Nevis vs Curacao: Which jurisdiction offers more in 2025?

In this article, iGaming industry consultant Ron Mendelson, Fast Offshore, explores the pros and cons of the online gaming licenses issued by Nevis and Curacao, two Caribbean jurisdictions that serve as major hubs in the industry.

The iGaming industry is evolving rapidly, and choosing the right jurisdiction for licensing is a crucial decision for operators who want to balance compliance, cost, and credibility. In 2025, two Caribbean jurisdictions - Nevis and Curacao - stand out as prominent options, but their offerings differ significantly.

While Curacao has long been a go-to hub for iGaming licenses, its recent regulatory overhaul has made it more expensive and complex without delivering proportional benefits. It has also suffered more than a few reputational hits. Meanwhile, Nevis has emerged as a new gold-standard, Tier-1 jurisdiction with a modern, accessible, and operator-friendly framework. 

Curacao’s changing landscape

Curacao has been part of the iGaming industry since the 1990s, known for its affordability and relaxed regulatory environment. However, recent reforms under the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK) have reshaped its appeal. The overhaul aimed to address criticisms of lax oversight and enhance credibility, but the results have been rather mixed, for now at least.

• Increased Costs: Curacao’s new framework has shifted from its historically low-cost model to a mid-range pricing structure. Operators now face higher application fees and greater ongoing compliance expenses. A modest corporate tax on net gaming revenue further erodes profitability, especially compared to tax-free jurisdictions. These costs, while still lower than Malta’s 5–35% tax range, offer little added value for operators.

• Tougher Application Process: The LOK reforms introduced stricter requirements, including detailed business plans, proof of funds, and enhanced KYC/AML policies. The application process now takes up to six months, a significant increase from its previously swift timelines.

• Limited Benefits: Despite the increased costs and complexity, Curacao’s reforms haven’t elevated it to Tier-1 status. Its reputation remains tainted by past lax oversight, making it less appealing to international banks and payment service providers (PSPs). 

Curacao’s changes reflect an attempt to align with global standards, but the added bureaucracy and costs have helped it lose its competitive edge, leaving operators searching for alternatives that offer more value.

Nevis: The new gold standard in iGaming

Enter Nevis, a Caribbean island that has entered the iGaming scene with the Nevis Online Gaming Bill 2025. Administered by the Nevis Online Gaming Authority (NOGA), this Tier-1 license is designed to rival established jurisdictions like Malta and the Isle of Man while offering increased accessibility and a wide range of benefits. Here’s why Nevis is poised to outshine Curacao in 2025:

• Speed and Simplicity: Nevis offers one of the fastest licensing processes in the Tier-1 market, with approvals typically granted in under three months when partnered with experts like Fast Offshore. This is significantly quicker than Malta or Curacao’s timeline, allowing operators to launch and generate revenue faster.

• Zero-Tax Advantage: Nevis imposes no corporate or gaming taxes on offshore revenue, a standout feature that maximizes profitability for operators. This tax-neutral environment is a game-changer for startups and established operators alike, enabling reinvestment in growth and innovation without the burden of Curacao’s 2% tax or Malta’s higher rates.

• Credibility and Reputation: Leveraging over 40 years of financial services expertise, Nevis is FATF-compliant and whitelist-approved, ensuring robust AML and transparency standards. The NOGA draws on best practices from top jurisdictions, positioning Nevis as a credible alternative to Curacao, which struggles with a mixed reputation due to past regulatory shortcomings.

• Crypto and Innovation-Friendly: Nevis embraces blockchain and cryptocurrency operations with clear, AML-compliant guidelines, making it ideal for operators targeting tech-savvy players. Nevis offers a standardized framework that supports secure, innovative transactions without compromising compliance.

• Flexible Licensing Model: The Nevis license covers both B2B and B2C operations under a single framework, including casinos, sports betting, poker, and platform services. This eliminates the need for multiple licenses.

• Welcoming Authorities: The NOGA prioritizes operator-friendly policies, offering transparent documentation requirements and a digital submission portal to streamline applications. Unlike Curacao’s bureaucratic overhaul, Nevis balances rigorous oversight with accessibility, facilitating a supportive environment for businesses.

• Banking Access: Nevis’s FATF-compliant status and established banking infrastructure facilitate partnerships with global banks and Visa/Mastercard accounts, enhancing player trust and transaction efficiency. Curacao, by contrast, faces challenges with limited international banking partnerships due to its historical compliance issues.

Why Nevis outshines Curacao in 2025

While Curacao remains a familiar option, its increased costs, prolonged application process, and lack of Tier-1 status make it less attractive in 2025. Nevis, on the other hand, combines affordability, speed, and prestige, offering a compelling alternative for operators seeking a competitive edge. Its zero-tax regime, crypto-friendly policies, and well-established banking access cater to modern iGaming demands, while its streamlined process ensures operators can hit the market quickly and maximize profits.

Nevis’s commitment to innovation is evident in its forward-thinking framework, which supports emerging trends like blockchain gaming and new formats such as skill-based or VR games. Curacao’s reforms, while well-intentioned, lack the same vision and fail to deliver proportional benefits for the added costs. For operators prioritizing credibility, flexibility, and profitability, Nevis is the clear winner.

Partner with Fast Offshore for a seamless Nevis license

Navigating the licensing process can be complex, but Fast Offshore simplifies it with end-to-end support. From company incorporation and documentation to compliance and banking introductions, our expertise ensures a smooth, efficient journey to securing your Nevis iGaming license. Contact Fast Offshore today to explore how Nevis can propel your iGaming business to new heights.