised iGaming ventures.

The St Kitts license

Back in 1999, the government of St Kitts and Nevis enacted the Betting and Gaming Control Act and legalised online gambling, including casinos, horse racing, and sports betting. To get the license, operators should apply for a betting and gaming license, incorporate a local company, and meet a number of corporate and regulatory requirements. The entire application process time, including government checks and due diligence, establishing a company, and getting the license in hand, takes several months, as long as everything is in order.

In terms of fees, the St Kitts license is priced at the higher end of the entry-level scale as the registration fee and annual fees are higher than Curacao, Kahnawake, and, of course, Anjouan. Operators must also ensure they will not offer gambling services to St Kitts and Nevis nationals and that all staff have the relevant working permits. There are also rules and regulations around how they can advertise, and all banking must be done in-country. There are some benefits to the license, for example, one license for all types of gambling and a great local infrastructure, including dedicated cloud servers, corporate assistance, and various eServices.

But to be clear, the St Kitts license is an entry-level license with no significant international prestige or notoriety when compared to some other licenses. It also does not have many licensees and is not amongthe  licenses that are considered popular in the global iGaming sector.

The Nevis license

The Nevis Online Gaming Bill 2025, passed on 29 April, enables operators to secure a license for online casino and gambling operations and brings the nation into the fold of jurisdictions offering such services. It is completely distinct from the St Kitts license, as they are both part of the same federation; they are separate legal entities.

Introduced in March 2025 by Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Mark Brantley, the bill underwent multiple readings before its approval. For Nevis, heavily reliant on tourism, this legislation is a crucial and strategic move to diversify its economy, attract foreign investment, and enhance its regulatory services sector. Brantley emphasised the need for economic resilience, stating, “In Nevis, we have depended 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.”

The new legislation offers many advantages for iGaming operators seeking reliable and competitive jurisdictions. It aims to rival Tier-1 jurisdictions like Malta and the Isle of Man, delivering a high-standard license at a competitive price. Other benefits include FATF compliance, established financial expertise, and tax benefits. It will also be recognised globally, including with banks, payment providers, and partners that require a license to work together.

Benefits of the Nevis iGaming License in 2025

• Premier Jurisdiction Status: Ranks Nevis among top-tier iGaming hubs, providing global prestige and credibility for operators.

• Cost-Effective Taxation: Offers a low-tax environment, enhancing profitability for iGaming businesses.

• Modern Regulatory System: Delivers a streamlined, innovative framework that balances strict compliance with operator flexibility.

• Crypto-Compatible Operations: Supports cryptocurrency payments, catering to the rising popularity of digital currencies in iGaming.

• Rapid Licensing Process: This process enables quick license acquisition, allowing operators to launch platforms faster than in many other jurisdictions.

• Broad Gaming Scope: Covers diverse activities like online casinos and sports betting under one license, accommodating varied business models.

• Global Market Reach: Facilitates access to international markets, bolstered by Nevis’s growing reputation and compliance standards.

• Strong Industry Backing: Supported by payment providers, game developers, and compliance experts, ensuring robust partnerships for operators.

• Stable Economic Foundation: Leverages Nevis’s long-standing financial services expertise, creating a reliable environment for iGaming ventures.

• Scalable Business Solutions: Ideal for startups and established operators, offering flexibility to grow and compete globally.

• Competitive Pricing: The application and renewal costs are competitive among tier-1 operators, providing opportunities to be licensed by a gold standard jurisdiction, whether you are a startup or an established brand.

Understanding the differences

Distinguishing between the St Kitts and Nevis iGaming licenses is crucial for operators. While St. Kitts offers an affordable, entry-level license, it lacks notoriety, flexibility, and recognition. Meanwhile, the Nevis iGaming license, launched in 2025, is a tier-1, gold-standard option designed for today’s dynamic industry. Nevis boasts a modern, crypto-friendly framework, a faster licensing process, and broad industry support from payment providers, game developers, and compliance experts. Its low-tax environment and global recognition enable operators to scale efficiently and compete internationally. Understanding these differences ensures operators choose a license aligned with their goals, Nevis for innovation and prestige, St. Kitts for basic entry. For the best results, partner with Fast Offshore to secure the Nevis license, leveraging its cutting-edge features and robust support to build a successful iGaming venture.

Fast Offshore, with 27 years of expertise in offshore licensing, is your trusted partner for securing the Nevis iGaming license. Our team simplifies the process, handling company formation, banking, and compliance with precision, ensuring swift approvals. Tailored solutions cater to startups and established operators, maximising Nevis’s modern framework for your success. Fast Offshore’s deep industry knowledge helps you launch and scale efficiently in a competitive market. Don’t miss out on Nevis’s tier-1 advantages—contact Fast Offshore today to start your iGaming journey!