The 2021 version of this article listed ten offshore tax havens by headline rate. That list is still roughly right on rates, but much less useful: since then the 15% global minimum tax, economic substance laws and the EU tax blacklist have changed what a low-tax structure can achieve. This update explains the 2026 picture for gaming businesses. For a full table of rates, see our article on corporate tax rates in 2026.
Zero and low-tax jurisdictions in 2026
| Group | Jurisdictions |
|---|---|
| No general corporate tax | Anguilla, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Vanuatu |
| 0% for most companies, 15% for large multinationals | Bahamas, Bahrain, Bermuda, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey |
| Low single-digit or low-teens rates | Hungary 9%, UAE 9%, Bulgaria 10%, Ireland 12.5%, Cyprus 15%, Gibraltar 15% |
Source: Tax Foundation, 2025 survey; Cyprus and Gibraltar updated for their 2024–2026 increases.
Three rules that limit tax havens
1. The 15% global minimum tax
Under the OECD Pillar Two rules, multinational groups with consolidated revenue of €750 million or more must pay at least 15% on profits in every country. If a subsidiary pays less, a top-up tax is collected — increasingly by the low-tax jurisdiction itself through a domestic minimum tax, which is why Bermuda, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man now tax large groups at 15%.
2. Economic substance
Most offshore centers have economic substance laws requiring companies in relevant activities to be directed and managed locally, with adequate staff, premises and expenditure. A company with a local registered agent and nothing else risks penalties, strike-off and the exchange of information with its owners’ tax authorities.
3. The EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions
The EU reviews its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions twice a year. Listed jurisdictions face defensive measures in member states, such as higher withholding taxes and denial of deductions, and banks treat them as high risk. Check the current list before choosing a jurisdiction.
What matters more for gaming companies
For a licensed gambling business, the headline corporate rate is often the smallest number in the model:
- Gambling duty or GGR tax — from 0.15% of gross profit in Gibraltar to 40% Remote Gaming Duty in the United Kingdom;
- License fees — from a flat €28,000 a year in Nevis to over €1.28 million a year in statutory charges in Romania;
- Place of effective management — directors who manage from a high-tax country can bring the profits there;
- Banking and payments — providers look at the license and substance, not just the tax rate.
Jurisdictions where license and tax line up
| Jurisdiction | Corporate tax | Gambling charge | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isle of Man | 0% on most e-gaming income | 1.5% to 0.1% of GGY by band | Isle of Man |
| Malta | 35% headline, about 5% effective after refunds | Gaming tax on players in Malta | Malta |
| Gibraltar | 15% | 0.15% of gross profit | Gibraltar |
| Nevis | 0% on foreign-sourced GGR, subject to conditions | €28,000 flat annual fee | Nevis |
| Kahnawà:ke | Depends on the company’s own jurisdiction | No GGR levy | Kahnawake |
How Gambling Consulting Expert can help
We design the group structure around the license, gambling duty and substance requirements, form the companies through our company formation service and prepare the banking files. Contact us.