Best Antiguan and Barbudan Betting Sites

Antigua and Barbuda is an island country in the West Indies, between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. As its name implies, it consists of two main islands. The capital and largest city is Antigua's St. John's. British colonization started in 1632 until the country finally gained its independence just in 1981. Cricket and football are the most popular sports among locals, which is not a surprise if we consider the long British rule.

The local gambling sector was present even before it obtained its independence. All forms of gambling in Antigua and Barbuda are legal; much of its tourism consists of gamblers who wish to combine beautiful beaches with glamorous casino hotels. Sports betting is also very popular, and players may access any international bookie they wish. The local commission also serves as a licensing authority for betting companies in Antigua.

Top Betting Companies in Antigua

Sports betting is legal and very popular among players; thankfully, many international operators accept local players; this is why we list the best Antigua and Barbuda bookmakers, standing out for the wide coverage of the biggest football leagues they provide, as well as for the numerous offers and special bets they come with.

Betting in Antigua and Barbuda - 5 Things to Know

• 1
  Antigua is a worldwide respected gambling licensing authority
• 2
  Its interactive gambling activities have been regulated since 1994
• 3
  Players must be at least 18 years old to gamble
• 4
  Sports betting can freely be practised either at bookmaker shops or online
• 5
  International bookies are by no means interrupted from accepting local players

General info

⏩Population: 97.000

⏩Active players: 15.000

⏩Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

⏩Regulated gambling products: Sports betting, casinos, lotteries

⏩Operator types: Lottery, casinos, bookmaker shops, unlicensed online bookies & casinos

⏩Designated authority: Financial Services Regulatory Commission

⏩Status: Regulated

Is Antigua's Online Gambling Legal?

Antigua and Barbuda gambling is legal in all its forms. The sector first received regulation in 1963 through the Gaming Ordinance. It was also among the very first countries worldwide to allow online gambling as early as 1994 when the internet was a luxury for most people. Other significant pieces of law include the Interactive Wagering Regulations of 2007 and the 2016 Gambling Bill.

The FSRC (financial services regulatory commission) and a division within it are the regulators. It also serves as a licensing authority; at one point, there were over 90 online casinos and Antigua and Barbuda bet providers holding a local license; however, it currently does not provide any official list of licensed online entities. Probably because the number of Antiguan licensees has been dramatically reduced through time.

As for prerequisites, online betting in Antigua and Barbuda companies must provide full data of registering players; they also need to be open to frequent thorough checks and pay the appropriate fees: a $15,000 non-refundable application fee, $100,000 for an Interactive gaming license, and $5,000 for annual renewal.

Moreover, in 2010, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and the FSRC established a companionship among them; allowing an operator that holds a license from either of these authorities to apply for an “Inter-Jurisdictional Authorization.” The holder of which should be able to operate in either jurisdiction.

Essential Info for Bettors

All forms of gambling are legal and regulated under a strict set of rules. The same applies to online betting in Antigua and Barbuda, where players have many choices. Bookmakers that hold a local license can easily be spotted. At the bottom of their internet page, they carry the ‘preferential seal’; proof that they have got through all necessary checks and audits.

However, and since international bookies are storming the online scene, remember that their offering is richer; they cover more sports and competitions, with better odds and more special bets and offers. So, all you need is a proper internet connection, and numerous Antigua and Barbuda betting sites are a few clicks away. There is not much else to say at this point, the environment is as user-friendly as it gets.

How to Deposit at Online Bookies

Sports betting in Antigua and Barbuda is very popular, both land-based and online. Regarding the online part, players use bank transactions and credit cards for their transactions. However, players also have more elaborate options when betting with online bookmakers in Antigua and Barbuda.

For instance, e-wallets ecoPayz and Jeton, both accept local players. They’re providing a fast and secure transactions platform through an easy-to-use interface. Note that Skrill and Neteller do not accept local sign-ups; whereas Paypal is available, yet not allowing gambling transactions.

Last yet not least, cryptocurrency betting in Antigua is really on the rise. The country has embraced this new form of transactions, and so have multiple bookies too. Getting to know it while always being cautious could prove nothing but beneficial.

Combining the relaxed laws for international websites, the legalisation of gambling in the country, and very low taxation, a country like Antigua and Barbuda can be ideal for anonymous gambling. This is why some players might resort to companies that accept privacy coins and access Monero or Dash betting sites, keeping their identity and source of funds a secret.

The Future of Betting in Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda online betting scene is already attracting thousands of players. The regulated online sector already runs smoothly and players enjoy freedom of choice. Time will show if the government decides upon relaxing its licensing process a little bit; in order to attract more betting companies and rebuild its shaken status.

However, online gambling in Antigua and Barbuda is already thriving. Both players and operators are relaxed since either side is longing for any major changes; it’s a welcoming environment as it stands, and it will most probably continue to be one in the future as well.

Gambling in the Neighbouring Countries

Gambling is a popular activity in the Caribbean, regardless if it is regulated or not. The region offers a variety of casinos and gaming venues for locals and tourists alike. Online gambling is on the rise everywhere in the area as well, and here is a comparison with some of the countries nearby. 

⏩ Guadeloupe: For a completely regulated betting experience that follows French law and is part of the Eurozone, Guadeloupe is a prime destination. There are 15 licensed betting companies, and you can have access to some of the best Guadeloupe bookmakers online too. 

⏩ The Bahamas: holds all gambling legal, but only for tourists. Locals will not be able to enjoy land-based casinos, sports betting, and online gambling is illegal. However, since lawmakers ignore online bookmakers, locals tend to turn to the Bahamas betting sites that welcome them.