Licenses for online casinos,
betting, skillgaming, lotteries etc.
Full-support for gaming projects
Curaçao has been one of the leading iGaming centers within the Kingdom of the Netherlands for many years. The jurisdiction combines the international reputation with its own legal and tax systems. In late 2024, a new law regarding online gambling was implemented, called LOK (Landsverordening op de kansspelen), and the market supervision was transitioned to the new regulator, the Curaçao Gaming Authority. It is responsible for the Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements, players’ security, and operators’ technical reliability.
The old licensing model with master license and sublicenses, acting under the NOOGH law, is no longer implemented. It was replaced with the modern direct B2C and B2B licensing that allow working in multiple iGambling directions at the same time under a single license. After fulfilling the requirements, the company can get a temporary Green Seal permit while the LOK application is processed.
Legally operating under the Curaçao license requires the registration of the local company and getting necessary documents prepared. The list includes corporate documents, UBO/KYC, AML and fair game policies, technical infrastructure accounting, and the payment/testing information. After receiving the license, the operator can enter the market, while working within a more transparent regulation system and by the higher standards.
What is a Curacao gaming license
A Curaçao gaming license is a government-issued permit that authorizes a company to offer online (remote) gambling services. It is granted under Curaçao’s gaming laws (now the Landsverordening op de kansspelen of 2024) and is administered by the Curaçao Gaming Authority (formerly the Gaming Control Board). Holders may operate online casino games, sports betting, poker, lottery, bingo and similar games over the internet. In essence, the license allows a legal entity to accept real-money bets from players globally (except in prohibited jurisdictions) – the requirement is that the gaming company be incorporated in Curaçao and comply with local rules.
Whom the Curaçao license suits
Established gambling operations find that the Curaçao ecosystem aligns well with their plans if they can comply with the LOK legislation and CGA regulatory standards. Framework updates at the end of 2024 elevated the baseline entry requirements. Entities must maintain a physical footprint on the island, which demands a physical office, local leadership, and an active local server. Furthermore, directors and stakeholders must pass exhaustive background checks. Businesses must also implement strict anti-money laundering and identity verification protocols.
Annual fees for B2C setups grew substantially during this overhaul. Consequently, small startups with restricted funds cannot easily use this jurisdiction as a primary option. The framework serves well-capitalized enterprises with dedicated compliance teams and solid business models. These operations typically target global markets via .com domains and possess the technical capacity to block restricted regions.
Scope of permitted activities
The Curaçao gaming license authorizes remote gambling services. It covers essentially every iGaming activity – online casinos, sports betting, lottery, live dealer games, poker, eSports betting, scratch cards, etc. – under one umbrella license. In the new framework, B2C licenses (Business-to-Consumer) are issued to operators dealing directly with players, while B2B licenses cover gaming suppliers (software providers, platform developers, payment processors, etc.). For a Curaçao licensee, the guiding principle is that “what is not explicitly prohibited is permitted.” In effect, as long as the games offered are within the licensed scope (games of chance), most gambling-related activities are allowed. Any activities outside this scope (unlicensed services) are not permitted on the licensed platform.
Curacao Gambling License Factsheet
Below is a table with up-to-date data on the key parameters of the Curaçao license (under the new Law on Games of Chance – LOK), including processing times, fees, and requirements:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| License processing time | 6-8 months |
| Application fee | B2C: €4 592 + due diligence fees (per person) B2B: €4 592 Due diligence breakdown: €150 per UBO applicant; €128 per qualifying shareholder; €2 551 for UBOs listed on a stock exchange |
| Annual renewal fee | B2C: €47 450 per year (including €24 490 to the treasury and €22 960 to the regulator) B2B: €24 490 per year |
| Minimum capital requirement | No specific minimum capital requirement |
| Tax on profit | 2% corporate income tax on net profit (if structured under the e-zone/export regime); no VAT and no GGR tax |
| Resident representative | Yes - at least one resident managing director is required |
| Office requirement | Yes - a locally incorporated legal entity is required |
| Server location requirement | Yes - at least one physical server must be located in Curaçao |
| Number of domains | B2C: unlimited number of domains (each additional domain - €250/year) B2B: not applicable |
| Markets | Global ".com" markets |
| Restricted countries | USA, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, Curaçao, and jurisdictions blacklisted by the FATF |
| AML/KYC requirements | Mandatory AML/CFT, KYC, and responsible gaming policies (regular internal audits and reporting) |
Benefits of the Curacao gambling license
The Curacao online gaming license has a number of advantages that make it one of the most popular solutions for online gambling operators:
- Fast and affordable registration. To obtain a Curacao license is easier and faster than in many other jurisdictions. If the company submits a full package of documents, the process usually takes about 6–8 months. The Curacao gaming license cost of registration also remains competitive: even taking into account the new LOK requirements, it is usually lower than in most European countries. That is why Curacao is often chosen for rapid review of applications and moderate expenses.
- Simple and clear process. Despite the update of regulatory requirements, the procedure for obtaining a license is not overly complicated. From the applicant, a standard package of corporate documents, financial reporting, and compliance policies are expected. Submission of the application happens online, and if necessary, one can use the services of specialized consultants who accompany the process from start to finish.
- One license — all types of online gambling. Unlike many other jurisdictions where separate permits are required for different areas of activity, the Curacao license covers all types of remote gambling. Under one license, one can legally offer online casinos, sports betting, poker, lotteries, bingo, slots, table games, live casino, and other products. In addition, the operator can launch several sites or domains without the need to obtain additional licenses, which significantly simplifies the scaling of the business.
- Advantageous tax environment. One of the main advantages of Curacao is the absence of tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR). Companies pay income tax, however, thanks to the specifics of the local tax system, the effective rate often remains very low. This allows operators to retain most of the received income and more effectively develop the business.
Although new companies can also obtain the license, operators who already have experience working in the market will appreciate its advantages the most. The Curacao online gaming license is well known in the online gambling industry and increases trust from players, partners, and payment services. After the reforms of 2023–2024, regulatory requirements became stricter, which even further strengthened the reputation of Curacao as a reliable and modern jurisdiction.
Disadvantages of the Curacao gambling license
Despite its advantages, the Curaçao license has some drawbacks:
- Lower prestige. It generally carries less prestige and regulatory weight than licenses from major EU jurisdictions (Malta, Gibraltar, etc.). Some financial institutions and payment providers may view it as a “grey-market” license. Certain countries (e.g. USA, UK, most of Europe) do not recognize Curaçao licenses, so operators must geo-block those markets to stay legal.
- Rising Curacao online gambling license cost and oversight. In recent years Curaçao has tightened its rules. Annual fees have increased (to roughly €20–25k per year), and compliance requirements (local substance, reporting, etc.) have grown more stringent. Companies seeking only a quick and minimal entry may find Curaçao less “easy” than in the past.
- Sublicense phase-out. White-label or sublicense arrangements (common under the old master license system) are being phased out. Any operator relying on an existing sublicense must convert to a direct B2C license, which can add complexity (see “Types of License” and “Updates” below).
Types of gambling license in Curacao
Under the new regime, Curaçao issues two main license types:
- B2C Operator License: For companies offering gambling services directly to players (business-to-consumer). This includes online casinos, sportsbook operators, poker rooms, lotteries, bingo sites and the like. B2C licensees interact with end users and handle betting/wager flows.
- B2B Supplier License: For companies that support or service gaming operators (business-to-business). This covers game developers, platform providers, payment processors, affiliate networks, and other vendors. B2B licensees do not deal with the players directly; they supply technology or services to licensed operators.
White-label & sublicensing (legacy/transition): Prior to 2023, Curaçao used a master-license model with master license holders issuing sublicenses (often called “white-labels”) to others. That system is now abolished. All sublicenses have been revoked and the last master license expired on Jan 31, 2025. No new sublicenses are granted under LOK. During the transition, existing sublicensees had to apply for a standard B2C license to continue operations. After the transition period, all operators must hold a direct CGA license (B2C or B2B as appropriate).
Requirements for obtaining a Curacao gambling license
Before obtaining a Curacao online gaming license, an operator must meet a number of regulatory, legal, and technical requirements. The main ones are:
- Corporate structure & local presence. The gambling company must be incorporated in Curaçao (typically as an International Business Company). The law now requires economic substance: operators must have a real office address and a minimum number of Curaçao-resident employees and directors. A local manager or director and a registered office are mandatory.
- Fit-and-proper checks & UBO disclosure. All owners, directors, and key employees undergo a fit and proper check. For this purpose, certificates of no criminal record are submitted, as well as documents confirming the financial reputation of managers and ultimate beneficial owners. The regulator assesses whether they meet integrity requirements: individuals with a criminal record or serious financial problems cannot receive approval. In addition, it is necessary to fully disclose information about all ultimate beneficiaries, and special attention is paid to those who directly or indirectly own 10% or more of the company.
- Technical infrastructure & hosting. The gaming platform must operate on servers located in Curaçao or approved by the regulator. The infrastructure must be reliable, with server redundancy to ensure uninterrupted service operation and a fast connection. Long-term outages or security breaches can become grounds for claims by the regulator. In many cases, a backup (mirror) server in Curaçao is also required.
- Information security & data protection. Strong IT security is essential. Gaming software must use certified random-number generators (RNGs) and be audited for fairness. All player data must be encrypted and protected according to industry standards (e.g. SSL/TLS, ISO27001 practices recommended). Regular security audits and updates are implied.
- AML/KYC & responsible gambling policies. Curaçao legislation obliges operators to implement anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures. This involves identifying players, collecting identity documents, as well as monitoring financial transactions to detect suspicious activity. In addition, the operator must provide responsible gaming mechanisms: age verification, the possibility of self-limitation or self-exclusion, setting betting limits, etc. Written AML and responsible gaming policies are submitted along with the Curacao online gaming license application and must be implemented on an ongoing basis.
- Internal controls, risk & compliance manuals. The company must develop internal documentation describing the system of control, risk management, anti-fraud procedures, and ensuring compliance with legislative requirements. The regulator analyzes these documents during the review of the application. The applicant is expected to have an effective system of corporate governance, in particular, the distribution of powers among employees, maintaining audit logs, and other internal control mechanisms.
- Game testing & RNG certification. All games, both of own development and from third-party providers, must undergo certification. Usually, the operator provides documents confirming the verification of game logic and the random number generator by independent accredited laboratories (for example, GLI or BMM). In some cases, new games must also undergo additional testing before launch.
- Banking & payment processing setup. An operator needs a corporate bank account and payment processing ready before launch. In practice, Curaçao licensees often set up a payment agent or branch to handle gaming transactions. While licensing itself is handled first, companies usually secure merchant accounts and gateway connections in parallel. (Some experts advise having a payment or crypto-processing solution lined up in advance to avoid delays in going live.)
Curacao online gambling license cost and taxes in 2026
The Curacao gaming license cost includes government fees and professional expenses:
- Government fees. During the submission of an application to the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), it is necessary to pay a non-refundable registration fee — around 4,600 euros. Separately, the costs for checking (due diligence) each director or other representative of the company are paid.
- Annual Curacao gaming license cost. After approval of the application, the operator pays both regulatory fees and mandatory professional maintenance costs. Annual license fees total 47,450 Euros, which includes a State Treasury annual fee of 24,490 Euros and a CGA annual supervision fee of 22,960 Euros. Also, regular mandatory expenses exist, in particular, regarding a local director, company maintenance, legal support, and UBO compliance — amount to 19,550 Euros (with annual financial statement preparation calculated separately based on time spent). In general, annual maintenance of the license usually costs at least 67,000 Euros.
- Taxes. Curaçao uses a territorial tax system. In practice, operators can organize the payment structure so that most of the income is distributed in the form of dividends. Thanks to this, the effective corporate tax rate can be around 2%. An important advantage of the jurisdiction is the absence of a tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR). The tax is paid only from net profit, and low tax rates make the overall tax burden one of the lowest among popular gambling jurisdictions.
- Additional Curacao gaming license costs. Besides government payments, it is worth considering costs for third-party services. For example:
- Testing and certification of the random number generator (RNG) — approximately 2,500 euros;
- Hosting and IT infrastructure — from 3,000 euros per year;
- Accounting and legal support;
- Preparation of compliance documentation and consulting services.
Depending on the scale of the business, these Curacao online gambling license costs can significantly differ.
- What budget is needed in the first year. On average, a company should count on the following starting costs:
- Professional fees:
- Incorporation of a Company (Company Registration Professional fee, Annual Registered Address fee, FIU Registration fee, Chamber of Commerce fee, Annual UBO Compliance KYC Review fee) – EUR 8,690.
- Annual Management Fee (Local Director) — EUR 7,970.
- Internal compliance of documents, legal support throughout the licensing process, preparation of an application, communication with the regulator, assistance in conducting a technical audit, and drawing up the policies for the project — EUR 9,140.
Subtotal (Professional fees): EUR 25,800.
- License fees:
- License application processing fees:
- License application processing fee — EUR 4,592
- UBO application processing fee — EUR 150 for each UBO
- Holder of a qualifying holding application processing fee – EUR 150 for each holder
- Listed UBO application processing fee — EUR 2,551 for each listed UBO
- Annual license fees:
- CGA annual supervision fee — EUR 22,960
- State Treasury annual fee — EUR 24,490
Subtotal (License fees): EUR 52,042 + UBO application processing fees (depends on the corporate structure)
- Total 1-year fees: EUR 77,842 + UBO application processing fees.
In conclusion, the first-year budget usually amounts to 30,000–40,000 euros or more, depending on the structure of the company and the volume of activity. Before submitting documents, it is worth obtaining an individual Curacao online gambling license cost calculation, because new requirements for licensing and physical presence in Curaçao can substantially affect the total budget.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Pre-application scoping & timeline | Consult with advisors to define business model and timeline; typically licensing takes 6–8 months from start to finish. |
| 2. Register a Curaçao company | Incorporate a local entity (IBC) in Curaçao and appoint at least one local director or corporate service provider. |
| 3. Prepare and organize documents | Collect all required documentation: corporate records, shareholder and officer IDs, police clearances, bank references, policies (AML/KYC, responsible gaming), software certifications, etc. |
| 4. Submit application through CGA portal | Apply online via the Curaçao Gaming Authority portal, uploading the application forms and all supporting documents; pay the application fee. |
| 5. Verification, interviews & due diligence | The CGA conducts background checks on the company’s owners and key personnel, and may interview directors. Respond to any inquiries or requests for additional information. |
| 6. Pay the license fee | Upon provisional approval, the operator pays the annual licensing fee (and any remaining government levies) to finalize the grant of the license. |
| 7. Installation and inspection of gaming equipment | Set up the gaming platform, network and IT systems in Curaçao. The regulator may inspect the technical setup or request proof that the system meets regulatory standards. |
| 8. Sandbox/soft launch & go-live approval | Often operators perform a soft launch (with limited customers) to demonstrate compliance. Once CGA is satisfied, it issues the full license allowing public operation. |
| 9. Regular reporting and license renewal | After launch, the company submits periodic reports to the CGA (financial/AML reports, audits) and applies for renewal before the 12-month expiry. |
Process for Obtaining and Maintaining a Gambling License in Curaçao
Obtaining a license is only the first step. To maintain its validity, the operator must constantly meet the requirements of the regulator.
- Regular reporting. Licensees are required to submit financial reports, annual audit results, anti-money laundering (AML) documents, and other mandatory reports to the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) according to a set schedule. To avoid missing deadlines, companies usually keep a separate reporting calendar.
- Independent audit and testing. The company must regularly undergo independent audits. This applies to both financial audits and the testing of gaming software, in particular the random number generator (RNG), to confirm the fairness of the games. If necessary, the CGA may require additional checks or certification.
- Change management. Any important changes in the company’s activities must be agreed with the regulator in advance. This applies to changes in owners, management, key employees, as well as the launch of new types of gambling or products. The operator must also notify the CGA of changes in the corporate structure or the assortment of games.
- Player protection and complaint handling. Licensees must ensure effective user protection and a transparent mechanism for handling appeals. For this purpose, responsible gaming tools are implemented, including self-limitation, deposit limits, and other means of control. In addition, the operator must clearly describe the dispute resolution procedure and, in accordance with the new requirements, publicly disclose information about the chances of winning and the rules for handling complaints.
Renewal of a Curacao gaming license
The Curaçao license is issued for a period of one year. To renew it, the operator must submit an updated package of documents through the CGA portal and pay the renewal fee before the expiration date.
Before making a decision, the regulator may check whether the company complied with the requirements during the previous year. In particular, financial statements, audit results, the history of compliance with regulatory requirements, and the number of complaints from players are evaluated. If the license is not renewed on time, its operation may be suspended.
Suspension or revocation of a Curacao gaming license
The CGA has the right to temporarily suspend or completely revoke a license if an operator violates the law or licensing conditions.
Grounds can be serious violations, including money laundering, fraud, allowing minors to gamble, failure to pay mandatory fees, bankruptcy, or systematic non-compliance with the regulator’s requirements.
In case of suspected violations, the CGA can immediately suspend the company’s activities until the verification is completed. If the operator does not eliminate the violation within the established timeframe, the license can be permanently canceled. The new legislation of Curaçao provides for significantly stricter control aimed at protecting players and maintaining the reputation of the jurisdiction.
Updates to Curacao gambling license in 2025–2026
In 2023–2024, Curaçao completely reformed its gambling regulation system. On December 24, 2024, a new law, Landsverordening op de kansspelen (LOK), came into force, replacing the previous law on offshore gambling that had been in effect since 1993. Main changes:
- New regulator — CGA. The former Gaming Control Board (GCB) was reorganized into an independent body, the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), which operates under the control of the Ministry of Finance. From now on, it is the CGA that independently issues all gambling licenses through its own online portal. Licenses are divided into B2B and B2C and are valid for one year with the possibility of annual renewal.
- Abolition of the sublicense system. The old model with master licenses and sublicenses gradually ceased to exist. Starting from the end of 2023, all sublicense holders had to switch to standard B2C licenses. From January 31, 2025, all sublicenses officially lost their validity. During the transition period, companies received temporary “green” or “orange” licenses depending on the stage of review of the application. After the completion of the reform, only licenses issued directly by the CGA remained valid.
- New requirements for operators. The law introduced stricter rules regarding the actual presence of the business in Curaçao. Companies must open a local office, hire employees on the island, and meet enhanced requirements in the field of anti-money laundering (AML). Among the key stages of the reform were:
- July 17, 2023 — announcement of the new licensing model;
- November 15, 2023 — start of accepting applications under the new rules;
- April–September 2024 — phased transition of current operators to the new system.
In the future, Curaçao licensees will operate in a more transparent regulatory environment: an open registry of licenses will operate, operators are obliged to disclose the RTP of their games, and control by the regulator will become much stricter.
Who issues Curacao sublicenses?
How it was before. Before the reform, the Ministry of Justice of Curaçao issued several five-year master licenses to private companies. Their owners could grant sublicenses to other operators under the white label model. It was through such owners that most new online casinos and bookmakers received the right to operate. This allowed quick entry into the market, but significantly limited state control.
Current status under CGA: Under the new LOK law, there is no issuance of sublicenses. The Curaçao Gaming Authority now directly issues B2B or B2C licenses to operators. All existing sublicenses have been cancelled. Therefore, today any Curaçao-licensed casino or betting site holds a license granted by the CGA itself, not by a third-party master license holder.
Why the Curacao online gaming license is ideal for startups
For entrepreneurs launching an online casino or bookmaker business, Curaçao remains one of the most attractive options.
- Quick acquisition of a license. The licensing procedure takes only a few months, which is significantly faster compared to many other jurisdictions. Despite a thorough check of documents, the process remains clear even for small companies.
- Moderate Curacao gaming license cost. The Curacao online gambling license cost of obtaining and annually renewing is relatively low. This allows startups to save more funds for business development. An additional advantage is the ability to work with cryptocurrencies, which helps reduce payment costs.
- One license — different lines of activity. The Curaçao license allows working in several gambling segments at once. A company can start with an online casino and later, without obtaining separate permits, add sports betting, poker, lotteries, or other products.
- Favorable taxation. In Curaçao, gross gambling income is not taxed. Tax is paid only on net profit at a relatively low rate, which gives young companies more opportunities to invest in development.
- Recognition in the industry. Although the Curaçao license is not among the most prestigious in the world, it is well known among operators, partners, and players. For a new brand, this helps to quickly gain trust in the international market.
In addition, the regulatory system of Curaçao is gradually approaching international standards. Therefore, the presence of a valid license increasingly indicates a company’s serious approach to compliance with legislative requirements. For many startups, it becomes a convenient starting pad before entering markets with stricter regulation.
FAQ
What is a Curacao gambling license?
Curacao is one of the most well-known and reputable jurisdictions globally for launching online casinos and sportsbooks. The license allows operators to conduct gambling business legally, support cryptocurrency payments, and access international markets. It is considered a “gold standard” for startups due to its versatility and high level of acceptance among top-tier gaming software providers and payment processors.
Why do gambling operators choose Curacao?
The primary advantages are the relatively quick licensing process, crypto-friendly environment, and favorable tax regime. Unlike many European jurisdictions, Curacao offers more flexible conditions for new projects, allowing operators to cover almost all types of gambling (casinos, slots, sports betting, lotteries) under a single license, which significantly simplifies business scaling.
How has the regulatory environment in Curacao changed recently?
The jurisdiction is transitioning from the old “master license” model to a more rigorous direct licensing system overseen by the Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB). The regulator now directly vets applicants and imposes clearer requirements regarding compliance and player protection. This shift is designed to enhance the credibility of Curacao licensees among banking institutions and global partners.
What are the main requirements for a licensee in Curacao?
To obtain a license, you must incorporate a company in Curacao, establish a physical presence, and appoint a local representative. Operators are required to implement robust data protection systems, enforce strict Know Your Customer (KYC) user verification, and maintain Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies. Furthermore, you must provide proof of certified gaming software that has undergone audits to ensure the fairness of Random Number Generators (RNG).
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