What is a Antigua and Barbuda Gambling License
The jurisdiction of Antigua and Barbuda started licensing internet gaming in 1994, issuing two core certificates under the Interactive Gaming and Interactive Wagering Regulations (IGIWR): an Interactive Gaming licence for casino-style content and an Interactive Wagering licence for sports bet products. Oversight sits with the FSRC Division of Gaming, also known as the Directorate of Offshore Gaming, which monitors AML controls, audits, and server integrity.
Advantages of an Antigua and Barbuda license
The island nation pioneered the offshore gaming industry and still offers:
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Global reach | The licence covers all main kinds of gambling – slots, poker, sports lines, live tables – making it a single-stop permit for most gaming activities |
| Predictable fees | One-time non-refundable application fee (USD 10 000) and clear annual renewal rates |
| Low tax on net winning | 3 % tax on net win, capped at USD 50 000 per month |
| Tier-1 reputation | Nearly three decades of enforcement give B2C and B2B gaming operators banking credibility |
| Tech hub | Fast fibre, redundant power, and the rule that the primary server in Antigua keeps real-time logs on-shore |
Types of licenses in Antigua and Barbuda
The FSRC offers three primary types of gambling licenses designed to cover different aspects of the gaming industry. Each license type addresses specific gaming activities and comes with distinct requirements and fee structures.
| Type | Purpose | Fee (USD per annum for operators) |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive Gaming | RNG, live dealer, virtual online casino content | 75 000–100 000, depending on setup |
| Interactive Wagering | Sportsbook, esports, pool betting | 50 000 |
| Casino license (on-premises) | Land-based tables and slots | Regulated under the Betting & Gaming Act |
Requirements for Licensing in Antigua and Barbuda
Obtaining a gambling license requires meeting specific criteria established by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority.
- Basic requirements: proof of funds, clean police certificates, and a qualified “key person” who is the owner of the gambling structure on paper.
- Thorough due diligence: the FSRC screens every director, shareholder, and supplier for money laundering risk.
- Local presence: the licence holder must keep its core internet gaming facilities – web servers and transaction databases – on the islands.
- Audit trail: monthly game stats and quarterly financials go to the Division of Gaming, which is the regulatory body.
- AML: each gaming license holder files a risk-based policy covering customer KYC, laundering alerts, and suspicious-activity reports.
Guide on Application
The consideration of applications follows four steps:
- Pre-filing chat with the special FSRC commission to confirm eligibility.
- Pay a one-time non-refundable fee for examining the packet (USD 10 000) and a USD 15 000 registration charge; this is the fee for examining the documentation.
- Submit the pack: business plan, projected income of the legal entity, software certificates, and details of any software development costs you plan to offset against tax.
- Wait 30–90 days for issuance; the regulator may extend the window if extra background checks are needed.
Most legal entities apply through international business corporations formed on the islands, keeping shares open to non-residents.
Licensing Cost
The fee structure for Antigua and Barbuda gambling licenses includes several components that operators must budget for during the application process:
| Cost Item | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application (non-refundable) | 10 000 | Payable to FSRC |
| Registration | 15 000 | Due upon filing |
| Interactive Gaming annual fee | 75 000 | “Per annum for operators” with gaming servers on-shore. |
| Interactive Wagering annual fee | 50 000 | Covers sportsbook only. |
| License renewal stamp | 5 000 | Payable each January. |
| 3 % tax on net win | Capped at 50 000 / month | Deductible items include chargebacks and up to 40 % software development costs. |
Advantages of obtaining a license in Antigua and Barbuda
Licensed operators benefit from the jurisdiction’s established reputation and global recognition in the gaming industry. The regulatory framework provides credibility that facilitates partnerships with reputable software providers, payment processors, and banking institutions. The jurisdiction’s inclusion on the UK’s “white list” allows operators to advertise in the UK market and attract British players. Moreover, there are some additional great benefits:
- Early mover status drives the development of gambling tech talent locally.
- The regulatory framework sits inside the wider Financial Centre law, so all gaming cash flows are regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority with banking-grade oversight.
- The jurisdiction welcomes offshore investors yet enforces responsible gaming rules that match EU standards.
- Light duty on foreign income keeps the online gambling business lean.