A Curacao gaming license lets your online casino, sportsbook, or poker room open fast, pay 2% profit tax, and serve players in more than 180 markets. Cybetic’s platform and legal team manage every license application so you can get a Curacao permit within sixteen weeks. Talk to us today and launch your regulated site this quarter.
What Is a Curacao Gaming License?
A Curacao gambling license is an official authorization that allows companies to operate online gambling activities legally from the jurisdiction of Curacao. This license has been a cornerstone of the online gaming industry since 1996, when Curacao became one of the first jurisdictions to recognize the potential of internet-based gaming.
The island’s legal framework rests on the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH) – a 1993 law that still applies until the new Curacao Gambling Regulation (LOK) starts in 2025.
Benefits of Obtaining an Online Gambling License in Curacao
Acquiring a Curacao license offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive choice for online gambling businesses of all sizes.
Cost-Effective
Annual supervisory fees start at €22.960 under LOK, while historic sub-license packages often cost below USD 25.000. Low license cost keeps capital free for marketing.
Quick Application Process
The application process now runs through a portal at portal.gamingcontrolcuracao.or. Two review phases of about eight weeks each shorten time-to-market.
Low Tax Rates
Curacao charges 2% corporate income tax, no VAT, and no duties on bet turnover or live games.
One License Covers All Operations
A single license under LOK will authorise games of chance, sports betting, and lottery products on multiple domains – an advantage over Malta or the Isle of Man.
Ideal for Both Startups and Established Operators
More than 450 active domains hold a Curacao permit, while the recent six-month extension to provisional certificates lets legacy license holders keep trading during transition. That stability attracts new entrants and “major online” brands alike.
Types of Curacao Gaming Licenses
The Curacao licensing system has undergone significant transformation with the implementation of the new Curacao gaming regulations. Below is a snapshot of current and upcoming models.
Master License
A master license is a five-year permit that lets the holder issue sub-licenses and host gaming operations. No new master certificates have been created since 1998.
Sub-License
A sub-license lets an operator run online gambling activities under a master’s umbrella; it loses validity if the parent permit lapses.
Other Types
From 2025 the CGCB will issue Supplier and B2B certificates for platform service providers, while the LOK introduces a direct B2C “new Curacao gaming license” that replaces sub-licenses.
How to Obtain a Curacao Gaming License: Step-by-Step
The process for acquiring a Curacao gaming license involves several structured phases designed to ensure thorough evaluation of applicants.
Step 1: Company Registration
Register a legal entity in Curacao with appropriate corporate structure requirements. This includes establishing a physical office and appointing local directors or representatives.
Step 2: Document Preparation
Compile comprehensive documentation including:
- Incorporation documents and shareholding structure
- Personal background information for all beneficial owners
- Financial statements and bank references
- Technical documentation for gaming systems and software
- Responsible gaming policies and operational procedures
Step 3: Portal Registration
Access the Curaçao Gaming Control Board online portal and complete the required application forms. The portal allows real-time tracking of application progress and document submission.
Step 4: Fee Payment
Pay the required license fees.
Step 5: Due Diligence Process
The Gaming Control Board conducts comprehensive background checks on all applicants, including financial verification, criminal record checks, and technical system audits.
Step 6: Compliance Review
Technical and operational compliance review ensures all systems meet regulatory standards for gaming operations, AML procedures, and player protection.
Step 7: License Issuance
Upon successful completion of all requirements, the regulator issues the license with validity for online gambling operations within the jurisdiction’s legal framework.
Costs Associated with Curacao Gaming License
| Cost Item | Price | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | €4 500 | Filing |
| Annual supervisory levy | €24 000 | Each January |
| KPI reporting bond | €5 000 | On approval |
| Local agent | €4 000–€6 000 | Yearly |
These figures match CGA draft tariffs and typical license package offers.
Requirements for Obtaining a Curacao Gaming License
Obtaining a Curacao gambling license requires meeting comprehensive requirements established by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board. These requirements ensure that only qualified and reputable operators receive authorization to conduct online gambling activities:
- A company in Curacao with at least one resident director.
- Proof of clean funds and anti-money laundering (AML) manuals.
- Responsible gaming policies and player-fund segregation.
- Local hosting or DDoS-protected mirroring with CGCB approval.
- Technical testing for RNG and payout ratios to ensure responsible gaming.
Curacao Gambling Regulator Overview
The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) serves as the primary regulatory body overseeing the gambling sector in Curacao. Established as an independent organization, the CGA replaced the previous fragmented system of multiple licensing authorities with a unified regulatory framework.
The CGCB became the central regulator for remote gambling on 15 July 2024. It acts as AML supervisor, enforces the gaming policy of the Ministry of Finance, and publishes guidelines for operational requirements. The board also runs the gaming control board portal where applicants register and upload documents.
Potential Difficulties
While Curacao offers numerous advantages, prospective license applicants should be aware of potential challenges in the application and operational processes:
- Extra background checks under the LOK may slow weak files.
- Legacy sub-license structure faces expiry in December 2025.
- Curacao authorities may reject applicants without strong gaming revenue forecasts or responsible gaming tools.
Taxes for Curacao Gaming License Holders
The jurisdiction’s favorable tax policies significantly enhance profitability for license holders compared to other gaming jurisdictions. Curacao levies 2% profit tax, no VAT, and zero duties on gambling revenue. Operators still follow OECD substance rules and keep at least one FTE on the island.
Obtain Your License With Us
Cybetic handles the process for acquiring a Curacao permit end-to-end. Our expert team combines deep regulatory knowledge with cutting-edge technology to ensure your success in the online gambling market.
Acquire a Curacao certificate now and move faster than competitors bogged down in tougher regimes.
FAQs about Malta Gaming License
Under the new regulatory system, the gambling license cost includes an ANG 9,000 (€4,500) application fee plus ANG 48,000 (€24,000) annual license fee. Additional costs include due diligence fees of ANG 250-500 per person and monthly fees of ANG 4,000 for B2C licenses.
The Gaming Control Board processes license applications within approximately 2 months from submission of complete documentation. The total timeline including preparation typically ranges from 3-4 months.
No, the master license and sub-license system was eliminated under the new legislation. All master licenses expired on January 31, 2025. Only direct B2B and B2C licenses are now available from the Curaçao Gaming Control Board.
The Curacao license covers a comprehensive range of online gambling activities including online casino games, sports betting, poker, lottery, bingo, and virtual sports. The license covers all these activities under a single license.
