Online gambling: grey market

What does the "gray market" mean in the context of SKN

The "gray market" here refers to the situation when local players use international (offshore) sites, and there is no transparent national model for consumer protection and dispute resolution at the level of the entire federation. At the same time, in 2025, Nevis Island adopted a separate law Nevis Online Gaming Bill/Ordinance, 2025, which regulates operator licensing (B2C/B2B) - this is a step towards a "white" model, but its focus is primarily on exporting licenses and offshore B2C, and not on the mass game of local residents.

What has already happened in 2025

The law passed. April 29, 2025 Nevis Assembly adopted Nevis Online Gaming Bill, 2025; then published by Ordinance No. 2 of 2025 with the creation of the Nevis Online Gaming Authority (NOGA) and licensing procedure, AML/CFT requirements, audit and sanctions for unlicensed activity.

The official regulatory portal has been launched. nevisgaming. com positions NOGA as the sole administrator of Nevis online licenses.

Objectives of the law. Ordinance introduces powers for consideration of applications, supervision, publication of licenses, fines, searches on suspicion of unlicensed activity, etc. (for example, sections 4, 18, 22-25).

Conclusion: Nevis seeks to become a regulated licensing jurisdiction for online operators, but this is not equal to launching a local, resident-oriented consumer market like. "Kn."

Why is it still "gray" for the player

1. Targeting international clients. Profile reviews emphasize that the Nevis license covers a wide range of online activities (casinos, betting, poker, etc.), usually with the exception of local residents - that is, the license is intended for the export model.

2. Federated specificity. Ordinance is adopted by the island of Nevis, and St. Kitts (St. Christopher's Island) does not demonstrate a parallel consumer mode for online games - as a result, local players still access online through offshore. (Official NIA releases record specifically Nevis law and NOGA.)

3. Control of "unlicensed" within the federation. Ordinance criminalises the provision of online gaming services without a licence within the Federation (section 23), but external sites outside the jurisdiction continue to operate unless blocked by network/payment instruments.

How they play in practice (2024-2025)

Sites. Residents most often use international sites with licenses from Malta, Curacao, Gibraltar, etc. (de facto - offshore). Nevis licenses are just emerging, the ecosystem is still being formed.

Payments. Cards, e-wallets and cryptocurrencies are the most common ways for offshore operators. (Nevis Ordinance is focused on compliance/AML, not local "cash registers.")

Responsible play and controversy. The lack of a "home" consumer ombudsman for online means that the protection of rights depends on the jurisdiction of the operator's license - this is the main "gray" risk.

Risks for players

Legal uncertainty. Playing on offshore platforms may not have clear protection in local court; refunds and KYC conflicts are resolved according to the rules of a foreign regulator.

Locks and limits. Payment providers can enter additional checks and limits for "high-risk" MCCs.

Responsible play. The absence of locally mandatory tools (self-exclusion, deposit/time limits) leads to heterogeneity of practices by operator.

What changes for operators

Nevis license = "white box": formalized requirements for the applicant (fit & proper), compliance officer, publication of the register, sanctions for violations. This makes Nevis a regulated offshore zone - attractive to B2C and B2B, but not necessarily reserved for local audiences.

Marketing and honest statements. Ordinance explicitly limits misleading titles and claims of patronage by authorities (section 25).

Local offline vs. online

Everything is transparent on the ground: Royal Beach Casino at St. Kitts Marriott is a large legal facility (≈pochti 300 slots, tables, lounges). Online remains "gray" for the resident: legally licensed for operators (through Nevis), but not built as a consumer market within the country.

How to act the player: security checklist

1. Check the site license (MGA/UKGC/Gibraltar/Isle of Man/NOGA, etc.) and the availability of independent ADRs/dispute bodies.

2. Read T&C: limits, verification, bonus rules, account closure.

3. Deposit wisely and use a separate payment instrument (virtual card) to minimize chargeback/KYC risks.

4. Response game tools (deposit/session limits, cool-off) - turn on from the first day.

5. Avoid bypasses and VPNs for T&C violations - this is a common cause of seizures.

Forecast: 2025-2027

In short: Nevis will strengthen compliance and NOGA visibility, expand the licensee pool, and registry publishing practices; local B2C for residents without additional federal regulations is still unlikely.

Tourism infrastructure (Marriott/Basterra port/golf) remains an offline driver; online for local - a gray field with "transparent" access points through respected offshore regulators.

Sources

Nevis Island Administration (official): Adoption of Nevis Online Gaming Bill, 2025 and Launch Process (April 2025).

Nevis Online Gaming Ordinance, 2025 (official PDF): NOGA credentials, AML/CFT, sanctions, banning misleading statements; procedure for combating unlicensed activities.

NOGA portal: status of regulator and licenses (NevisGaming. com).

Profile certificates under the Nevis license (2024-2025): export orientation, types of activities, practice of excluding residents.

Royal Beach Casino/Marriott (offline base): scale, range, role in tourism.