Gambling license in Curacao

If you are looking for a jurisdiction to launch a gambling project, experts from SBSB Fintech Lawyers recommend choosing those that have established themselves positively in the iGaming industry. The Curacao gambling license is considered one of the most accessible and popular options for entering the international market.

Regulation of Curacao Gambling Industry

The island nation in the Caribbean Sea was one of the first to issue licenses for online games. Since the licensing procedure in this jurisdiction is considered more accessible and easier, many investors choose it. Several structures regulate the gambling sphere, including the Ministry of Finance and Gaming Control Board. Curacao gambling laws include legislative acts on lotteries, bingo, and responsible gaming guidelines. Operators are required to follow the provisions of the Law on Reporting Unusual Transactions (LMOT) and report potentially suspicious transactions.

Three types of licenses can be obtained in the jurisdiction:

• Master License. It is considered basic and very difficult to obtain. To date, only four organizations have been able to obtain it. Its holders have the right to issue sub-licenses to other companies. The decision to issue it is made directly by the Ministry of Justice. It is valid for 5 years;
• Sub-license. Such a Curacao gambling licence is issued to holders of master licenses. It is valid for the same period as the master license. The decision allows working with the infrastructure and technical support of the main licensee, which significantly speeds up the launch of your own project.
• Gaming Control Board License. The permit that has been issued under the current regulation allows for future compliance with the new LOK legislation. Only holders of this license will be able to continue to operate smoothly in Curaçao after the new regulation comes into force. 

Advantages of Curacao Gambling License

A license allows a business to operate within the legal framework. There are several reasons why SBSB lawyers recommend the Curacao jurisdiction:

• favorable tax regime and lower registration costs than in other countries;
• no strict requirements for authorized capital and physical office (regarding the latter aspect, the regulators’ requirements may change in the near future);
• the gambling license in Curacao covers all types of iGaming, including sports betting, slots, blackjack, poker, and other games;
• a fairly quick licensing process, the possibility of remote registration, and clear and transparent regulation, valued by both major businesses and startups.

Please note that it is not recommended to operate with this license in some countries (Australia, Great Britain, France, Spain, the Netherlands, the USA, and others). Providing services in Curacao is also prohibited.

How Licensing Procedure Works. Curacao Gaming License Requirements

Each applicant must pass several stages. The process of obtaining a Curacao online gaming license is as follows:

• obtaining a legal address after the establishment and registration of the organization (N.V. or B.V.);
• preparation of a detailed description of games, adding policies and terms to the website, domain registration;
• obtaining an RNG certificate, which confirms the transparency of gambling decisions;
• appointment of a director;
• submission of an application and documents for obtaining a license.

Among the mandatory requirements for obtaining a Curaçao gaming license is the need to hire a local CEO for the company. At least one server must be physically located on the territory of the island. The operator must also ensure the conduct of a technical audit of software and gaming systems.

The following documents are requires to initiate the licensing process:

• data on directors and shareholders (CVs, certificates of no criminal record, passport details, evidence of the legal origin of finances);
• corporate documentation (confirmation of domain registration, business plan);
• developed policies and procedures for the project (AML/CTF, KYC, Terms & Conditions, Refund & Return Policy, Responsible Gaming Policy).

For more detailed information on requirements, you can contact SBSB specialists. Contact us, and we will answer all your questions!

Curacao Gaming License Cost

This decision is often chosen by startups that want to enter the international market but have limited initial capital. Contact our team to find the best solution for your project and get acquainted with the exact Curacao gaming license price. Its cost depends on several factors — the type of permit, expenses for payment of state duty, and a complex of additional legal services (preparation of policies, opening a corporate bank account, etc.).

Contact SBSB Fintech Lawyers experts to obtain Online gambling licenses in Curacao

Since 2013, the SBSB Fintech Lawyers team has been working on international fintech, crypto, and gambling projects in different regions of the world. We help clients choose the optimal jurisdiction, taking into account the requirements of regulatory bodies and the features of each company’s business model. Our experts provide comprehensive legal support at all stages of project launch, including after successful licensing. SBSB experts handle all organizational and bureaucratic issues for clients.

Our lawyers will help you get a gaming Curacao license, providing turnkey services — from consultations to connecting merchant accounts. The assistance of qualified specialists reduces the risk of errors in document preparation and speeds up the licensing process, allowing you to quickly launch your business.