Curaçao Gaming License – A Comprehensive Guide On How To Get Curaçao License In 2025

Since the nineties, Curaçao has been the go-to place for many casino operators. The Dutch Caribbean island has become a symbol of licensing efficiency and value by offering the most appealing package in the online gaming industry. In 2023, the jurisdiction upgraded its gambling laws, providing even more flexibility to online gaming operators and improving protection for players. 

For anyone looking to venture into online sports betting or casino software development, getting a Curacao license is a good idea for several reasons. In this post, we will explore all you need to know about obtaining a Curacao gaming license and the process for getting one. 

• The Curaçao gaming license is a permit issued by the Internet Gaming Authority (CGA) which allows operators to provide online gambling services from this jurisdiction.
• Curacao recently overhauled its gambling laws to enhance transparency and regulatory oversight.
• The licensing process for a Curacao application is split into two phases, each taking approximately 8 weeks, requiring local business registration, policy compliance, and submission of financial and operational documents.
• Curaçao offers a fast and efficient licensing process, low corporate tax rates (2% of net profit), and a single license covering multiple gambling services. 

Understanding the Curaçao Gaming License

The Curacao license is one of the top gambling licenses in the world. This license was recently overhauled to create a more cohesive regulatory framework while also boosting the jurisdiction’s licensing reputation in the global market.

If you are planning to legally conduct an online gambling business in this jurisdiction or gain access to other international markets, you need to understand the Curacao Gaming license and how to obtain it. In this section, we will explain what the Curacao online gambling license is and provide some historical context into the industry.

What Is a Curaçao Online Gambling License?

The Curacao online gambling license is a permit issued to online gambling businesses in Curacao, an independent jurisdiction that is a part of the Kingdom of Netherlands. This gambling license allows operators to provide all kinds of online gambling services to players in Curacao. The international image of this jurisdiction also grants licensed operators access to the European market and other jurisdictions all over the world. 

Curacao is a self-governing state that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which enhances its international image and opens access to European markets while maintaining its independence in creating its own laws and tax policy. Curacao now has a simple licensing structure where operators can obtain a B2B or B2C license that covers all major forms of online gambling activities. 

History and Overview of Curaçao Gaming License

Curacao has been a business haven for online gambling operators for several years. Online gaming has been formally legalized in this jurisdiction since 1993, with Curaçao enacting the National Offshore Gambling Decree. This was one of the earliest laws created to govern the gambling industry which was still quite young at the time. 

The liberal gambling law marked Curacao’s foray into the nascent online gambling industry and made it an attractive destination for operators. By 1996 the government of Curacao established the Gambling License Authority to oversee the issuance of gambling permits and monitor the industry for compliance. The Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB) was established in 1999 to oversee and regulate the entire gaming industry in this location. 

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). This changed in 2023 when the government began an overhaul of the iGaming industry with the introduction of new legislation. Curacao began to issue new licenses to online gambling companies under the new National Ordinance on Games of Chance starting in November 2024.

Key Functions and Powers of the Curaçao Gaming Control Board

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. 

The GCB (and the new GCA) perform the main function of ensuring the integrity of Curacao’s iGaming industry by issuing licenses to online gambling companies who have demonstrated their ability to comply with the set rules. In the past, this was done in line with the National Ordinance on Offshore Gambling Hazards (NOOGH). However, this legislation has now been replaced by the new Ordinance on Games of Chance which came into effect on December 24, 2024. 

Some of the responsibilities of the gambling authority in this jurisdiction are summarized below: 

• Issuing gaming licenses to operators in line with standardized regulations.
• Monitoring gaming operators, and ensuring the enforcement of relevant laws and regulations. 
• Promoting responsible gaming practices and protecting players from problem gambling. In addition to ensuring that operators implement necessary responsible gaming measures, the gambling authority also partners with relevant organizations to implement programs aimed at educating players and promoting healthy gaming habits. 
• Combating fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illegal activities in the gambling industry. 
• Investigating reports of regulation breaches and taking action in the form of fines, license revocation, or legal action. 

Types of Curaçao Gambling Licenses

Before the new legislation was introduced in 2024, Curacao’s licensing system involved two types of licenses. A master license was issued to operators who could then offer sub-licenses to others. This licensing regime ended in 2024 and Curacao now offers licenses directly to operators through a transparent and stringent system. Based on these new systems, operators can apply for a B2C or B2B license depending on their business model.

B2C (Business-to-Consumer) License

A B2C license is issued to operators who provide online gaming services directly to players. Companies that apply for this type of license include online casino operators, sports betting sites, lotteries, and other gambling services offered directly to end-users. 

B2B (Business-to-Business) License

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. 

The New License Granting Law

In 2023, Curacao initiated a complete overhaul of its gambling system, which until then had been quite liberal. The change came with the introduction of an entirely new gambling law known as the National Ordinance on Games of Chance and a rebranding of its regulatory agency (Curacao Gaming Authority). 

Some of the elements of the new gambling law include: 

• A new licensing format that replaced the previous one with a more cohesive and robust regulatory framework. 
• Greater focus on strengthening the operational requirements that operators must meet. This means operators now have to do more in terms of ensuring responsible gambling, financial stability, and enhanced player protection. 
• Based on the new law, any license applicants have to establish a local presence in Curacao. 
• Previously known for its affordable pricing policy, the cost of obtaining a Curacao license has now increased.

Expectedly, the new regulation which came into full effect towards the end of 2024 had significant implications for the gambling industry. 

The Implications for the Gaming Industry

It’s hard to say for sure what impact the new gambling laws will have on Curacao’s gambling landscape. Time is the ultimate judge of how the industry will evolve going forward due to the new regulations. However, a change towards a more secure and transparent gambling ecosystem will go a long way in enhancing player trust and the overall reputation of the entire gambling industry. This will broaden the potential user base for operators while granting them access to new markets. 

Benefits of the Curaçao Gambling License

• Relatively quick licensing process
• Great market for established operators
• One license for all services 
• Favorable tax 

Relatively Quick Licensing Process 

Curacao has a rather quick and efficient licensing process. Even with the newly updated licensing process which introduces more stringent regulations, operators will still be able to obtain their license in a timely manner as long as they meet all the requirements and submit their documents correctly. This makes the Curacao license a reasonable choice for entrepreneurs who want to go live as quickly as possible. 

Great Market for Established Operators

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. This jurisdiction is also characterized by political and economic stability, which is good for business.

One License for All Services

Unlike other licensing jurisdictions where operators have to apply for different licenses, Curacao only offers B2B or B2C licenses. This means a B2C operator can offer all kinds of gambling services including slots, live table games, bingo, lotteries, and even sports betting on a single license. This simplifies the licensing process for operators and offers a high level of flexibility for gaming companies to diversify their portfolios in the future. 

Favorable Tax

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. This reduces the operational cost for license holders. 

Licensing Requirements

Curacao is often hailed as a relatively lenient licensing jurisdiction. However, operators seeking to learn how to secure a gambling license in this jurisdiction must know that the licensing process has several requirements that must be fulfilled to secure this license. Some of these requirements include: 

• The company applying for the license is a registered company with a local presence in Curacao with at least one local representative on hand. There’s also a need to have at least one physical server within the jurisdiction. 
• Applicants must submit a detailed business description as well as a description of all the games provided by the operator. 
• The applicant must submit a confirmation of domain ownership to the GCB as part of their application.
• Operators must implement standard anti-money laundering and other crime monitoring/prevention measures to keep track of financial transactions and prevent crime.  
• License holders must uphold data security standards. They must undergo a security audit to this effect and have their hardware/software checked by an approved third party. 
• License holders must maintain a standard player account management policy, underage gaming policy, and responsible gaming policies to guide their gaming operations in line with the regulatory standards. 
• All games offered by a licensed operator must be tested and approved by an independent lab to guarantee their fairness. 

Application and Timelines

The application process for a Curacao gaming license begins online with the applicant downloading and filling out the necessary forms digitally. Once the forms have been filled, the required documents are uploaded into the application portal. 

The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has set an expected timeline of around 8 weeks for the review of an application. However, if additional documentation is required or if there are any complications, the review process can extend up to 16 weeks or more in some cases.

During this period the licensing authority reviews the license application and the documents provided to determine the applicant’s compliance with the laid down requirements. The Curacao license is issued once this review stage has been completed.

Historically, Curaçao gaming licenses were valid for one year. 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.

Curaçao Gaming License Application Process Step-by-Step

Despite newer and stricter rules, the process of applying for a Curacao application is just as straightforward as ever. For operators trying to figure out how to start an online gambling website in this jurisdiction, here are the steps to follow.

1. Company Registration

The GCB only issues licenses to companies that are registered as legal entities in Curacao. To obtain a license, offshore gaming companies have to go through the standard process of Curacao company incorporation and this includes opening a local office in Curacao. 

2. Preparing Documents 

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.  

3. Submit Application 

The Curacao gaming license application is submitted online through the Gaming Authority’s online portal. The application process involves filling out forms, uploading required documents, and paying the license application fee. 

4. Due Diligence

After the application has been submitted, the Gaming Control Board will carry out due diligence to verify the information and documents submitted by the applicant. The goal of this process is to confirm the applicant’s reputation, financial stability, security, and policies in line with regulatory standards. 

5. Approval and License Fee Payment 

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. 

Costs and Taxes Overview

With the unveiling of the new Curacao gaming license law, the cost of obtaining a license in this jurisdiction has increased significantly. 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. 

To kickstart their application, operators have to pay an application fee of €4,592 as against nothing in the past. They also need to pay a small due diligence fee of €130 to €260. The annual fee has also increased to €47,450 from €36,000. However, Curacao allows players to make payments on a monthly plan. 

Licensed operators in Curacao don’t pay value-added tax to the authorities. The only tax they pay is a simple corporate tax which is 2% of the company’s net profit. This low tax rate is favorable to companies because it allows them to maximize their profitability. 

Payment Solutions and Corporate Structure

Generally, when applying for a Curacao gaming license, it is always best to maintain a legal structure that is as simple as possible. For Curacao license holders, the implementation of payment solutions is one of the most complex aspects of the corporate structure. Curacao gambling companies usually have to partner with payment processing agents to open a corporate bank account or set up a payment gateway. The local agent is an EU company that opens a bank account and collects payments on behalf of the online casino. 

Note that the financial institution will still check the internal policies of the Curacao gambling company to ensure it is in compliance with anti-money laundry regulations before opening the account. iGaming companies in Curacao are also allowed to process payments with cryptocurrencies. In this case, the company does not need to partner with a processing agent since the online casino can collect payments directly. 

Jurisdictional Restrictions

As a prestigious, internationally recognized jurisdiction, Curacao grants operators access to several international markets with virtually no restrictions. However, companies operating under this license are prohibited from offering their services to players from the United States of America, France, Australia, Netherlands, and Curacao itself. 

Remote Gambling in Curaçao

As a mature gambling market, Curacao is a favorable jurisdiction for remote gambling operators seeking to embark on iGaming development. While the new gambling law mandates operators to establish some form of local presence in Curacao, all they have to do is register their business as a legal entity and hire at least one permanent and full-time staff as a local key person.

This will allow offshore companies to operate legally and offer their offshore games to players while operating out of this online gambling licensing jurisdiction. For more about the process of setting up a remote gambling company, read our guide on how to start a casino app. 

Ongoing Maintenance and Compliance

To maintain a Curacao license, operators must continue to comply with standard policies and procedures as established by the gambling laws. This includes anti-money laundering, KYC, and CFT regulations. Operators must also prioritize player protection with measures in place to ensure responsible gambling.

Furthermore, you will need to prepare annual reports and carry out periodic audits of your technical infrastructure and games as required by the licensing authorities. Payment of taxes and annual renewal fees are also necessary to maintain the Curacao gaming license.

Why Choose the Curaçao Gaming License?

Curacao was one of the first jurisdictions to regulate online gambling in the world. As a result, this country has one of the most robust systems for iGaming licensing characterized by a favorable registration process, affordable tax, and hassle-free process. 

Although the Curacao license is one of the most popular gambling permits in the world recognized by players and regulatory bodies worldwide, perhaps you’d like to find out more about other gambling licenses:

• Tobique gaming license
• Anjouan gaming license
• Malta gaming license
• Isle of Man gambling license
• Kahnawake gaming license
• Alderney gambling license
• Gibraltar gaming license
• UK gaming license

Key Considerations for License Applicants

To increase your chances of a successful application, you need to ensure that your business structure, business plan, and policies comply with the requirements of Curacao’s regulatory authority. 

Working with a professional software development company is also recommended. Such a partner will help you build a compliant platform while also assisting with other aspects of your operation that can affect your license application.

You should also audit and review your application thoroughly with the help of professionals to ensure compliance before proceeding with the application. For more details, read our guide on how to start an online casino business. 

Overview of the Curacao Internet Gaming Association (CIGA)

The Curacao Internet Gaming Association is the new regulatory agency created in 2023 to replace the Gaming Control Board (GCB). CIGA serves practically the same purpose as the GCB which is to act as an independent regulatory body responsible for regulating the gambling industry. However, unlike in the past when master license holders issued sub-licensing, CIGA was involved in directly issuing licenses to players.  

Benefits of CIGA Membership for Operators

As the primary regulatory organization in Curacao, CIGA is entrusted with ensuring transparency in the Curacao iGaming industry. This contributes to the integrity of operations within the industry and player trust. The CIGA also implements measures to ensure Curacao gambling license holders comply with international standards of the online gaming sector. 

Conclusion

Curacao’s regulatory landscape has been morphing over the past few years. The biggest shift in the gambling regulations has been aimed at creating a new tightly regulated gambling market with more stringent rules but improved protection for players and gaming operators.  

To get the best out of this market, it is best to partner with software development experts like CrustLab to bring your ideas to life and assist you with the process of obtaining a Curacao gaming license. Contact us for help navigating both the ethical and regulatory needs of your project.