Curaçao Gaming License: How To Obtain It In 2025?
The key positions to which local staff are appointed are Director of Operations, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Security, and General Counsel. Gamingsoft is a regional leader in the Asian iGaming industry, providing web development, API integration and a full-featured white label iGaming platform specifically tailored to the Asian region. We aim to deliver value for all our clients and welcome feedback on any aspect of the service we provide. Holders of a B2B license are officially recognized by the CGA as approved suppliers and will be listed in a public register of licensed suppliers. With LOK in effect since December 24, 2024, the legacy master- and sub‑licence regime has been curacao casino formally phased out. All prior licences under the old system have been converted into provisional licences — subject to new, more stringent criteria.
Master License
Instead of acquiring a sub-license through a private master license holder, operators must now apply directly to the CGA. This change affects everyone—from new applicants to existing businesses needing to transition under the new rules. The iGaming industry is undergoing significant regulatory transformations, with jurisdictions like Curacao implementing reforms to enhance credibility and compliance.
The government of Curaçao has already announced plans to introduce stricter compliance requirements in its licensing system by 2025. While stricter regulations could mean higher costs and requirements for operators, they may also improve the credibility of Curaçao-licensed platforms. Now might be the most opportune time to obtain a Curaçao license before introducing stricter regulations. Curaçao is a small island in the Caribbean with a major influence in the gambling industry. Online gambling providers and investors must adapt to changes in casino regulations in Curaçao if they are to continue to operate successfully.
Introduction of B2B Licensing
- AML/CFT programs, technical audits, and quarterly reports are now standard obligations.– Market restrictions apply.
- Old sub-licenses are not grandfathered; a full CGA application is required for continuity.
- After the LOK comes into force, there will be not only a registration fee and an increased annual fee but also a due diligence fee, which was not charged before.
- Let’s talk about how we can help you build a stronger, future-proof gaming business.
However, the old system—based on master licenses and loosely governed sub-licenses—raised serious concerns around oversight, player protection, and AML compliance. Curacao’s gambling business has a considerable impact on the island’s economy, contributing significantly to its GDP. Curacao’s gambling business generated around $500 million in income in 2021, a figure that is projected to rise in the years to come. This increase is fueled by the rising markets for sports betting and other forms of gambling, as well as the increasing popularity of internet gaming.
Whether you’re launching a B2C casino brand or offering B2B iGaming services, this license can still be a viable path—but only if you understand the updated structure, obligations, and risks. These reforms are designed to align Curacao with international gambling standards, aiming to create a safer and more transparent gaming environment. – It is not easy for iGaming operators with this license to open gambling bank accounts. – Curacao does not intervene when there is any dispute between players and operators. The license holder is liable for the license fee and other fees established by or pursuant to the NOGC.
Old sub-licenses are not grandfathered; a full CGA application is required for continuity. The Curacao gaming license has been a popular choice among iGaming operators due to its cost-effectiveness, comprehensive coverage, and streamlined application process. + Holding a Curacao Sub-license grants you the right to carry out all types of online gaming activities (poker, sports betting, online casino, etc).
This form must be completed for an online gaming application submission and signed by an official represenative of the company. Regarding the supplier license, only suppliers of gaming-related critical services and goods established in Curaçao are required to obtain a supplier license. However, this requirement will not take effect immediately, but will come into force two years after the LOK entered into force.
The LOK rules will lead to major changes in the gambling sector, which will also affect current licensees. Given the new regulations, all staff must be officially employed in Curaçao, which may increase administrative costs and complicate the recruitment process. Depending on the specifics of the services provided, key positions may be adjusted. This ensures that active iGaming activities are only carried out under a LOK license or will cease immediately. This structure offers regulatory coverage with relatively low administrative friction, though compliance duties remain. This “all-in-one” structure significantly simplifies the operational and compliance workload for multi-product platforms.
– Curacao license holders are barred from entering some prominent international markets. A physical server is a powerful computer that is usually stored in a data center for business-use cases. The availability of an intending licensee’s physical server in Curacao is an important requirement for obtaining a Curacao gaming license. With these adjustments, Curaçao’s gaming industry is moving towards greater legitimacy and stability. Operators who adapt to these changes will be better positioned for success in a more regulated global market. This shift not only secures compliance with new regulations but also brings important long-term benefits.
Another method is to check the footer of the casino’s website for a mark (logo) of the relevant jurisdiction (in this case, Curacao) and click on it to go to the license confirmation page. It is most likely that the link will take you to a validator address that belongs to one of the four companies holding a Curacao Master License if the operator has a Curacao online casino license. Nonetheless, since we live in a world that is not free of fraudsters, players in doubt about the gaming licence of an online gaming operator are encouraged to take the necessary verificatory steps. When you have gathered all of the aforementioned documents, your next step is to submit your application and pay the application fee for a Curacao gaming license. We have information about the Curacao gaming license cost in another section below.
Furthermore, a Curacao Master License allows the holder to operate and sublicense other companies, while the Sub-license is for single operational use by the holder. The B2C license is designed for businesses that serve end-users directly, such as online casinos, poker, sports betting, and lotteries. Egaming Curaçao is a consultancy company specializing in international business licensing and corporate solutions. We provide guidance and support for companies seeking to obtain regulatory licenses in various jurisdictions. Our services do not involve operational activities and are strictly limited to advisory and administrative assistance.
In fact, while Curacao used to be one of the cheapest places to get a gambling license (due to the sublicense structure), it is now one of the most expensive. After the application has been approved, the company pays the licensing fee which is about €61,700 annually. After the Curacao gaming license has been issued, the operator can proceed to install gaming equipment and begin your online gaming operation. This license was recently overhauled to create a more cohesive regulatory framework while also boosting the jurisdiction’s licensing reputation in the global market. Read on for a complete breakdown of the new license types, application process, compliance obligations, and operating restrictions under Curaçao’s modernized framework. Key benefits of Curacao gambling license include global recognition, favorable tax environment, and strong regulatory standards ensuring compliance and integrity.
As you begin the process of registering your company, you can also start preparing a full set of documents for your application. This includes your detailed business plan, which covers your financial plan/report, key policies, corporate structure, description of games, and technical certifications. The GCB may also require information about documents about key persons in your organization as well as software agreements you have with other providers. While operators in Curacao are still required to pay tax on their profit, the tax rate is significantly low compared to other established jurisdictions and in line with international standards. Curacao is a great gambling destination for operators especially with the recent change in legislation which is focused on promoting transparency in the licensing process. While the higher cost means it is better suited for established businesses, obtaining the Curacao license can aid your expansion into new markets.