Curacao Gambling License Detailed Review 2021

The iGaming industry, encompassing online casinos, sports betting, and other digital gambling platforms, has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. With the LOK now fully implemented, obtaining and maintaining a Curaçao gaming license requires expert legal guidance, strategic structuring, and strict regulatory compliance. For decades, Curaçao’s gaming license operated under a master and sub-license model, where only four master license holders had the power to grant sub-licenses to operators. Under the LOK, this system has been entirely eliminated, and now every operator must apply directly to the CGB for their own license.

They work closely with law enforcement agencies to monitor suspicious activities and investigate any reported breaches of regulations. In addition to regulating the gaming industry, the CGA is also committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and preventing problem gambling. They work with other organizations to develop and implement programs that educate players and promote healthy gaming habits.

Auditing not only helps to ensure that all business standards are met, but also serves as a preventative measure against breaches. Curaçao has always been and still is an island of unlimited gaming opportunities in the online gambling industry due to its attractive licensing. For gaming operators, now is the time to ensure full compliance and transition to the new direct licensing model. The CGB is committed to maintaining regulatory integrity while ensuring a stable and innovative business environment for all licensed entities.

• After verifying all documentation, we submit the gaming license application through the CGA online portal.
• The process can take around six months and depends on the complexity of the application and some other factors.
• Curaçao has long been known for its light regulatory framework, which has attracted many operators.
• To kickstart their application, operators have to pay an application fee of €4,592 as against nothing in the past.

Mandatory forms for the application of an Online Gaming license or a Supplier License. In the second phase the CGA focuses on additional regulatory requirements under the LOK. In the first phase the CGA evaluates the integrity of the applicant, as well as the applicant’s financial stability.

How the Changes Affect Current and Prospective License Holders

Staying informed and compliant with the evolving framework is essential for maintaining a successful iGaming operation under this license. Curacao, a Caribbean island and constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has been issuing gaming licenses since 1996. The jurisdiction offers a single license that covers all forms of iGaming, including casinos, sports betting, and lotteries. A Curacao gambling license is a document issued by the government of Curacao that allows a registered company to carry out all kinds of e-gaming business operations in the jurisdiction.

The Curaçao license prohibits operators from accepting players based in the USA, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, FATF-blacklisted countries, and Curaçao itself. There are also “grey” countries where targeting players is allowed but not recommended due to potential regulatory uncertainty. The costs depend on each PSP and are around 3.5% to 6.5% on deposit, and 0% to 2% on withdrawal, with the fees being less common for withdrawals. Even if they are in other jurisdictions they make settlements in EUR for companies in Europe (by SEPA normally). Yes, the Curacao gaming license can be requested by companies that have contracted the gaming platform with a third-party solution or which have developed their own solution.

Why Does an iGaming Project Need a License?

This jurisdiction is also characterized by political and economic stability, which is good for business. In 2023, the government of Curacao created the Curacao Gaming Authority as the new independent regulator for the jurisdiction’s online gambling industry. The CGA replaces the Curacoa Gaming Control Board as the regulatory body in charge of regulating the industry and issuing licenses to operators on behalf of the Minister of Finance. Curacao now has a simple licensing structure where operators can obtain a B2B or B2C license that covers all major forms of online gambling activities. As of 2025, the new regulatory regime is governed by the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK).

With competitive fees, streamlined processes, and clear guidelines for both operators (B2C) and suppliers (B2B), Curaçao remains a top jurisdiction for iGaming businesses worldwide. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the new licensing requirements, application processes, fees, compliance obligations, and operational expectations under the LOK framework. The gambling industry in Curacao is a fast-expanding sector with substantial development and investment possibilities. Curacao is a small island in the southern Caribbean Sea that belongs to the Netherlands. The island is well-known for its robust casino business, which benefits from advantageous tax rules, low operating costs, and a supportive regulatory environment. This paper will present an overview of the gaming business in Curacao, including statistics, the number of gaming enterprises, revenues, laws, and a prediction for the industry’s future.

The licence issuance started three years after the law’s release, marking Curacao’s foray into the promising gambling field. The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has set an expected timeline of around 8 weeks for the review of an application. However, if additional documentation is required or if there are any complications, the review process can extend up to 16 weeks or more in some cases. Despite these concerns, the Curaçao license remained widely used, especially by startups and high-risk operators, due to its global accessibility and relaxed entry barriers.

The applicant is not registered in the goAML reporting system, as required by the National Decree goAML. The applicant must complete the required forms provided by the CGA and submit all necessary documentation as stipulated by the CGA. While the exact cause leading up to the gambling commissioners’ resignations has yet to surface, experts suggest that underlying tension within the MFK government is the primary reason. This is not surprising, as Finance Minister Silvania has faced flak in the past on charges related to corruption and the misuse of power.

The international image of this jurisdiction also grants licensed operators access to the European market and other jurisdictions all over the world. As of 2025, the license is no longer distributed through master license holders. Instead, operators must apply directly to the CGA under the newly implemented National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK). If you’re researching how to legally operate an online gambling or betting business, the Curaçao eGaming license has likely come up as one of the most accessible and cost-effective options. For years, this jurisdiction attracted thousands of operators due to its flexible structure and low entry barriers.

Understanding the new fee structure is critical for businesses looking to operate in Curaçao’s eGaming sector. If they refuse to participate, the case may be decided in the player’s favor, and the CGA will be notified. Once you’ve made all the payments and passed compliance checks, your license will be renewed under LOK.

How to Legally Register an Art Studio?

Every gaming license was issued to its holder by a licensed reselling company, regulator, state authority, or gambling commission. Today, Curacao is one of the leading regulators and issuers of licenses for online gambling. The shift to centralized oversight, combined with updated fee and compliance structures, sets a new standard — one that balances regulatory robustness, operator accountability, and market legitimacy. Operators willing to adapt can continue serving a global audience under a recognized and modernized Curaçao Gaming License regime.

Assessing the impact of these changes on the industry and Curacao as a whole is challenging, and time will be the fairest judge. However, steering towards a more transparent and secure entertainment sector will likely enhance players’ trust in iGaming. For Curacao, these developments are not just beneficial but also a long-awaited step in its evolution. You should also audit and review your application thoroughly with the help of professionals to ensure compliance before proceeding with the application. To kickstart their application, operators have to pay an application fee of €4,592 as against nothing in the past. After the application has been submitted, the Gaming Control Board will carry out due diligence to verify the information and documents submitted by the applicant.

With these details, you may write to the Curacao Chamber of Commerce and wait for a reply. Alternatively, you may visit the Chamber’s website (curacao-chamber.cw) and click on “Search Registry” to enter the company’s registration number and proceed with online verification of its details. A successful verification result means that the casino company is legal, while an unsuccessful response means otherwise. One simple step for Curacao gaming license verification is to visit the casino’s website and scroll to the bottom of its home page for its license.

To apply for a Curacao online gaming license, you need to fill out the online application form, submit the required documents, and pay the application fee. This will allow offshore companies to operate legally and offer their offshore games to players while operating out of this online gambling licensing jurisdiction. For more about the process of setting up a remote gambling company, read our guide on how to start a casino app. In the past, Curacao’s legal framework granted two kinds of licenses, a master license and a sub-license (issued by a master license holder). This changed in 2023 when the government began an overhaul of the iGaming industry with the introduction of new legislation. Curacao began to issue new licenses to online gambling companies under the new National Ordinance on Games of Chance starting in November 2024.

Whether you need assistance with company formation, licensing, compliance, or regulatory transitions, our law firm is here to guide you every step of the way. The new online gambling law, Landsverordening op de kansspelen (LOK), translated as the National Ordinance on Games of Chance, has been enforced since December 24, 2024. The sudden exit of the CGA’s top-level supervisors has left questions about the LOK’s future unanswered.

It covers multiple gaming activities under a single license and provides a crypto-friendly environment. A Curaçao gambling license remains popular for online gaming operators due to its affordability, flexibility, and global curacao casino reach. The B2B license is ideal for businesses that aim to become service providers to the gaming industry.

Companies must also demonstrate measures to protect players and promote responsible gaming. This also includes verification of compliance with responsible gambling regulations. The legislation will also establish a mandatory system of regular audits and inspections for all licensees. License holders’ financial transactions and operations will be strictly monitored. Operators who plan to obtain a Curaçao license must now budget an estimated minimum of 55,000 EUR for general fees. This includes, for example, the initial and annual fees, the timely payment of which is one of the conditions for obtaining (renewing) a license.

The company must have a registered office in Curaçao and appoint at least one local representative for administrative purposes. Registering a company in Curaçao is a straightforward process, but there are specific legal and administrative steps to follow. We recommend the company incorporation in the UK or Cyprus, being UK due to bureaucratic agility and Cyprus due to tax optimization.