Lottery activities in Antigua and Barbuda are legally permitted and regulated under the Gambling Act and associated regulations. Commercial lotteries require licensing from the regulatory authority, with applicants expected to demonstrate adequate compliance with the World Lottery Association's Security Compliance Standard (1). The regulations establish comprehensive frameworks for commercial lotteries, trade lotteries, and community gaming, ensuring all operations meet legal requirements and maintain fairness for participants.
The Division of Gaming, operating under the Financial Services Regulatory Commission, serves as the regulatory body responsible for oversight of gaming activities in Antigua and Barbuda. The jurisdiction was among the first to establish gaming regulations in 1994, and gaming companies are classified as financial institutions subject to Anti-Money Laundering requirements (2). The regulatory framework emphasizes three core focuses: money laundering prevention, player protection, and industry enhancement, ensuring operations comply with international best practices.
"The Division of Gaming is committed to ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda is internationally regarded as a Tier 1 jurisdiction of choice, and its regulations and regulatory enforcement remain first rate."
Commercial lottery licensees must establish comprehensive lottery rules governing conduct, entry handling, prize determination, and payment procedures. Every ticket must have a fair and equal chance of winning, and draws must occur at specified times and places according to published rules (1). Licensees cannot provide credit to players, and prizes exceeding EC$5,000 must be paid by crossed cheque or electronic transfer, with unclaimed prizes held for three months before being disposed of per authority approval.
Source:
https://www.fsrc.gov.ag/images/pdf/gaming/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20Lotteries%20Regulations%20270517%20ver3.pdf
https://www.fsrc.gov.ag/index.php/services/gaming
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
