St. Kitts and Nevis (referred to as the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis Islands) consists of two islands of the same name. They are located on the border of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The entire state has an area of about 260 square kilometers and a population of just over 50,000.
The government pursues a rather "aggressive policy" and offers to obtain citizenship to all comers, of course with benefits for themselves. For example, one of the conditions for applying is to invest in the economy in any form (on average, 150,000 dollars). The country's economy is based on tourism and agriculture.
St. Kitts and Nevis was formerly a colony of the British Empire, but in 1983, it gained independence and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The country has its parliament and its independent legislation.
Land-based and digital gambling is legalized outside the state. Subject to mandatory licensing in that jurisdiction. Internet casinos licensed in St. Kitts and Nevis cannot offer their games to local residents.
Gambling regulation in St. Kitts is quite similar in structure to that of other countries within the Caribbean. Licenses for online casinos are issued by the Saint Christopher and Nevis Gaming Board (Saint Christopher and Nevis Gaming Board), established in 1999 after the passage of the Betting and Gaming Control Act, which allowed gambling. The board is controlled by the Ministry of Industry.
Although companies licensed in the jurisdiction cannot accept local gamblers, the law does not prohibit locals from gambling. You can use land-based or visit online casinos with licenses from another jurisdiction. The sites of such operators are not blocked, and the player is not subject to fines.
The development of the gambling industry in the islands began in 1999 with the passage of the Betting and Gaming (Control) Act (Sports Betting and Casino Act). First, land-based casinos began to appear in the country. The level of these establishments is quite high. For example, in 2013, the Royal Beach Casino Hotel was chosen as a venue for the Alpha 8 poker series tournament.
Many gambling companies were also licensed in this jurisdiction to conduct online gambling business. However, only a few have subsequently retained this license. In 2019, St. Kitts increased the attractiveness of online gambling licenses by licensing cryptocurrency internet casinos. Currently, quite a few jurisdictions are working in this direction.
Terrestrial gambling is developing more rapidly than the digital sphere. In 2020, four hotels will be built to accommodate various gambling activities. This is quite an impressive figure for such a small state in terms of area and population.
The Ministry of Industry handles business licensing on the islands, and the Gaming Commission is in charge of control. However, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Anti-Money Laundering are also involved in the process.
The Sasinoz team was surprised by the convoluted system, even in Costa Rica the process is more streamlined.
The Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis issues only one type of license. It does not distinguish between land-based or online casinos. Nor does it differentiate what types of gambling services companies provide.
Online casino operators must register in St. Kitts and Nevis and pay an $80,000 license fee to obtain an online casino license. The annual fee is another US$40,000.
To obtain a gaming license, a company must submit a proposal and an application form to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Home Affairs ("the Ministry").
Access to the site must be blocked to all residents of the Federation. All licensees must ensure that any participant is at least 18 years old. Any change in the company's shareholders or directorate should be immediately reported to the ministry. All licensees must submit audited financial statements to the Ministry annually.
According to Casinoz, the jurisdiction of St. Kitts and Nevis is not attractive for online gambling companies. This jurisdiction is not recognizable, and the current legislation is quite transparent. Of course, if the casino does not want to be scrutinized, it can get a gambling license in St. Kitts and Nevis. But the cost is quite high compared to similar offerings.
Opening a land-based casino in this jurisdiction is also not interesting. The country's population is quite small, so we have to focus only on the tourist flow, which is also quite small. In addition, there are already existing establishments on the islands.
Gambling in St. Kitts and Nevis is regulated by the Gambling Act of 1999. The St. Kitts and Nevis Finance Commission oversees the industry.
Various forms of gambling are legal in St. Kitts and Nevis, including land-based casinos, online casinos and sports betting. Gambling is seen as an important part of the country's tourism industry.
Yes, a license is required to operate a casino or provide online gambling services in St. Kitts and Nevis. The licensing process includes a review of the operator's financial stability and reputation.
Online gambling is legal in St. Kitts and Nevis and is governed by the same legislation as land-based gambling. Operators must obtain a special license to provide online services.
The tax regime for gambling operators in St. Kitts and Nevis is quite favorable. The exact rates may vary but are generally lower than in many other jurisdictions.
Yes, the minimum age to gamble in St. Kitts and Nevis is 18. Operators are required to verify players' ages and do not allow minors to gamble.
St. Kitts and Nevis legislation requires operators to implement measures to combat problem gambling, although the specific requirements may be less stringent than in some other jurisdictions.
The government of St. Kitts and Nevis periodically revises its gambling laws to meet international standards. However, no specific major changes have been announced in the near future.
Players are advised to check the operator's license, read the terms and conditions carefully, set personal playing limits, and exercise caution when playing at online casinos licensed in this jurisdiction.
License types | gaming license |
Name | Saint Kitts and Nevis |