Gambling is fully regulated, with strict licensing for land-based and online operators; robust AML, player protection, and technical standards enforced.
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Regulatory AuthorityFinancial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) Division of Gaming
License CostVaries
Regulation by Activity Type
Casinos
Regulated
Online Casinos
Regulated
Betting
Regulated
Online Betting
Regulated
Lotteries
Regulated
Poker
Regulated
Highlights
The Gambling Act 2016 is the primary legislation regulating gambling, establishing the Gambling Authority of Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda was among the first countries to license online gambling, starting in 1994.
Licensing and oversight are managed by the Financial Services Regulatory Commission’s Division of Gaming.
Operators must maintain a local presence, including a registered office, local director, and main server in Antigua and Barbuda.
A 3% gross income tax and additional royalties are levied on gambling companies operating under local licenses.
Strict anti-money laundering and player protection measures are enforced, including KYC, AML, and responsible gaming policies.
All forms of gambling require compulsory licensing, with criminal penalties for unauthorized operations such as unlicensed bingo.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
The legal framework governing gambling in Antigua and Barbuda is established primarily through the following key legislative acts:
Interactive Gaming and Interactive Wagering Regulations: These regulations provide the principal legal basis for the operation of online gambling and betting activities. They set out the requirements for the conduct of interactive gaming and wagering, including technical standards, player protection measures, and anti-money laundering controls.
Gambling (Amendment) Act: This Act amends and supplements the original gambling legislation, further defining the scope of permitted gambling activities and strengthening regulatory oversight, particularly in relation to online gaming operations.
Gambling Act: This foundational law provides the statutory framework for all forms of gambling within Antigua and Barbuda, including the establishment of regulatory bodies, definitions of gambling activities, and the legal parameters for operation.
These laws collectively form the core structure for the regulation of both land-based and online gambling activities in Antigua and Barbuda, ensuring that all gambling operations are subject to statutory control and oversight.
Regulatory Authority
Oversight and enforcement of gambling legislation in Antigua and Barbuda is conducted by a dedicated regulatory authority:
Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) – Division of Gambling: This body is responsible for the supervision, regulation, and control of all gambling activities within the jurisdiction. The FSRC’s Division of Gambling has the authority to issue licenses, monitor compliance with legislative requirements, and enforce anti-money laundering measures.
The Division of Gambling also conducts technical assessments of gaming software, ensures the integrity of gaming operations, and investigates any breaches of gambling laws.
The regulatory authority is empowered to audit operators, require regular financial and transactional reporting, and take enforcement action where necessary to uphold the integrity of the gambling sector.
The FSRC’s Division of Gambling serves as the central oversight body, ensuring that all gambling activities in Antigua and Barbuda are conducted in accordance with the established legal framework.
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses Available
Interactive Gaming License (IGL): This license covers online casino-style games, including slots, table games, and other games of chance. It is required for any operator offering internet-based casino gaming to players.
Interactive Wagering License (IWL): This license is for online sports betting and other forms of event wagering. It is mandatory for operators wishing to provide internet-based betting services.
Application Process
Applications are submitted to the Division of Gaming, a part of the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC).
Applicants must provide comprehensive company details, including legal structure, ownership, and a registered local office in Antigua and Barbuda.
A detailed business plan is required, outlining operational strategies and responsible gaming policies.
Applicants must submit robust anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures, along with technical documentation for gaming software.
A technical assessment of the gaming software is mandatory to ensure fairness and security.
Operators must demonstrate sufficient capital, including a financial reserve held with the regulator to protect player funds.
All directors and key personnel are subject to background checks and due diligence procedures.
Duration, Renewal, and Eligibility
Licenses are typically granted for a period of one year and must be renewed annually.
Renewal requires ongoing compliance with regulatory standards, including regular audits, continued financial solvency, and updated AML/KYC measures.
Eligibility is open to both local and international companies, provided they establish a physical presence in Antigua and Barbuda, including a local registered office and director.
Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements
There is a non-refundable application fee payable upon submission. The exact amount may vary depending on the license type and current regulatory guidelines.
Successful applicants must pay an annual license fee, which also varies by license type (Interactive Gaming or Interactive Wagering).
Operators are required to maintain a security deposit or financial reserve with the regulator, typically starting at around $100,000. The exact amount is determined by the commission based on the applicant's business model and risk assessment.
Additional costs may include fees for software testing, background checks, and periodic compliance audits.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License
Establishment of a local presence, including a registered office, local director, and hosting of main gaming servers within Antigua and Barbuda.
Implementation of robust responsible gaming policies, including measures for player protection, self-exclusion, and prevention of underage gambling.
Strict adherence to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations, including comprehensive KYC procedures and ongoing monitoring.
Technical compliance, including regular software testing and certification to ensure fairness and security of games.
Maintenance of sufficient financial reserves to guarantee player payouts and operational stability.
Ongoing reporting and audit obligations, with regular submission of financial and operational data to the regulator.
Summary Table: Key Licensing Details
License Type
Main Activities Covered
Annual Fee
Security Deposit
Duration
Interactive Gaming License
Online casino games
Varies (regulator determined)
From $100,000
1 year (renewable)
Interactive Wagering License
Online sports betting
Varies (regulator determined)
From $100,000
1 year (renewable)
Gambling Tax
Tax Rates for Gambling Operators
Type of Gambling Operation
Tax Rate
Tax Basis
All Licensed Gambling Companies
3%
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) / Gross Income
In addition to the 3% gross income tax, gambling operators may also be subject to royalties based on their gross income. The specific structure and rates for royalties can vary depending on the agreement with the regulator.
Basis for Taxation
The primary basis for taxation is the operator's gross gaming revenue (GGR) or gross income. This means taxes are calculated on the total amount wagered by players minus the winnings paid out.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
Gambling operators are required to submit regular financial reports to the regulatory authority, detailing their gross income and other relevant financial metrics.
Taxes must be calculated and paid on a periodic basis, typically annually, although the regulator may require more frequent reporting or payments depending on the operator's size and agreement.
Operators must maintain accurate and transparent accounting records to support their tax filings and facilitate audits by the authorities.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
There are no widely publicized tax incentives or exemptions specific to gambling operators in Antigua and Barbuda. All licensed operators are generally subject to the standard tax rates and requirements.
However, royalty arrangements may be negotiated individually with the regulator, potentially allowing for some flexibility in the total effective tax burden, depending on the operator's circumstances.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
Operators must implement robust procedures to prevent underage gambling. This includes verifying the identity and age of all players before allowing them to participate in gambling activities, with a strict minimum age requirement of 18 years for both land-based and online gambling.
Operators are required to conduct Know Your Customer (KYC) checks to confirm the identity of players, ensuring that minors are effectively excluded from gambling platforms.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
The operation of bingo is explicitly prohibited in Antigua and Barbuda. Conducting bingo without the appropriate authorization is considered a criminal offense and is subject to prosecution.
All gaming machines and software must be certified, and only approved games may be offered. The use of unlicensed or uncertified gaming software is not permitted.
There is a government-imposed moratorium on the establishment of new casinos, meaning no new casino licenses are currently being issued. This measure aims to limit the proliferation of gambling venues and reduce associated social harms.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Advertising and marketing of gambling services must not target minors or vulnerable individuals. Operators are required to ensure that all promotional materials are age-appropriate and do not mislead consumers about the risks of gambling.
Marketing communications must include clear information about responsible gambling and available support services for problem gamblers.
Operators are prohibited from making false promises regarding the chances of winning or from encouraging excessive or irresponsible gambling behavior in their advertising campaigns.
Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures
Operators must implement comprehensive responsible gaming policies, including self-exclusion programs that allow players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling platforms for specified periods.
Information and assistance for problem gambling must be readily accessible on all gambling platforms, including links to support organizations and helplines.
Operators are required to safeguard player funds by maintaining financial reserves adequate to cover player balances and potential payouts, ensuring that player winnings are always available for withdrawal.
Systems must be in place to monitor and detect signs of problem gambling, with interventions offered to players displaying risky behaviors.
Anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) measures are mandatory, including transaction monitoring, reporting of suspicious activities, and enhanced due diligence for large transactions.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
There is a government moratorium on the establishment of new land-based casinos throughout Antigua and Barbuda, effectively restricting the geographic expansion of gambling venues within the country.
Online gambling operators must have their main servers physically located within Antigua and Barbuda, ensuring local regulatory oversight and compliance with national laws.
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Timeline
# Historical Timeline of Gambling Regulation in Antigua and Barbuda
Year/Date
Event
1994
Antigua and Barbuda became one of the first nations to regulate online gambling by establishing the Free Trade and Processing Zone Act, creating a framework for licensing online gambling operators.
1999
Introduction of the Interactive Gaming and Interactive Wagering Regulation (IGIWR), which established more comprehensive rules for offshore gaming operations.
2001
Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) was enacted, which affected gambling operations as they were classified as "Financial Institutions" and subject to additional compliance requirements.
2003
Antigua and Barbuda filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the United States regarding restrictions on cross-border gambling services.
2005
The WTO ruled in favor of Antigua and Barbuda in their dispute with the US, determining that US restrictions on online gambling violated international trade agreements.
2016
The Gambling Act was passed, establishing the Gambling Authority of Antigua and Barbuda as the primary regulatory body for gambling activities in the country.
2023-2024
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda imposed a moratorium on the establishment of new land-based casinos throughout the nation.
2025
As of early 2025, Antigua and Barbuda continues to seek resolution to its long-standing WTO dispute with the United States, now approaching 20 years since the initial ruling in their favor.
This timeline highlights the evolution of Antigua and Barbuda's gambling regulatory framework from being an early pioneer in online gambling regulation to its current status as an established jurisdiction with comprehensive regulatory structures in place.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards
All gaming software used by operators must undergo a technical assessment to ensure fairness, security, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Random Number Generators (RNGs) used in games must be independently tested and certified for randomness and fairness. Certification from recognized testing agencies such as eCOGRA is accepted.
All gaming machines and software must possess valid certificates from their producers, confirming compliance with technical and operational standards.
Software providers distributing gaming software are required to hold a specific license (Class 4) for software distribution.
Operators must provide detailed information about their gaming software, including its functionality and security features, as part of the approval process.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location
Operators are required to implement robust data protection measures to safeguard player information and gaming data against unauthorized access, breaches, and misuse.
Privacy policies and procedures must be established to ensure compliance with local data protection regulations and to protect the confidentiality of customer data.
The main gaming server must be physically located in Antigua and Barbuda, ensuring that all game data and player information are stored within the jurisdiction.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
Operators must develop and maintain comprehensive AML policies and procedures, including customer due diligence, ongoing monitoring, and reporting mechanisms for suspicious activities.
Customer identification and verification (KYC) processes are mandatory to prevent money laundering and ensure the legitimacy of all players.
Operators must monitor transactions for unusual or suspicious activity and report any such transactions to the relevant authorities within specified timeframes.
Financial transactions exceeding specified thresholds (e.g., payouts over $25,000) require detailed reporting, including information about the transaction and the recipient.
Failure to report suspicious transactions or financial fraud within required deadlines can result in legal action against the operator and its staff.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping
Operators are required to submit regular financial reports detailing all transactions, including the frequency and amounts of winnings paid out.
Comprehensive record-keeping systems must be in place to ensure all gaming and financial data are accurately maintained and readily available for inspection by regulators.
Operators must undergo periodic audits of their gaming systems and financial records to verify compliance with regulatory requirements and to ensure transparency.
All records, including player activity, financial transactions, and software logs, must be securely stored and retained for a period specified by the regulator.
Responsible Gambling Tools and Technical Implementation
Operators must implement responsible gambling measures within their platforms, including self-exclusion programs and tools to assist players in managing their gaming activity.
Technical solutions should be in place to prevent underage gambling and to provide assistance for problem gamblers, such as setting deposit limits and providing information about support resources.
Operators are required to document and demonstrate the effectiveness of their responsible gambling tools as part of ongoing compliance monitoring.
Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.
