From Zero To Tier-1: How Nevis Plans To Compete In The Global Gaming Market
- iGaming Gazette
- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read

In April 2025, the small Caribbean island of Nevis, part of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, announced its entry into the global iGaming industry with the passage of the Nevis Online Gaming Bill 2025. This landmark legislation, unveiled by Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Mark Brantley, introduced a Tier-1 online gaming license designed to rival established jurisdictions like Malta, the Isle of Man, and lower-tier licenses like Curaçao.
With no prior footprint in iGaming, Nevis is leveraging its 40-year legacy in financial services, FATF-compliant status, and a forward-thinking approach to cryptocurrency to position itself as a gold-standard destination for online gaming operators.
The Nevis iGaming License
Nevis’ foray into iGaming came from a strategic vision to diversify its tourism-driven economy. Known for its offshore financial services, including trusts, banking, and international business corporations (IBCs), Nevis has long been a trusted hub for global investors. In 2023, the Nevis Island Administration began exploring iGaming as a high-growth sector, recognizing the global surge in online gambling and the untapped potential of cryptocurrency integration.
Consultations with industry experts, including corporate service providers, shaped a regulatory framework that balances operator flexibility with international compliance standards. The Nevis Online Gaming Bill 2025 was the culmination of this effort, establishing a dedicated gaming authority to oversee licensing, compliance, and consumer protection.
Unlike the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Virtual Assets Act 2020, or St Kitt’s iGaming license, the Nevis iGaming license is a standalone initiative specific to the island. This distinction allows Nevis to tailor its regulations to the unique needs of online gaming operators, both B2C (casinos, sportsbooks, lotteries) and B2B (software providers, payment processors). The license's development drew inspiration from best practices in Malta and the Isle of Man, but Nevis aimed to carve its own niche by offering an accessible, crypto-friendly, and compliance-focused alternative.
A Tier-1, Gold-Standard License
Nevis’ iGaming license is designed to meet the rigorous standards of a Tier-1 jurisdiction, a designation typically reserved for regulators like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or the UK Gambling Commission. The “gold standard” label reflects Nevis’ commitment to transparency, consumer protection, and robust oversight, qualities that instill confidence among operators, players, and financial institutions. The license covers a broad spectrum of gaming activities, from online casinos and sports betting to B2B services, making it versatile for operators of all sizes. Its Tier-1 status is underpinned by Nevis’ established financial services sector, which has earned global trust over four decades through stringent regulation and adherence to international standards.
A key advantage of the Nevis license is its accessibility. While Tier-1 licenses in jurisdictions like Malta often come with high financial and operational barriers, Nevis has structured its pricing to be competitive, making it an attractive option for startups and established operators alike. The application process is streamlined, with clear guidelines and a responsive gaming authority, ensuring operators can go to market efficiently. Operators are required to establish a Nevis Business Corporation (IBC), aligning with the island’s low-tax environment while maintaining a local presence. This structure enhances credibility with banks and payment providers, who value Nevis’ reputation as a stable, regulated jurisdiction.
Embracing Crypto Gambling
A defining feature of the Nevis iGaming license is its embrace of cryptocurrency, making the island as a leader in the rapidly growing crypto gambling market. The global iGaming industry is projected to surpass $100 billion by 2025, with crypto gambling accounting for a significant share due to its appeal to tech-savvy players. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum offer fast, secure, and anonymous transactions, addressing pain points like delayed withdrawals in traditional online casinos. Blockchain technology further enhances transparency, allowing players to verify game fairness and operators to streamline operations.
By allowing operators to integrate digital currencies, Nevis enables access to a global audience, particularly in regions where traditional banking systems are less reliable. However, the island pairs this flexibility with stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols to mitigate risks associated with crypto transactions. This balance of innovation and compliance makes Nevis a standout choice for operators seeking to capitalize on the crypto boom while maintaining credibility with regulators and financial partners.
FATF Compliance and Global Trust
Nevis’ iGaming framework is built on its impeccable reputation as a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-compliant jurisdiction. Inclusion on the FATF “white list” clearly demonstrates Nevis’ adherence to international standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, a critical factor for operators navigating global financial systems. The island’s gaming authority requires comprehensive background checks on directors, shareholders, and ultimate beneficial owners, alongside robust AML and KYC vetting. These measures ensure that licensed operators meet the highest standards of integrity, fostering trust among banks, payment providers, and players.
With 40 years of experience regulating offshore banking, trusts, and IBCs, Nevis brings a wealth of expertise to its iGaming regime. This track record reassures financial institutions, who often scrutinize gaming operators due to the sector’s perceived risks. Payment providers, from traditional card processors to crypto gateways, are more likely to partner with Nevis-licensed operators, knowing the jurisdiction’s regulatory framework aligns with international expectations. This high level of trust is a key differentiator, setting Nevis apart from less reputable offshore jurisdictions.
Competing in the Global Market
Nevis’ strategy to compete in the global iGaming market hinges on its unique value proposition: a Tier-1, crypto-friendly license backed by FATF compliance and a trusted financial services legacy. The island is positioning itself as a hub for innovation, particularly in blockchain and Web3 technologies, which are reshaping the gaming landscape. By offering a license that supports diverse gaming portfolios and emerging payment methods, Nevis appeals to operators seeking flexibility without regulatory headaches. Its commitment to responsible gaming, including ethical advertising and dispute resolution mechanisms, further enhances its appeal to players and regulators.
Conclusion
Nevis’ launch of a Tier-1 iGaming license in April 2025 marks a big step into the global gaming market, transforming the island from a financial services hub to a rising star in online gambling. By combining accessibility, crypto-friendliness, and FATF-compliant regulation, Nevis offers operators a compelling alternative to established jurisdictions. Its gold-standard license, rooted in 40 years of financial expertise, fosters trust among banks, payment providers, and players, while its embrace of cryptocurrency positions it at the forefront of industry innovation. As the global iGaming market approaches $100 billion, Nevis is poised to capture a significant share, proving that even a small island can compete on the world stage with vision and integrity.
To find out more about Nevis and its new iGaming license, contact Fast Offshore. We have all the information on process, costs, limits and opportunities, and all matters related to the license. Our team are on standby and ready to assist.
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