Nevis seeks balance between compliance and efficiency in gaming
The online gaming industry is expected to become increasingly regulated over the next five years, with stronger expectations around compliance, anti-money laundering (AML) measures and responsible gaming, according to Hristo Koevski, Chief Commercial Manager at the Nevis Online Gaming Authority (NOGA).
Speaking to SiGMA News on the sidelines of SiGMA Asia 2026, Koevski outlined the trends shaping the sector, the role of automation in regulatory processes and how Nevis is seeking to balance licensing efficiency with compliance standards.
Regulation and emerging markets set to shape industry growth
Speaking about the major shifts likely to influence the online gaming industry in the coming years, Koevski pointed to growing regulatory requirements and expansion into emerging markets.
He said, “The industry will continue to become more regulated, with stronger expectations around compliance, AML and responsible gaming. We expect co-operators to diversify their portfolio of licences as they expand into different markets. We also expect very strong growth in emerging markets such as Asia, Africa and Latin America.”
Koevski’s comments come as operators increasingly seek licences across multiple jurisdictions while pursuing growth opportunities in developing gaming markets.
Established under the Nevis Online Gaming Ordinance 2025, NOGA oversees the licensing and supervision of online gaming operators. The authority’s framework includes compliance requirements, AML measures and ongoing regulatory oversight. Through its licensing regime, Nevis offers licences to B2B and B2C operators and maintains a public licence register that allows users to verify licence holders, licence status and approved domains.
Automation supporting licensing efficiency
On being asked how technology is being used within the Nevis regulatory framework, Koevski said automation is helping improve responsiveness and streamline licensing processes.
“We use technology to enhance processes and make them more responsive and more efficient. For example, we use automation to streamline the licensing workflows and reduce unnecessary delays.”
According to information published by NOGA, applicants are required to complete a structured licensing process that includes company incorporation requirements, ownership disclosures, due diligence procedures and compliance reviews. Applications are managed through a digital portal designed to facilitate the licensing process.
Building trust as a newer jurisdiction
Addressing how Nevis responds to comparisons with more established regulators, Koevski said such comparisons are natural for newer jurisdictions entering the market. He said, “I wouldn’t call it skepticism. It’s absolutely normal that people compare newer jurisdictions to more established ones.”
He said Nevis seeks to combine regulatory standards with commercial practicality while maintaining a high level of support for applicants. “At Nevis, we offer a balanced approach between high regulatory standards and commercial practicality. At the same time, we’re striving to offer very high customer support to our applicants.”
Koevski also highlighted the authority’s government backing and the jurisdiction’s financial services history. “Basically, if I have to summarise the main advantages of the Nevis framework, that would be the licence is government-issued.”
“The government of Nevis actually is completely backing the authority. And in terms of the jurisdiction, Nevis has been a very trusted, reputable financial services jurisdiction for the past 40 years.”
Nevis has previously stated that its online gaming framework is built on regulatory principles developed through its international financial services sector. The authority has also emphasised transparency measures, including public licence verification, as part of its regulatory model.
Fast licensing should not mean cutting corners
On being asked how Nevis ensures fast licensing does not compromise compliance depth, Koevski said licensing efficiency should not come at the expense of regulatory standards. “Fast licensing should never mean cutting corners. According to us, the key is having clear requirements.”
Expanding on the authority’s compliance approach, he said due diligence remains a core part of the licensing process. He added, “So the key is having clear requirements, efficient processes and experienced compliance team. Every application still undergoes thorough due diligence and review.”
“And at the end of the day, we are aiming to offer a fast process and very high support to our applicants while maintaining the respective compliance standards.”
According to NOGA’s published licensing requirements, applicants must submit corporate documentation, ownership information and compliance-related documentation as part of the review process before a licence can be granted.
Koevski’s comments on licensing efficiency, due diligence and compliance standards align with requirements outlined in NOGA’s licensing framework.
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