Curacao gaming license in 2025 GFLO Consultancy

The new Curacao licensing framework offers several advantages over the previous system. The direct licensing approach adds to Curacao’s market legitimacy and reputation by introducing stricter regulatory standards and eliminating the opaque master/sub-license system. This improved reputation benefits operators when establishing relationships with banks, payment processors, and potential business partners. The Curacao igaming license, which has earned widespread recognition among operators of all sizes, has undergone significant changes recently.

• We acknowledge the importance of the information provided for a comprehensive understanding of the license fees under both legislations.
• Previous Sub-licence StructureThe former system allowed businesses to operate under master licence holders through sub-licences.
• WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), the governing body for overseeing the gaming industry, has recently disclosed that the annual fee for an online casino license in Curaçao is about $53,000.
• Designed for companies that provide services and technology to B2C operators.
• These changes apply to all licensed operators, including those transitioning from sub-licenses under the NOOGH legislation.

A significant transformation occurred in 2023 when the license-sharing system was discontinued. The jurisdiction introduced a new licensing format under the supervision of the Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA). This restructuring, prompted by a Dutch proposal, aimed to establish a more unified regulatory framework and enhance the jurisdiction’s reputation in the igaming services Curacao sector. The Curacao eGaming license is recognized in a number of countries around the world as a valid and reputable license for online gaming businesses. Keep in mind that our fees are subject to change, as they incorporate costs from third-party service providers and government fees, which may vary over time.

Obtaining the master Curacao gaming license

We offer a variety of payment methods to accommodate operators worldwide, ensuring secure and hassle-free transactions. Under the current legislation, licences are considered operating licences only, with no separate B2C and B2B categorisation. The LOK also mandates that all entities, including those directly interacting with players and those facilitating B2C operations, must hold a B2C license. A non-refundable application fee must be paid to the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) before submission of your business documentation.

Business Plan for Curaçao Gaming License Applications

Only companies registered in Curacao can be approved as holders of a sub-license. Let our expert team take care of the necessary procedures to obtain the license, set up your company, payments and banking accounts. Curacao sub-licenses can be on-sold by the owner of a single master license and are valid as long as the master license remains valid. Curacao master licenses are valid for five years, and only four master licenses have been issued by the Minister of Justice since 1996.

Curacao is well-matched to operators pursuing growth in markets with limited or evolving regulation. If your growth plan does not depend on Tier 1 payment providers, EU market access, or institutional funding, this licence gets you live faster and with lower overhead. While change can be challenging, these updates create a more stable operating environment for your business.

These tax incentives, combined with the regulatory reforms, cement Curacao’s position as a cost-effective hub for iGaming operators seeking a balance between taxation benefits and regulatory compliance. Currently, Curacao stands as one of the top choices among jurisdictions for acquiring gaming licenses. The simplicity of obtaining a Curacao gaming license and its favorable tax conditions make it an appealing choice for numerous entrepreneurs. The single licence has no application fee, an annual fee of €18,500 and a monthly fee of €3,600. However, B2B licenses will not incur monthly fees, and domain numbers are not applicable for these licenses. In total, a lean Curacao operation in its first year will typically require between €55,000 and €80,000.

Let’s talk about how we can help you build a stronger, future-proof gaming business.

Curaçao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which gives it political stability and international recognition, key for operating online casinos globally. The goal of the new framework was to establish a more comprehensive regulatory framework. This helped improve the jurisdiction’s reputation on the international stage.

As well, there is a voluntary international standards group, known as the International Association of Gaming Regulators, that promotes the efficiency and effectiveness of gaming regulation through cooperation and liaison. The GCB will announce when the portal will begin accepting applications under the LOK framework. Timelines depend on documentation completeness, technical readiness, and regulator workload. Typical cases range from several weeks to a few months.We front-load due diligence and structure to keep the process as fast and predictable as possible. The decision-making process typically takes two months from the date of receiving all the necessary documents and your application. As of September 1, 2023, significant changes have occurred in Curacao’s gaming legislation.

The announcement highlights the flexibility of the fee structure for domains, emphasizing the unlimited number of domains available for a specified curacao casino license annual fee. Recently, the license fees for online gaming licenses issued directly by Curacao’s Gaming Control Board have been disclosed. If you are planning to legally conduct a gambling business in one of the most reputable jurisdictions for this direction, a Curacao gambling license will be the best choice. You will need to register a company in Curacao, prepare the necessary package of documents, pay license fees, and meet a number of requirements of the regulator.

Since 1996, and even before that, the country has made a lot of changes in its jurisdiction, law, and regulations. The country has been issuing licenses since 1996, making it one of the oldest in the iGaming industry. When it comes to getting an iGaming license, Curaçao becomes the top choice among casino operators. Curacao has already overcome that hurdle since nearly 500 companies are already operating successfully there.

The Curaçao gaming license continues to be a preferred option for online gaming businesses due to its cost efficiency, flexibility, and business-friendly environment. 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. With Curaçao implementing significant regulatory reforms under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK), operators should be prepared for potential cost adjustments in the near future. The new framework aims to enhance transparency, compliance, and oversight, moving away from the previous master license and sub-license system. KeyToCasinos is an independent database not related to and not sponsored by any gambling authority or service.

Since then, the jurisdiction has modernized its licensing conditions, embraced digital transformation, and prioritized compliance, transparency, and responsible gaming practices, signaling a new era in Curacao igaming. This Caribbean gem, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has established itself as a powerhouse in the online gambling industry and various other business sectors. The new regulatory framework was introduced to regulate the gambling market with stricter rules but enhanced protection for players. That’s where jurisdictions like Curaçao enable operators to launch their iGaming business without dealing with a complicated licensing process. However, these are already established markets, but the process of acquiring licenses from these jurisdictions is complex, time-consuming, and costly.

This ensures transparency and complies with international standards, which builds trust with clients and partners. Curaçao grants only one license, which covers different types of online gambling. Master licenses will no longer be issued, and only the new licensing format through the Curacao Gaming Authority will remain on the market. Financial planning is crucial for businesses acquiring and maintaining a gaming license.

Operators who adapt to these changes will be better positioned for success in a more regulated global market. All annual payments must be completed before January 15th each year, while initial fees are due within 14 days of invoice issuance. For any further inquiries or assistance with your GCB licensing requirements, please contact us. Our team is available to help you navigate these changes and ensure your operations continue smoothly. Once the GCB approves a licence, an initial invoice of NAF 36,000 (approximately EUR 18,360) will be issued to the local director, alongside the first monthly invoice. The licence will be granted once this initial invoice is paid in full, and the operator is listed on the GCB’s licence register.

We scope your verticals and advise if any additional authorisations are needed. As far as B2B licences are concerned, the fee structure is similar to the B2C structure with a licence application fee of €4,600 plus one-off due diligence fees between €125 and €250 per person, depending on their role. The updated licensing framework is a significant step forward for Curaçao’s gaming industry. While the increased costs may present challenges for some operators, the changes also offer several long-term benefits that will ultimately strengthen the sector. For a lean setup, the total related costs covering company formation, local key person, compliance tools, hosting, and audits typically range between €15,000 and €35,000 in the first year. These expenses come on top of your licence and annual supervision fees and should be budgeted from the outset.

A Curaçao gaming license offers cost-effective licensing fees, a streamlined application process, and low corporate tax rates (as low as 2%). Additionally, Curaçao provides a single-license system, covering multiple gambling activities like casino games, sports betting, and lotteries, making it an attractive option for startups and established operators alike. Securing a Curaçao gaming license comes with a range of financial commitments, making it essential for operators to understand the full cost structure.

In addition, Curaçao is nominally a part of the EU, so its business operations are viewed positively by European banks. That creates the opportunity for us to assist you to set up the corporate banking structure inside Europe. Although it falls outside the EU taxation regulations, it has been accepted as conforming to the Code of Conduct for business taxation as well as compliance with other global standards like CTF and AML. Bodies that issue gambling licenses gain prestige by joining such international organizations and are properly founded in regulated legislation inside well-regarded jurisdictions. A company applying for a Curacao gaming license must produce and pay for a full set of documents that proves its residence in Curacao, along with good credentials and the identity of company officials and owners. Depending on your specific specifications there may be different requirements.

Understanding licensing requirements is crucial for legal compliance – a fundamental aspect no business owner can afford to overlook. Whether you’re considering a turnkey White Label solution that includes licensing or planning to obtain a license independently, grasping the intricacies of the process is essential. This knowledge proves invaluable when establishing partnerships with software providers, payment processors, and other vital service providers. In addition to the initial license application, gaming operators in Curacao must also renew their licenses on a regular basis and maintain compliance with ongoing reporting and regulatory requirements.