Antigua And Barbuda Gambling License
- Advantages of the gambling license in Antigua and Barbuda The country applies strict rules to gambling companies that want to obtain a license in this jurisdiction. As the local permit automatically provides access to players from the UK, the country thoroughly checks applicants not to spot its reputation.
- How to Get a Gambling License in Antigua and Barbuda. Obtaining a license from a reputable regulator is a complex and time-consuming process. However, this is one of the most important things in order for an online casino to be successful. The procedure for obtaining an online gambling license varies from one country to another.
The United States responded by accusing Antigua and Barbuda of playing politics. The tiny archipelago built up an Internet gambling industry to replace declining tourism revenues, only to find. Gambling license in Antigua and Barbuda Jurisdiction of Antigua and Barbuda began to license a gambling business in 1994, and due to the foregoing it is one of the first countries where gambling is not only allowed, but certificates for casino are also issued to non-residents.
Advantages of Jurisdiction and Peculiarities of Issued Licenses
Antigua and Barbuda is one of the first jurisdictions dealing with the issues of regulating offshore gambling (as far back as the mid-90's). There are various benefits for gambling operators:
- tax exemption for local companies;
- ability to host servers out of the jurisdiction on the condition that the primary server is hosted on its territory;
- opportunity for company’s owners and staff to stay outside the Islands and represent themselves through a nominal directorate;
- the inclusion of jurisdiction in the UK “white list” ‒ that means it is possible to advertise a business in the UK and attract players from there;
- availability of international agreements with other offshore zones (for example, with Kahnawake).
There are several types of license on the Islands:
- Gaming License applies to online casino registered in Antigua and Barbuda – US$100,000;
- Wagering License applies to sports betting – US$75,000;
- Key Person Licenses for the persons managing business.
For the licensed companies, a non-refundable contribution of US$10,000 and an application fee of US$15,000 are provided for when applying for a license. The annual fee payable to the State is US$60,000 for an online casino and US$35,000 for a betting provider.
Antigua and Barbuda
In most jurisdictions, certain business activities require compulsory licensing. A gambling license confirms the online operator’s reliability and stability. It is also evidence of business legality in the country. Furthermore, players can apply for dispute resolution to the agency that granted the license. Offshore licensing helps to reduce the company maintenance costs and reduce taxation making Antigua and Barbuda one of the most popular jurisdictions for establishing online casinos and obtaining a gambling license.
Antigua and Barbuda was one of the first Caribbean States to begin granting gambling licenses. Many reputable companies choose this particular jurisdiction due to its solid reputation and trustworthy legal framework particularly in gaming industry. The most profitable points include zero taxation and no minimum paid-up capital requirements.
Financial Services Commission and Financial Services Regulatory Commission's Department of Gaming (FSRC) regulate the gambling business sector. They have been providing services for licensing since 1994.
The following types of gambling licenses are available on the territory of Antigua and Barbuda:
- online casino license (interactive gaming);
- totalizer license (interactive wagering).
If the company is engaged in other forms of gambling they will be considered as one of the two types mentioned above. The advantage of gambling licenses in Antigua and Barbuda is the fact that it’s on Great Britain’s whitelist, which allows online operators to accept bets from british players.
Applicants and owners of gambling licenses must meet the following requirements:
- Persons under 18 are not permitted to gamble;
- Player’s personal data is subject to authenticity inspections and should be stated in their profile;
- The homepage should contain a warning of possible gambling addiction and contacts of organizations providing psychological support.
IT-OFFSHORE company's specialists provide a wide range of services for company registration and support in Antigua and Barbuda as well as obtaining a gambling license.
A license is issued for the following activities:
- Online Casino (card games, roulette, slot machines)
- Sports totalizers
- Betting business
- Lotteries
- Network games
- Peer games (backgammon, poker, bingo)
- Mobile Games
- Finance Trade
Our service package includes the following:
- Registration of the company in Antigua and Barbuda
- Formation of local staff
- Opening a bank account
- Creating a merchant account for payments
- Completing and submitting the appropriate forms for licensing
Stages of obtaining a license:
- Registration of legal entity
- Applying for a license
- Opening a bank account
- Opening a merchant account
- Payment of government fees for company registration and licensing
- Obtaining a license
Submission of an application for a license is performed by a local agent. The directors and the beneficiaries data, documentary evidence of goodwill, and financial condition are required.You also need a software certificate. The software should be tested by an authorized agency.
The sum includes:
- Expenses incurred during company registration
- Applying for a gambling license
- Opening a corporate account in a bank
- Opening a merchant account for payments
- Support during the entire license registration procedure
Personnel requirements:
Antigua And Barbuda Gambling License Bureau
- International Business Corporation (IBC) should be established in order to obtain license.
- Minimum one director, private individual or legal entity, with no residence requirement is necessary
- Registered agent, resident of Antigua is required
- Secretary, private individual or legal entity, of any residence is required
- Nominee service is available
Timeframes for obtaining a license:
The timeframe for obtaining a license after the application submission is 2-3 months, International Business Company registration takes about 3 weeks
Office Requirements:
A local registered office is required for company registration in Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua And Barbuda Gambling License Renewal
Registered Capital Requirements:
There are no minimum paid-up capital requirements.