Not all countries have legalized online gambling. Online casino games are totally forbidden in 39 countries. Local operators are not allowed to open online casinos, but foreign operators accept bets in 32 countries. You have to receive a license from the local regulator to launch an online casino in 61 countries.

Antigua and Barbuda was one of the first jurisdictions to offer the legalization of gambling. This country has been on the list of top 6 most popular online gambling jurisdictions since 1994. Let’s see what is required to register an online casino on the Caribbean Islands.

Online Gambling in Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda grants licenses to online gambling site, though its quite unclear if they allow residents to gamble online. The licensing and regulation of online gambling services on the islands of Antigua and Barbuda is handled by the Financial Services Regulatory Commission's Division of Gaming. How to Get a Gambling License in Antigua and Barbuda. Obtaining a license from a reputable regulator is a complex and time-consuming process. However, this is one of the most important things in order for an online casino to be successful. The procedure for obtaining an online gambling license varies from one country to another. Gambling license in Antigua and Barbuda Jurisdiction of Antigua and Barbuda began to license a gambling business in 1994, and due to the foregoing it is one of the first countries where gambling is not only allowed, but certificates for casino are also issued to non-residents.

Advantages of the gambling license in Antigua and Barbuda

The country applies strict rules to gambling companies that want to obtain a license in this jurisdiction. As the local permit automatically provides access to players from the UK, the country thoroughly checks applicants not to spot its reputation.

However, despite the strictness of the regulator, the country has a number of advantages for running a gambling business:

• the international activity is not taxed;
• companies do not need to have authorized capital;
• operators automatically have access to British players;
• servers may be based outside the jurisdiction in case the main server is located in Antigua and Barbuda.

Types and cost of licenses in Antigua and Barbuda

According to the country’s laws, you do not have to register the value of all shares of the company to open a gambling business. It will be enough to have an office based on the islands as well as one director and one shareholder. Besides, the application should contain detailed information about the board of directors, their credit history and data on investments made over the last three years.

This jurisdiction offers two types of licenses:

• online casino license – around $100 thousand;
• totalizator license – around $75 thousand.

When filing an application to the Gambling Authority, you also have to pay two fixed fees:

• $15 thousand for documents revision;
• $100 thousand, an annual fee aimed at gambling development, paid irrespective of incomes.

Antigua And Barbuda Gambling Licenses

At the same time, you should not pay gambling taxes during the year.

Technical requirements to operators

To obtain a license, all software should be certified. Besides, all slot machines and programs undergo audit and expertise. You can avoid the latter in case you have a certificate from eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA). This document from the British institution confirms the availability of standardized software and compliance with high business standards.

The main server of your online casino should be based solely in Antigua and Barbuda, while others can be located outside this jurisdiction.

One more important requirement. If a player wins more than $25 thousand, you have to send all data connected with the transaction to the corresponding authority. If you do not do it within two days, you can be summoned to appear in court. The government of Antigua and Barbuda fights against money laundering in such a way.

Furthermore, operators should restrict access to casino games for everyone under 18 years old. The home page of the website should contain a warning about the probability of gambling addiction and contacts of organizations that provide corresponding psychological help.

Before you set up an online gambling business, compare the conditions of running a gambling business in different jurisdictions and choose the most optimal option.

Antigua and Barbuda gambling licenses

Antigua and Barbuda was the first online gambling jurisdictions and regulators way back in 1994 before the online gambling craze hit the world. They are known to have fair rules and regulations and are a well respected jurisdiction.

The Antiguan government set out to diversify and increase economic development in the 90s. This was the framework for what would become the island’s remote gaming industry. Antigua enacted a very inclusive regulatory scheme for various companies providing remote gambling services by the late 1990s. Due to a solid reputation, the island experienced dramatic growth in its own gaming industry.

Under Antiguan regulation, two types of gambling and betting licenses are provided: The first is an interactive gaming license, for casino gambling and wagering, and the second is interactive wagering, used for sports betting.

Antigua’s remote gambling operators offer account betting, meaning a player must fund his or her account before wagers can be made. No wager can exceed the amount funded, and wins or losses are credited to a player’s account.

Overview:

Antigua and Barbuda have strict license requirements. All licensed operators need to meet a number of requirements before even being considered for approval, and they will be subjected to a thorough vetting process to ensure reputability.

Some of the lesser requirements state that operators strictly enforce age limitations, barring anyone under the age of 18 to participate in the gaming operations or as players. All operators are also required to display a warning on their web site, citing the various addiction possibilities of gambling and subsequent information on sites assisting with compulsive gambling.

Antigua and Barbuda have a web site that offers a way to connect for those seeking a license. They present detailed information about their screening process. In order to secure a license, an up-front, non-refundable fee of $15,000 USD is required for due diligence.

This screening process is very thorough, and if passed, an interactive gaming license costs $100,000 USD. For an interactive wagering license, applicants must pay $75,000, with an additional $5,000 annually for renewal. If you’d wish to have a monitoring system, the fee is $25,000 for one license, $45,000 for two.

All operators must meet Antigua’s high standards of excellence. Anti-fraud and money laundering regulations must be adhered to, as well as a slue of other regulations regarding finance. Antigua is not responsible for changing laws or regulations in any particular area.

Any customer complaints can be filed with the Antiguan Directorate of Offshore Gaming if a remote gaming operator isn’t able to handle the issue. The Directorate will review and investigate the problem if necessary.

Licence Fee

$15,000 non-refundable application fee.

Interactive gaming license: £100,000.

Interactive wagering license: $75,000 plus $5,000 annual renewal fee.

Contact Details

Antigua And Barbuda Gambling License Renewal

The Directorate of Offshore Gaming

Division of Gaming

2nd Floor – West Wing

First Caribbean Financial Center

Old Parham Road

P.O. Box 2674, St. John’s

Antigua & Barbuda

West Indies

Tel: (268)481-3300

Fax: (268) 481-3305

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