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How to receive a gambling license in Antigua and Barbuda
24.05.2018
Not all countries have legalized online gambling. Online casino games are totally forbidden in 39 countries. Local operators are not allowed to open online casinos, but foreign operators accept bets in 32 countries. You have to receive a license from the local regulator to launch an online casino in 61 countries.
Antigua and Barbuda was one of the first jurisdictions to offer the legalization of gambling. This country has been on the list of top 6 most popular online gambling jurisdictions since 1994. Let’s see what is required to register an online casino on the Caribbean Islands.
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.
However, despite the strictness of the regulator, the country has a number of advantages for running a gambling business:
- the international activity is not taxed;
- companies do not need to have authorized capital;
- operators automatically have access to British players;
- servers may be based outside the jurisdiction in case the main server is located in Antigua and Barbuda.
Types and cost of licenses in Antigua and Barbuda
According to the country’s laws, you do not have to register the value of all shares of the company to open a gambling business. It will be enough to have an office based on the islands as well as one director and one shareholder. Besides, the application should contain detailed information about the board of directors, their credit history and data on investments made over the last three years.
This jurisdiction offers two types of licenses:
- online casino license – around $100 thousand;
- totalizator license – around $75 thousand.
When filing an application to the Gambling Authority, you also have to pay two fixed fees:
- $15 thousand for documents revision;
- $100 thousand, an annual fee aimed at gambling development, paid irrespective of incomes.
At the same time, you should not pay gambling taxes during the year.
Technical requirements to operators
To obtain a license, all software should be certified. Besides, all slot machines and programs undergo audit and expertise. You can avoid the latter in case you have a certificate from eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA). This document from the British institution confirms the availability of standardized software and compliance with high business standards.
The main server of your online casino should be based solely in Antigua and Barbuda, while others can be located outside this jurisdiction.
One more important requirement. If a player wins more than $25 thousand, you have to send all data connected with the transaction to the corresponding authority. If you do not do it within two days, you can be summoned to appear in court. The government of Antigua and Barbuda fights against money laundering in such a way.
Furthermore, operators should restrict access to casino games for everyone under 18 years old. The home page of the website should contain a warning about the probability of gambling addiction and contacts of organizations that provide corresponding psychological help.
Before you set up an online gambling business, compare the conditions of running a gambling business in different jurisdictions and choose the most optimal option.
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