How to Apply for a Curaçao iGaming License: Complete 2025 Guide

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. With the new AML requirements coming into effect in 2024, operators choosing the Curacao license need to find a balance between the attractive access to international markets and the demands of compliance.

Additionally, the jurisdiction’s low corporate tax rate of just 2%and zero VAT on gaming revenue make it an attractive destination for companies looking to maximize profitability. Curaçao also boasts astable political climate as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, ensuring a secure and predictable regulatory framework. Additionally, the perceived lack of strict regulatory oversight can make it harder for platforms to build trust with players and payment providers. Compliance requirements, including AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies and specialized payment processing structures, add further complexity to operations. While the Curaçao gaming license offers affordability and accessibility, operators must navigate certain challenges that come with this jurisdiction. One major drawback is its limited market acceptance, as several regulated countries, including the United States, France, and the Netherlands, do not recognize Curaçao-licensed operators.

They continue to effectively regulate traditional gaming avenues such as classic casino games, lotteries, bingo, and sports betting under the updated Curacao framework. 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. The Curacao team doled out these changes at the iGaming NEXT Valletta event in the summer of 2023 with the CGA announcement. This ushered in a big shift, replacing the pre-existing Curacao Gambling Control Board.

However, unlike in the past when master license holders issued sub-licensing, CIGA was involved in directly issuing licenses to players. With the introduction of the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK), the licensing framework is being modernised to meet international standards on compliance, responsible gaming, and corporate governance. While requirements are stricter than before, they bring greater credibility and long-term stability to licensed operators & service providers.

Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining a Curaçao Gaming License

For many years, the Curacao gaming license has been a symbol of stability and solidity for gambling businesses. Curacao — This small paradise in the southern Caribbean Sea is recognised globally for its quick, two-month licensing process, cost-efficient maintenance, and 0% tax on casino profits. Online casinos operating under a Curacao license must host their server on the island, have a local as a director, and meet other requirements.

Let’s illustrate this with an example based on the licenses issued by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. While exact figures can vary depending on the service provider, the total cost for the first year, including all application, corporate, and administrative fees, typically ranges from $25,000 to $40,000 USD. The service provider will handle this, ensuring all corporate documents, such as the Memorandum and Articles of Association, are correctly prepared and submitted. This entity will be the legal face of your operation and must be compliant with local corporate laws.

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. The B2B license is for companies that provide their services to other businesses in the gambling industry. Examples of companies that need this license include software providers, game developers, aggregator platforms, and so on.

Since late 2024, online gambling is regulated under the LOK (National Ordinance on Games of Chance) by the newly established Curaçao Gaming Authority, which oversees AML/CFT, player protection, and technical integrity. The B2C license is focused on helping gambling operators connect directly with players. It covers a multitude of player favorites, which makes it a great fit for anyone in the gambling business. As of December 24, 2024, the new National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) has officially come into effect.

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. 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).

These licenses are issued for an unlimited period of time, subject to continuous monitoring and compliance with strict regulatory requirements. Despite the significant advantages of the Curacao gambling license, it may not fully meet the requirements of some operators. Moreover, all online casino curacao licensing costs do not include preparation expenses such as obtaining the necessary certificates, setting up an office in Curacao, or legal assistance. Operation under a sub-licencePreviously, iGaming businesses could opt for cheaper sub-licences from master licence holders. This was a budget-friendly option for businesses of all sizes, allowing for a quick and relatively affordable market entry. Regarding the B2C licences, there don’t appear to be any changes on the horizon.

Key Features of the CGA License

To provide a clearer vision of ongoing reforms, we have compiled an illustrative table. This comparison emphasises the differences between the current costs of the Curacao licences and the revised fees under the new order (B2C). On the other side, there’s also the concern that new jurisdictions might impose conditions that could unsettle the market. However, such situations tend to find their equilibrium over time, and it’s quite possible that Curacao will navigate these changes smoothly.

These professionals will guide you through the entire process, assist with company formation, and prepare all the necessary documentation. Their deep knowledge of the specific requirements and connections with master license holders can significantly streamline the entire process and prevent common errors. The introduction of the LOK represents a transformative step for Curaçao’s gaming sector. By modernizing its regulatory framework, Curaçao ensures that gaming operators meet global standards while fostering a safe, transparent, and trustworthy environment for online gaming.

To maintain a Curacao license, operators must continue to comply with standard policies and procedures as established by the gambling laws. Operators must also prioritize player protection with measures in place to ensure responsible gambling. However, under the new National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) framework, licenses are now issued for an indefinite period, subject to compliance with regulatory requirements.

Documents Required

• The current licensees will be grandfathered into a new law and will not have to pay the annual fee c until the first anniversary of the new rules.
• As of December 24, 2024, the new National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) has officially come into effect.
• The upcoming year marks a big shift for the Curacao gaming authority as it tightens its regulations.
• The GCB will grant licenses to those operators that comply with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) laws.

Understand the essential GDPR requirements your business must meet to legally collect, store, and process personal data in the EU. The Curaçao license cannot accept players from the USA, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, FATF blacklisted countries and Curaçao itself. Plus there are Grey countries which are not recommended to target, but allowed to do so. A Curaçao licence has a strong reputation in the gambling industry, despite having 2 limitations.

A Curacao gaming licence, popular among operators of all levels, requires careful consideration due to its recent changes. Here in this guide, we aim to provide you with all the essential details for a thorough understanding of its current state, possibilities, and application process. Curacao’s new gambling law, the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK), has entered the Pairlament awaiting approvals from MPs.

Specific license conditions may apply to individual license holders due to particular circumstances. These will be outlined in action points, which can be accessed through the checklist in the license holder’s online gaming portal account, and will form part of the license. Curaçao provides a competitive tax rate of just 2% for online gaming operators. With no VAT, capital gains tax, or withholding tax on dividends, it remains one of the most cost-effective jurisdictions for gaming businesses. To meet the requirements of the gaming license in Curacao, operators must follow a sequence of rules. This suggests registering a company in Curacao, appointing a local representative, and providing a detailed description of the games that will be on offer.

New application forms that conform with the new law shall be published shortly and the application process shall reopen under the regulations of the new law. The new law introduces two types of licenses – B2C for end-user operators and B2B for companies serving the industry, such as software vendors. The B2B license allows such companies to cooperate with operators providing services to players while complying with the security and transparency requirements set by the Gaming Control Board (GCB). This includes software vendors, game developers, and other companies serving the gaming industry. Operators with a B2C license are required to comply with responsible gaming standards, player data protection, and anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing requirements.

Applications, evaluated according to several parameters, including identity, financial stability, and criminal record, take around 16 weeks to process. Applicants pay an initial fee, followed by an annual fee once the license is granted. It is highly recommended to engage with a corporate service provider or a reputable law firm with specific expertise in Curaçao license applications.