Gambling Age In Antigua and Barbuda

Minimum Age: 18

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Antigua and Barbuda, the minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities is 18. This applies to casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and online platforms, as per the Betting and Gaming Act, enforced to protect minors from gambling-related risks.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is legal and regulated, with several casinos in St. John’s, such as King’s Casino, offering slots, poker, and table games, catering to tourists and locals. Betting shops and lottery outlets are also present, requiring ID checks to enforce the 18-year-old age limit. The casino market, valued at approximately $50 million annually, supports Antigua’s tourism-driven economy, with venues featuring extensive game catalogs akin to those you’ve expressed interest in.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is legal and a cornerstone of Antigua’s economy, with the country being a global hub for iGaming licenses since 1994. The Directorate of Gaming issues licenses to operators offering casinos, sports betting, and poker via mobile-friendly platforms, aligning with your interest in accessibility. The market generates over $100 million annually. Offshore sites are regulated, and players using unlicensed platforms face fines up to XCD 10,000, bolstered by Antigua’s WTO dispute victory against the U.S. in 2007.

Regulation and Oversight: The Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC), through its Directorate of Gaming, regulates gambling under the Betting and Gaming Act of 1963 and Interactive Gaming and Interactive Wagering Regulations of 2001. It oversees licensing, akin to the Kahnawake rigor you’ve inquired about, enforcing fair play, anti-money laundering measures, and responsible gambling initiatives. Recent 2024 reforms streamlined licensing fees (XCD 75,000 annually) to attract operators, supporting Antigua’s reputation as a premier iGaming jurisdiction.

Enforcement and Penalties: Antigua enforces its regulations rigorously. Operators face inspections to ensure age verification and licensing compliance. Violations, such as allowing underage gambling, lead to fines up to XCD 50,000, license revocation, or criminal charges. Illegal websites are monitored, and players engaging in underage or unlicensed gambling face fines or account closures. The FSRC’s 2025 cybersecurity enhancements ensure a secure gambling environment, reinforcing Antigua’s global iGaming leadership.