Curaçao License

The Curaçao Gaming License is one of the oldest and most respected licenses globally, used by online gambling operators since 1996. Curaçao, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, began the regulation of the gaming industry in 1993 with the introduction of the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH). This legislation became one of the world’s first to govern online gambling, thus establishing Curaçao as a pioneer in this domain.

Key Stages of Development:

• 1993: Enactment of the NOOGH, legalizing online gambling.
• 1996: Commencement of license issuance through the establishment of the Gambling Licensing Authority.
• 1999: Establishment of the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) for oversight of the gambling industry.
• 2001: Creation of the Curaçao Internet Gaming Association to ensure operators’ compliance with regulatory requirements.
• 2023–2024: Licensing reform, introduction of the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (Landsverordening op de Kansspelen, LOK), and abolition of the master and sub-license system.

Until 2023, the licensing system in Curaçao was based on two types of licenses: master licenses issued by the Ministry of Justice and sub-licenses granted by four master license holders. A comprehensive reform commenced in 2023 aimed at enhancing transparency, broadening oversight, and ensuring compliance with international standards. Effective from December 2024, the LOK came into force, centralizing the issuance of licenses under the management of the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA).

The CGA is responsible for regulating both online and land-based gambling, combating money laundering (AML/CFT), protecting players, and preventing gambling addiction. These reforms have elevated Curaçao’s reputation as a reliable jurisdiction while maintaining the accessibility and flexibility of the licensing process.

Issuance of gambling licenses in 2025.

With the introduction of the LOK in December 2024, the licensing process has become more stringent while retaining its appeal for operators. New licenses are issued directly by the CGA through an online portal, streamlining the application process. In 2025, the issuance of both B2C (for operators engaging with end consumers) and B2B (for service providers such as game developers and payment systems) licenses is planned.

Main Changes in 2025:

• Abolition of the sublicensing system: each operator must obtain its own license.
• Introduction of an annual licensing fee of 96,000 ANG (approximately 49,000 EUR), payable monthly (8,000 ANG).
• Additional domain fees: 500 ANG for each additional domain, capped at 100,000 ANG per year.
• Mandatory establishment of a registered office in Curaçao and a local representative.
• Stricter requirements for AML/CFT, responsible gaming, and player data protection.

Applications submitted before December 24, 2024, were processed under the NOOGH regulations, whereas those submitted after this date are governed by the LOK. Existing NOOGH licenses are automatically converted into temporary LOK licenses for a duration of up to six months, with the possibility of extending for an additional six months.

Licensing Structure

The Curaçao license is a universal authorization that encompasses all forms of online gambling: casinos, sports betting, poker, lotteries, bingo, and other games. This distinguishes Curaçao from jurisdictions that require separate licenses for each type of activity. The new LOK structure provides for two types of licenses:

• B2C: for operators providing services directly to players.
• B2B: for software providers, platforms, and payment solutions.

Each license is tied to the domains specified in the application and requires approval from the CGA. Operators may utilize up to 40 primary domains, with additional domains subject to a fee.

Obtainment Process

Obtaining a Curaçao license in 2025 involves the following stages:

• Company registration: The applicant must register a legal entity in Curaçao, establish a local office, and appoint a local managing director.
• Application submission: Forms are submitted through the CGA online portal, including:
  • Personal History Disclosure Form (information regarding beneficiaries and key individuals).
  • Corporate and Business Disclosure Form (details about the company and sources of funding).
• Documentation verification: The CGA conducts a two-stage verification process:
  • Pre-licensing phase: Analysis of the company’s reputation, financial stability, and business plan.
  • Post-licensing phase: Audit of procedures within six months following the issuance of the license.
• License issuance: Upon meeting the requirements, a provisional license valid for six months or a full license for an indefinite term (subject to compliance with regulations) is granted.

The process takes between 2 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the application and the completeness of the submitted documents. The cost varies, but includes the licensing fee as well as additional expenses for auditing, technical infrastructure, and legal support.

Technical Requirements

The operators must conform to stringent technical standards:

• The utilization of certified software (e.g., platforms with GLI-19 certification).
• Regular maintenance of equipment and programs.
• Protection of players’ personal data in accordance with the National Data Protection Act.
• Ensuring the uninterrupted operation of gaming platforms.
• Integration with CGA monitoring systems for tracking transactions and gaming activity.

All games must be tested for fairness and compliance with RNG (random number generator) standards.

Financial Obligations

Licensees in Curacao encounter minimal financial requirements.:

• License fee: 96,000 ANG per year.
• Domain fees: 500 ANG for each additional domain.
• Taxes: The corporate tax rate is merely 2%, with no VAT, sales tax, or withholding tax applicable.
• Financial stability: Operators must demonstrate the presence of liquid assets to cover prize payouts.

These conditions render Curacao one of the most economically advantageous jurisdictions for the gambling industry.

Player Protection

LOK strengthens player protection measures:

• Identity Verification: Mandatory registration and verification of players.
• Self-Exclusion: Tools to restrict access to games.
• Responsible Gaming: Operators must provide information on gambling addiction and offer resources for assistance.
• Protection of Minors: Prohibition of participation by individuals under the age of 18.
• Transparency: Publication of rules, conditions, and procedures for dispute resolution on the operator’s website.

Control and Oversight

CGA conducts continuous oversight of its licensees:

• Regular audits of operational and financial processes.
• Verification of compliance with AML/CFT regulations and responsible gaming practices.
• Real-time monitoring of transactions through the online portal.
• Investigation of player complaints and prompt response to violations.

International Acclaim

The license of Curaçao is recognized in numerous countries due to its flexibility and affordability. However, it is not accepted in certain jurisdictions, such as the United States, the Netherlands, France, Australia, and Curaçao itself. However, operators that bare this license can operate in most countries where online gambling is not prohibited, thereby ensuring a global reach.

Operator Responsibility

Licensees must:

• Comply with AML/CFT regulations, including registration in the goAML system.
• Prevent fraud and money laundering.
• Ensure the integrity of games and the security of transactions.
• Resolve disputes with players in a timely manner.
• Maintain a local presence in Curacao.

Penal Sanctions

A violation of the license conditions results in:

• Financial penalties.
• Suspension or revocation of the license.
• Prohibition on reapplying for the license.
• Criminal liability in the case of severe violations, such as money laundering.

System Enhancement

CGA is actively enhancing the licensing system through:

• Digitalization of processes through an online portal.
• Use of emerging technologies, including blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
• Enhancement of cybersecurity and data protection standards.
• Expansion of measures for responsible gaming.
• Streamlining procedures for startups.

Impact on the Market

The Curaçao license has played a pivotal role in the development of the global gambling market by:

• Attracting hundreds of operators through low costs and flexibility.
• Fostering a competitive environment for both startups and large corporations.
• Generating tax revenues for the economy of Curaçao.
• Supporting innovations such as cryptocurrency casinos.
• Strengthening Curaçao’s reputation as a gambling hub.

A Little Bit of Statistics

• As of 2024, Curaçao licenses over 450 online casinos.
• The revenue generated by the gambling sector in Curaçao accounts for approximately 1% of the country’s GDP.
• The average cost of obtaining a license, including fees and legal expenses, ranges from €20,000 to €50,000.
• Around 60% of operators with a Curaçao license utilize cryptocurrencies.
• It is anticipated that by 2028, the online gambling market within the jurisdiction will experience a 15% growth due to reforms in LOK.

Prospects

The licensing system of Curaçao continues to evolve in the following directions:

• Enhancement of international cooperation to ensure the recognition of Curaçao’s license in new jurisdictions.
• Integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, for monitoring purposes.
• Expansion of measures aimed at player protection and combat against gambling addiction.
• Streamlining of procedures for small and medium-sized operators.
• Elevation of the jurisdiction’s reputation through stringent oversight and transparency.

Conclusion

The license of Curaçao remains as one of the most favourable options for online gambling operators, owing to its accessibility, flexibility, and global reach. The reforms of 2023–2024, including the introduction of the LOK and enhanced regulatory oversight, have bolstered the jurisdiction’s reputation while preserving its competitive advantages. This delicate balance between stringent standards and economic benefits positions Curaçao as an ideal choice for both startups and established operators aspiring to thrive in the global gaming market.