How Nevis compares to Malta and Isle of Man for iGaming licenses

In this article, iGaming industry consultant Ron Mendelson, Fast Offshore, shares insights into Nevis as an iGaming jurisdiction and how it compares to established contenders Malta and the Isle of Man.

In the iGaming sector, established jurisdictions such as Malta and the Isle of Man have long set the benchmark for regulatory excellence, player protection, and market access in licensing jurisdictions.

However, 2025 has introduced a new contender: Nevis. This Caribbean island, part of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, launched its own online gaming license in April through the Nevis Online Gaming Ordinance, positioning itself as a tier-1 gold standard.

Differing from the St. Kitts offering and drawing inspiration from the existing frameworks of Malta and the Isle of Man, it offers modern updates tailored for today’s digital economy. Nevis offers operators a fresh, forward-thinking alternative. 

Malta in the spotlight

Malta, regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), has been a main player in the iGaming industry since 2001. It’s renowned for its comprehensive licensing system, which categorizes activities into types such as Type 1 for casino games and Type 2 for sports betting. This structure ensures tailored oversight, creating a secure environment that emphasizes responsible gaming and anti-money laundering (AML) measures.

Malta’s license grants access to European markets and enjoys widespread recognition among players and partners, thanks to its alignment with EU standards. The application process, while thorough, typically spans six months, reflecting the jurisdiction’s commitment to diligence.

What about the Isle of Man?

Similarly, the Isle of Man, overseen by the Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC), offers a streamlined approach with a single license that covers all B2C activities, including casinos, sportsbooks, and lotteries.

Operators benefit from a tax-efficient regime and a reputation for stability, making it a go-to destination for businesses seeking global reach. The process focuses on robust compliance, with approvals often taking several months to ensure alignment with international best practices.

Here is Nevis!

Enter Nevis, which has quickly elevated itself to tier-1 status with its 2025 launch. The Nevis Online Gaming Authority (NOGA) has crafted a regulatory framework that builds on the strengths of Malta and the Isle of Man, such as stringent player protection and AML protocols, but refines them for the 2025 era. This includes enhanced digital safeguards, seamless integration of emerging technologies, and a focus on sustainable growth in a post-pandemic world.

Nevis didn’t start from scratch; it analyzed proven models to create a more agile system, and one that is more innovation-friendly and adaptable.

Benefits of Nevis

One of Nevis’ key advantages lies in its rich history as a center for financial services. For decades, it has been a trusted hub for international banking, asset protection, and offshore entities, attracting global investors with its stable political environment and pro-business policies. This legacy translates seamlessly to the iGaming sector, providing a solid foundation of expertise in regulatory compliance and financial oversight.

Nevis is listed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) whitelist, which clearly demonstrates its commitment to combating financial crime and maintaining high international standards. This whitelist status enhances credibility, something that is increasingly important in today’s competitive sector.

Streamlined: Unlike more bureaucratic systems, NOGA operates with a collaborative mindset, offering clear guidance and support to applicants. This operator-friendly approach ensures a smooth journey from application to launch, fostering partnerships that benefit both regulators and businesses. In comparison, while Malta and the Isle of Man also provide supportive ecosystems, Nevis’s smaller scale allows for more personalized interactions, making it ideal for startups and established firms alike.

Efficient: Setup time is another area where Nevis shines. Operators can secure a license in as little as eight weeks, a timeline that’s remarkably efficient compared to the multi-month processes in Malta and the Isle of Man. This speed doesn’t compromise quality; it’s achieved through a transparent, streamlined application that leverages digital tools for faster reviews. For businesses eager to capitalize on market opportunities, this quick turnaround means quicker revenue generation without sacrificing credibility.

Accessible: Fees in Nevis are accessible, designed to attract serious operators while maintaining the jurisdiction’s premium status. Nevis’ model allows operators to allocate resources toward innovation rather than excessive upfront expenses.

Flexible: Flexibility is a hallmark of the Nevis license, covering a broad spectrum of activities, including casinos, sports betting, and lotteries, under one umbrella, similar to the Isle of Man’s approach, but with added adaptability for hybrid models. What truly differentiates Nevis is its embrace of cryptocurrency. In an industry increasingly intertwined with blockchain and digital assets, Nevis welcomes crypto payments and operations, providing clear guidelines that integrate seamlessly with traditional finance. 

Reputable: Reputation and player trust are crucial in iGaming, and Nevis excels here by building on its financial services prestige. The license demonstrates reliability, with mandatory measures for fair play, data security, and dispute resolution that meet or exceed the usual global norms. Players associate Nevis with transparency and safety, much like they do with Maltese or Manx-licensed sites, but with the added appeal of a more modern and tech-savvy jurisdiction. Bonus points for Nevis include its low corporate tax environment, which enhances profitability, and its strategic location in the Americas, offering time-zone advantages for North and South American markets, complementing the European focus of Malta and the Isle of Man.

In essence, while Malta and the Isle of Man remain excellent choices with proven track records, Nevis emerges as the premier option for 2025. For those ready to launch or expand, Nevis isn’t just comparable—it’s the gold standard for the next generation of iGaming.

To navigate this opportunity effectively, partnering with experts is essential. That’s where Fast Offshore comes in. With 27 years (and counting) of experience in iGaming licensing and corporate services, we're uniquely positioned to guide you through the Nevis process.

From initial setup to ongoing maintenance, compliance, and optimization, our team ensures seamless operations. Contact Fast Offshore today to elevate your iGaming venture in Nevis. Contact us today!