Nevis Gaming Licence 2026: Complete Guide for Online Casino and iGaming Operators
Nevis Gaming Licence 2026: Complete Guide for Online Casino and iGaming Operators
The Nevis gaming licence is built for operators that want more than a quick route to market. It combines a recognised offshore company framework with licensing options for online casino, sportsbook, poker, lottery, software supply and selected ancillary gaming services.
Nevis is rarely chosen because it is the cheapest jurisdiction available. Operators tend to consider it when the ownership structure, payment model and long-term development of the business matter as much as the initial licence.
That makes Nevis relevant for funded startups, experienced gaming teams, B2B suppliers and international projects involving several shareholders, brands or product lines.
The standard structure uses a Nevis company as the licence holder. Where the operator requires traditional Visa or Mastercard acquiring, European settlement or an EU-facing commercial entity, a separate Cyprus company may be added to the group.
This guide explains the complete €44,700 setup, the corporate structure, licensing categories, application process, due diligence requirements, payment considerations and restricted markets.
Nevis Gaming Licence at a Glance
| Complete setup | €44,700 |
| Licence term | One year, renewable annually |
| Company jurisdiction | Nevis |
| Standard domains | Two URLs |
| Maximum additional URLs | Up to 40 qualified URLs, subject to approval and additional fees |
| B2C activities | Casino, poker, betting and lottery |
| B2B activities | Software, platform, affiliate, marketing and ancillary services |
| Optional EU structure | Cyprus company for selected payment, settlement and contracting functions |
What Makes Nevis Different?
The strongest reason to consider Nevis is the corporate structure behind the licence.
The licence-holding company is incorporated in Nevis under the local business corporation framework. It can be structured with individual or corporate shareholders, one or more directors and an ownership model suitable for international business.
This gives operators room to plan beyond the first launch.
A Nevis structure can support:
- A single online casino or sportsbook
- Several approved brands or domains
- A group involving multiple shareholders
- A B2C operating business
- A B2B platform or software business
- Intellectual-property ownership
- Future investment or group restructuring
- A separate European payment or settlement layer
For founders expecting to add investors, launch more brands or separate gaming operations from intellectual property and payment functions, this flexibility can be more valuable than saving several thousand euros at the application stage.
Who Should Consider a Nevis Gaming Licence?
Nevis may be suitable for operators that already have a clear commercial model and want the legal structure to support the business for more than its first year.
Typical applicants include:
- Online casino operators launching an international brand
- Sportsbook and multi-product gaming businesses
- Crypto and fiat gaming projects
- Experienced operators adding a second licence
- B2B platform and software providers
- Affiliate and marketing businesses requiring a formal gaming structure
- Projects involving several shareholders or investors
- Groups planning several approved domains
A startup can use Nevis, but the jurisdiction is most attractive when the founders already understand their platform, payment model, target markets and ownership plan.
When Nevis May Not Be the Right Choice
A Nevis licence is not a substitute for local authorisation in regulated markets.
Another jurisdiction may be more appropriate where:
- The business needs access to a locally regulated European market
- The target country requires a domestic licence
- The preferred bank or PSP does not accept Nevis structures
- The operator only needs the lowest-cost licence for a small test project
- The intended markets include territories restricted under the Nevis licence
- The investor group requires a Tier 1 regulatory environment from launch
Operators comparing available offshore options should also review the Anjouan gaming licence, the Tobique gaming licence and the more demanding Curaçao gaming licence.
Complete Nevis Package Overview
The complete Nevis setup is priced at €44,700.
The package covers the annual licence, company incorporation, application fee, local reporting support and ongoing corporate management.
| Included in the Package | Fee |
|---|---|
| Nevis Licence – Annual Fee | €28,000 |
| Nevis Company Incorporation | €3,000 |
| Application Fee | €4,500 |
| Local Reporting Officer | €4,200 |
| Corporate Service Management | €5,000 |
| Total | €44,700 |
The platform, game content, sportsbook solution, payment processing, testing, website development, marketing and daily operating expenses are calculated separately unless they are specifically included in the commercial proposal.
Operators can compare the wider range of licensing packages and setup costs before selecting a jurisdiction.
What Is Included in the Nevis Licence Fee?
The annual fee covers the licence for one year.
The standard licence is granted with two approved URLs. Additional qualified URLs can be added for an extra fee, up to a maximum of 40.
Every URL must be wholly owned and operated by the licence holder.
This is important for groups planning several brands. The licence cannot simply be used to host unrelated third-party casinos.
Sublicensing Is Not Permitted
The Nevis framework does not permit sublicensing.
An operator cannot obtain one licence and sell access to unrelated businesses as though they were independently licensed.
White-label activity requires a more carefully structured model. Both B2B and B2C licensing may be required, together with specific approval considered on a case-by-case basis.
Nevis Company Incorporation
The licence-holding company must be registered in Nevis.
The company is incorporated through a licensed registered agent and receives a registered address in Nevis.
The standard structure is a company limited by shares. The customary authorised share capital is 50,000 shares with a nominal value of US$1 per share, although the capital can be adjusted where the structure requires it.
There is no general requirement for the full authorised capital to be paid up simply because it appears in the constitutional documents.
Company Name
Three proposed names should normally be provided in order of preference.
The name must include an accepted limited-liability ending such as:
- Limited
- Ltd.
- Corporation
- Corp.
- Incorporated
- Inc.
Names implying banking, insurance, fund management or government support may require additional approval or may not be accepted.
Shareholders
A Nevis company must have at least one shareholder.
The shareholder may be an individual or a legal entity. Every ultimate beneficial owner with a direct or indirect interest in the licensed company must pass the fit-and-proper review.
Directors
At least one director is required.
A director may be an individual or a legal entity, although the final structure should be reviewed from the perspective of governance, banking and regulatory acceptance.
Registered Agent and Address
A Nevis company can only be incorporated through a licensed registered agent.
The registered office is maintained at the address of that agent. The corporate service package should also cover the maintenance of the company records and the filings required to keep the entity in good standing.
Why Operators Use Nevis for International Ownership
A well-built Nevis structure can separate ownership from day-to-day operations without making the group unnecessarily complicated.
This can be useful where:
- Several founders own the project
- An investor joins after launch
- The group operates more than one brand
- Intellectual property is held separately
- The operator plans to sell part of the business
- The owners want a clear shareholder and director framework
The objective is not to create multiple companies for the sake of appearance.
The objective is to make ownership, licensing, payment flows and commercial contracts understandable to the regulator, banks, PSPs, suppliers and future investors.
B2C Nevis Gaming Licence
The B2C licence is intended for businesses dealing directly with players.
It may cover:
- Online casino
- Poker
- Sports betting
- Lottery
- Other approved player-facing gaming products
The licensed company is responsible for player onboarding, AML and KYC controls, deposits and withdrawals, responsible gaming, complaints and the operation of the approved domains.
Core B2C Requirements
- Business plan
- Financial statements or financial projections
- Source-of-funds information
- Source-of-wealth information
- Supporting evidence for the declared funding
- Proof of domain ownership
- Website review and approval
- Compliant Terms and Conditions
- KYC procedures
- AML policies
- Responsible gaming procedures
- Underage gaming controls
- RNG testing certificates where applicable
- Game and content-provider agreements where applicable
B2B Nevis Gaming Licence
The B2B licence is designed for companies supplying products or services to gaming operators.
The available categories may include:
- Gaming software providers
- Casino platform providers
- Game aggregation businesses
- Affiliate and marketing service providers
- Payment processors
- KYC providers
- Other approved ancillary gaming suppliers
The exact category should reflect the service the applicant actually provides.
A company describing itself as a software provider while also controlling players, wallets or deposits may require a different licence or a combined structure.
Core B2B Requirements
- Business plan
- Financial statements or projections
- Source-of-funds and source-of-wealth information
- Proof of domain ownership
- Website review
- Business Terms and Conditions
- KYB and AML procedures
- Independent RNG certificates where applicable
- Game or content resale agreements where applicable
Why Add a Cyprus Company?
A Cyprus company is not required to obtain the Nevis licence.
It may become commercially useful where the operator needs traditional card acquiring, euro settlement, European supplier contracts or an EU-facing payment layer.
The Nevis application guidance specifically notes that operators seeking traditional payment methods such as direct Visa and Mastercard merchant accounts will often need a European subsidiary.
Typical Nevis and Cyprus Structure
- The Nevis company holds the gaming licence
- The Nevis company remains the player-facing operator
- The Cyprus company performs approved payment, settlement or commercial functions
- The relationship is governed by written intercompany agreements
- The full flow of funds is disclosed to banks and PSPs
- Each company maintains separate accounting records
Why Cyprus May Help
- An EU-registered contracting entity
- Potential access to selected European PSPs
- Euro and SEPA settlement options
- Supplier and affiliate payments in the EU
- European accounting and corporate records
- A clearer commercial profile for selected counterparties
A Cyprus company does not guarantee a merchant account.
Every acquirer or PSP will still assess the Nevis licence, UBOs, target markets, expected transaction volumes, chargeback controls and the operator’s AML framework.
The banking and payment structure should therefore be reviewed before either company is incorporated.
Payment Agent Is Not the Same as a Payment Institution
A commercial payment or collection agent acts under an agreement with the licensed operator.
A regulated payment institution or electronic money institution provides financial services that may require a separate authorisation.
The Nevis operator, Cyprus company, PSP and merchant account holder must have clearly defined roles. The website terms, merchant descriptor, agreements and accounting records should all describe the same structure.
The Nevis Licensing Process
Stage 1: Business and Structure Review
The process starts with a review of the product, ownership, target markets, platform, payment model and expected transaction volumes.
At this stage, the applicant should decide whether it requires a B2C licence, B2B licence or a combined structure.
Stage 2: Due Diligence Collection
Documents are collected for every director, shareholder, UBO, compliance officer and key person.
The file should be reviewed before submission. Expired documents, incorrect certifications and weak source-of-funds evidence are common causes of delay.
Stage 3: Nevis Company Incorporation
The licence-holding company is incorporated through the registered agent.
The company name, shareholders, directors, registered address and constitutional documents are established at this stage.
Stage 4: Application and Policy Preparation
The application forms, business plan, financial information, compliance policies, domain documents and technical materials are prepared.
Stage 5: Submission
The file is submitted once it is complete and the required fees have been paid.
The application is considered only after the compliance and due diligence requirements are satisfied.
Stage 6: Fit-and-Proper and Technical Review
The review covers three main areas:
- The suitability of directors, shareholders and UBOs
- The gaming systems and technical setup
- AML, compliance, operational policies and procedures
Stage 7: Licence Issuance and Launch Preparation
Once the application is approved, the operator can complete supplier onboarding, payment integration, website checks and launch testing.
Application Forms
The standard application package includes:
- One licence application form
- One personal information form for each director
- One personal information form for each shareholder
- One personal information form for each UBO
- One personal information form for the compliance officer
- One UBO declaration for every ultimate beneficial owner
Additional forms may be required depending on the corporate structure and licence category.
Personal Due Diligence Documents
Every individual director, shareholder and UBO must pass due diligence and remote identity verification.
The standard package includes:
- Certified true copy of passport
- Proof of residential address issued within the previous three months
- Bank reference letter issued within the previous three months
- Professional reference from a lawyer or accountant
- Signed and updated CV
- Remote identity verification
- Completed application forms
- Signed UBO declarations
- Proof of source of funds
- Proof of source of wealth
Proof of Address
Acceptable documents may include:
- Electricity bill
- Water bill
- Landline telephone bill
- Cable television bill
- Bank statement
- Official government correspondence
Mobile phone and mobile internet bills are not accepted under the standard guidance.
The document must show the full name and residential address and must be dated within the previous 90 days.
Bank Reference
The bank reference should be issued by a bank with which the applicant has maintained a relationship for at least two years.
Professional Reference
The professional reference should be provided by a lawyer or accountant who has known the applicant as a client for at least two years.
Corporate Due Diligence Documents
Where a legal entity appears anywhere in the ownership structure, additional corporate documents are required.
- Corporate structure chart identifying directors, shareholders and UBOs
- Certificate of registration or incorporation
- Memorandum and articles of association or equivalent documents
- Register of shareholders issued within the previous three months
- Register of directors issued within the previous three months
- Company extract where applicable
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Certificate of Incumbency
The registers should be signed by a director where required.
Certification and Translation Requirements
Documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
Certified true copies may be completed by:
- A lawyer
- A notary
- A certified accountant
The certification should include:
- The certifier’s full name
- Professional designation
- Address and contact details
- Date of certification
- Confirmation that the original was seen
For a passport or other photographic identification, the certifier should also confirm that the photograph is a true likeness of the individual.
The original document and the translation may both require certification.
Website and Domain Requirements
The operator must prove ownership of the domains included in the licence.
The website is reviewed for compliance and should identify:
- The licensed Nevis company
- Licence information
- Terms and Conditions
- Privacy Policy
- AML and KYC requirements
- Responsible gambling information
- Underage gaming controls
- Restricted territories
- Deposit and withdrawal rules
- Complaints procedures
The website, payment recipient and licence holder should be described consistently.
A mismatch between the player-facing operator, merchant descriptor and contractual payment structure can delay PSP onboarding or create compliance issues after launch.
Platform and Game Provider Requirements
The applicant should provide agreements for the gaming systems and content used by the business.
These may include:
- Casino platform agreement
- Sportsbook agreement
- Game aggregation agreement
- Direct game-provider contracts
- Game-content resale agreements for B2B applicants
- RNG testing certificates where applicable
Operators building proprietary games or software should confirm the testing and certification requirements before filing the application.
Business Plan
The business plan should explain how the operation will work in practice.
It should cover:
- Business model
- Licence category
- Products and gaming verticals
- Target markets
- Management experience
- Ownership structure
- Platform and supplier model
- Payment methods
- Marketing and acquisition strategy
- AML and KYC controls
- Responsible gaming
- Financial forecasts
- Expected transaction volumes
- Expansion plan
The business plan should match the website, contracts and financial information.
A plan describing European card payments while the payment section only refers to cryptocurrency, or a forecast based on prohibited markets, will create avoidable questions.
Local Reporting Officer
The complete package includes a Local Reporting Officer at an annual cost of €4,200.
The exact responsibilities should be defined in the engagement and may include local reporting coordination, regulatory communication and support with ongoing compliance obligations.
The appointment does not remove management responsibility from the licensed company.
The directors, UBOs and compliance team remain responsible for ensuring that the business follows its approved policies and licensing conditions.
Corporate Service Management
Corporate service management is priced at €5,000.
The service may cover:
- Registered agent coordination
- Registered office maintenance
- Corporate record keeping
- Annual company maintenance
- Shareholder and director updates
- Good-standing documents
- Regulatory and corporate support
Changes to the directors, shareholders, UBOs or group structure should be reviewed before implementation because they may affect the licence and fit-and-proper approval.
Restricted Markets
The Nevis licence does not permit the operator to accept players from every country.
The excluded markets listed in the guidance include:
- Australia
- France
- The Netherlands
- Spain
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- The United Kingdom
- The United States
- Any other jurisdiction where the Nevis Online Gaming Authority considers online gambling prohibited
These territories must be blocked through Geo-IP controls.
Market Due Diligence
The licence holder remains responsible for checking the legality of its activities in every country it enters.
The absence of a country from a short restricted list does not automatically mean that active marketing or player acceptance is lawful.
Before entering a market, the operator should review:
- Local gambling laws
- Advertising restrictions
- Payment limitations
- Sanctions exposure
- Consumer protection rules
- Data and privacy requirements
Geo-IP and Affiliate Controls
The operator should prevent:
- Registration from prohibited territories
- Deposits and play from blocked locations
- Affiliate campaigns targeting restricted players
- Advertising in prohibited markets
- Use of VPNs to circumvent geographic controls
Common Nevis Application Mistakes
Using Nevis Before Checking Payment Acceptance
A strong corporate structure does not guarantee acceptance by every bank or PSP.
The payment model should be reviewed before incorporation.
Assuming Two URLs Can Be Used by Unrelated Brands
The domains must be owned and operated by the licence holder.
The licence cannot be sublicensed to unrelated operators.
Incomplete Reference Letters
The bank and professional references must meet the date and relationship requirements.
Generic letters or references from a recently opened account may not be accepted.
Incorrect Certification
Documents certified by an unauthorised person, without the required wording or without original signatures may need to be replaced.
Weak Source-of-Funds Evidence
The applicant should be able to explain how the project will be financed and provide documents supporting the declared source.
Generic Policies
AML, KYC and responsible gaming policies should reflect the actual platform, markets, payment methods and team.
Confusing B2B and B2C Activities
A company that supplies software and also operates player accounts may require more than one licence category.
Building the Cyprus Structure Too Late
Where European acquiring or settlement is central to the launch, the Cyprus company and intercompany arrangements should be planned early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the complete Nevis gaming setup cost?
The complete package costs €44,700.
What is included in the €44,700 package?
The package includes the annual Nevis licence fee, Nevis company incorporation, application fee, Local Reporting Officer and corporate service management.
How much is the annual Nevis licence fee?
The annual licence fee is €28,000.
How long is the licence valid?
The licence is valid for one year and is renewable annually.
How many domains are included?
The standard licence includes two URLs.
Can I add more domains?
Yes. Additional qualified URLs can be added at an extra cost, up to a maximum of 40.
Can I sublicense the Nevis licence?
No. Sublicensing is not permitted.
Can I operate a white-label business?
White-label activity may require both B2B and B2C licences together with specific approval.
Does Nevis offer a B2C licence?
Yes. The B2C licence can cover casino, poker, betting, lottery and other approved player-facing activities.
Does Nevis offer a B2B licence?
Yes. B2B categories are available for software, platforms, affiliates, marketing and selected ancillary service providers.
Does the licence-holding company have to be in Nevis?
Yes. The licensing guidance requires the licence-holding company to be registered in Nevis.
Can a legal entity own the Nevis company?
Yes. A shareholder may be an individual or a legal entity, but all UBOs must pass the fit-and-proper review.
How many directors are required?
At least one director is required.
Is paid-up capital required?
The standard authorised share capital is commonly 50,000 shares at US$1 each, but there is no general requirement for the full authorised amount to be paid up.
Do I need a Cyprus company?
Not for the licence itself.
A Cyprus company may be added where the business requires selected European payment, settlement or contracting functions.
Can a Cyprus company help with Visa and Mastercard acquiring?
It may improve access to selected European payment partners, but approval is never guaranteed.
Does the package include a casino platform?
No. The platform, game content, payments, website, marketing and operational costs are normally budgeted separately.
Is a business plan required?
Yes. A business plan is required for both B2C and B2B applications.
Are source-of-funds and source-of-wealth documents required?
Yes. Both are part of the standard licensing and due diligence requirements.
Is remote identity verification required?
Yes. Individuals included in the application must complete remote identity verification.
Are certified passport copies required?
Yes. Passport copies must be certified in accordance with the applicable certification guidance.
Can documents be submitted in another language?
Documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
Is proof of domain ownership required?
Yes. The operator must prove ownership of the domains included in the licence.
Does the website need regulatory approval?
The website is reviewed for compliance as part of the application.
Are RNG certificates required?
Independent RNG testing certificates may be required where applicable.
Can a Nevis licence target the United Kingdom?
No. The United Kingdom is an excluded market.
Can a Nevis licence target the United States?
No. The United States is excluded.
Can a Nevis licence target France, Spain or the Netherlands?
No. These markets are included in the restricted list.
How does Nevis compare with Anjouan?
The Anjouan licence is generally positioned as a lower-cost startup route. Nevis provides a licence-holding company in the same jurisdiction and may be more appropriate for operators requiring broader corporate flexibility.
How does Nevis compare with Tobique?
The Tobique licence offers a fast, digitally focused route for casino and sportsbook projects. Nevis is often selected where corporate ownership, B2B licensing or the long-term group structure is a stronger priority.
Is Nevis the Right Licence for Your Business?
Nevis is a serious option for operators that want the licence and company structure to develop together.
It can support a straightforward casino launch, but its real strength appears in projects involving multiple shareholders, several brands, B2B activities or a separate European payment layer.
The jurisdiction should not be selected in isolation.
The platform, ownership, target markets, domains, payment flow and supplier agreements must all fit the same structure.
When those elements are planned before incorporation, Nevis can provide a clean foundation for a scalable international gaming business.
Planning a Nevis Gaming Project?
iGLicenses supports operators through the complete Nevis setup, from company incorporation and due diligence to application management, compliance and ongoing corporate support.
Our Nevis services include:
- Initial licensing and corporate assessment
- Nevis company incorporation
- B2C or B2B licence application
- Application forms and due diligence review
- Business-plan and policy preparation
- Website and domain compliance support
- Local Reporting Officer
- Corporate service management
- Banking and payment assistance
- Cyprus company setup where required
- Annual licence and company maintenance
Contact our team for a proposal based on your licence category, ownership structure, target markets and payment model.