Antigua and Barbuda was one of the first countries to license online gambling, starting in 1994 under the Free Trade and Processing Zone Act. It is best known internationally for the WTO case it won against the United States over cross-border gambling services. Today the regime is run by the FSRC Division of Gaming, and its costs and substance requirements put it above most Caribbean alternatives.
This page replaces our earlier Antigua guide. Fee figures below are indicative: the FSRC publishes them inconsistently and initial and renewal amounts can differ, so they must be confirmed before you commit. For other routes, see our gambling license services.
Antigua gambling license: key facts for 2026
| Item | Position in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Regulator | FSRC Division of Gaming (Directorate of Offshore Gaming) |
| Law | Interactive Gaming and Interactive Wagering Regulations; Free Trade and Processing Zone Act 1994 |
| License types | Interactive gaming (casino, poker, bingo); interactive wagering (sports, racing, esports) |
| Application fee | US$15,000, non-refundable |
| License fee | About US$100,000 (gaming) / US$75,000 (wagering) a year — indicative |
| Levy | 3% of relevant gaming revenue — reconfirm with the FSRC |
| Financial guarantee | Indicated minimum US$100,000 — a security, not a fee |
| Term | Annual renewal |
| Local presence | Local company, office and technical infrastructure |
| Timeline | About 3–4 months |
Fees and guarantees
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | US$15,000 | On filing, non-refundable |
| Interactive gaming license | About US$100,000 | Renewal reported at US$75,000–100,000 |
| Interactive wagering license | About US$75,000 | Renewal reported at US$50,000–75,000 |
| Levy | 3% of relevant revenue | Rate and base to reconfirm |
| Financial guarantee | From US$100,000 | Adjustable for risk; not a fee |
Company formation, office, hosting, certification and professional fees come on top.
Requirements
- An Antigua and Barbuda company meeting the local incorporation and administration requirements;
- A local office and physical presence;
- Technical infrastructure for the licensed activities, with hosting and server location agreed with the FSRC;
- Fit and proper owners and key persons, with background checks;
- Audited financial statements, bank references and evidence of funding;
- AML/CFT, responsible gaming and player-protection policies.
The application process
- Structure and substance: incorporate locally and plan the office and hosting.
- Prepare the file: business plan, financial evidence, technical documentation, AML and responsible gaming policies.
- Submit and pay the US$15,000 application fee.
- Due diligence and technical review: background checks, financial evaluation and platform review.
- Grant: pay the license fee, post the guarantee and complete the conditions for launch.
Inter-jurisdictional hosting with Kahnawà:ke
Antigua licensees have been able to host in Kahnawà:ke under a 2010 memorandum of understanding, with the primary regulator keeping supervision. If this matters to your structure, confirm the current conditions with both the FSRC and the Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission at the start.
Antigua or another jurisdiction?
- Curaçao — CGA licensing under the LOK, with lower annual fees and wider payment-provider familiarity.
- Nevis — a flat €28,000 a year and no relocation of directors.
- Kahnawake — no GGR levy, hosting with Mohawk Internet Technologies.
Compare the main routes on our jurisdictions page.
How Gambling Consulting Expert can help
We confirm the current FSRC fee schedule, plan the local company, office and hosting through our company formation service, and prepare the application and due diligence file. Request an Antigua licensing assessment.
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